Why Barefoot

Barefoot 101 – Barefoot is best

By Al Gauthier ⋅ March 23, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Barefoot 101

Original Here

Why run or walk barefoot?

1. Strengthen the muscles in your feet
2. Be injury free thanks to proper foot and body mechanics
3. Increased sensory perception (and running pleasure)
4. Run naturally (easier, faster, lighter) thus you land just like nature intended.

Check it out…

Look at the illustration below. When a runner strikes the ground wearing running shoes, the positive heel (all that foam/air/gel cushioning) causes him/her to heel strike, then ‘roll’ and push off. This is NOT how our body is designed to run. Look at the runner on the right. When you’re barefoot (or nearly barefoot) you will land gently and feel the ground below your feet. This is very important to be a healthy and injury-free runner. Now you try! Run 20 yards in your runners, then do the same barefoot. Have someone watch you just in case you fall over from glee!

[image courtesy Terra Plana]

A few FAQ’s

Q: What’s wrong with running shoes?
A: A lot. Running shoes “shield” your feet and body from the natural cushioning it’s designed for, thus increasing impact on your body than you realize. Nearly all traditional running shoes have a thick midsole at the heel which causes heel strike, another major injury cause.

Q: So… what are you saying?
A: Toss your shoes away and run barefoot! But wait, there’s more! There are things to consider first, that’s where this site comes in. Read on…

Q: I heard about barefoot running, doesn’t it hurt?
A: If you jump right into it, then in short, yes. You’ll use muscles you’ve never used before.  As you transition to barefoot running, you should start slowly. Ease into your mileage and listen to you feet.  Most runner’s require 3-4 weeks before achieving ~80%  of their regular mileage sans shoes.

Q: OK, I’m onboard with this barefoot running, but can’t always run sans shoe, then what?
A: As many other runners, I had the same problem. There are many environmental and sometimes social reasons for wearing “running shoes”. For this and other reasons there ‘alternatives’ are slowly becoming available. My own project at at www.skorashop.com is progressing to launch in late 2009 or early 2010.  Meanwhile, you can try Vibram FiveFingers, huarache sandals, or simple aqua shoes.

Shoe Anatomy

If you find yourself confused by some of the terminology used in our reviews, see our list of shoe anatomy terminology

Our Resources:

- Share your Barefooting Photos: Join our Photo Contest! – View our list of barefoot friendly establishments or add your favorites! – Browse our list of minimalist “barefoot footwear”. If you hear of anything new, be sure to let us know!

Keep Yourself Connected:

Subscribe to our Twitter Feed, Listen to or download our Podcasts, subscribe to our RSS feed, or Subscribe to our email updates.

The Living Barefoot Podcast Is HERE!

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There are more great reviews to come as part of our Barefoot Shoes series. Stay updated by being notified when we release a new review. Subscribe Here.

- Vivo Barefoot – Aqua Review – Read It Here
- Vibram FiveFingers: Review of the Sprint, KSO, and Classic Styles – Read It Here
- Feelmax Shoes – Read It Here
- Vivo Barefoot – Leonidas Sandals – Read It Here
- Toe Socks – Injinji, ToeToe, Feelmax – Read It Here
- Terra Plana’s Lucy Shoes – Read It Here
- Vibram FiveFingers Moc – Read It Here
- Vibram FiveFingers Performa – Read It Here
- Feelmax Kuuva Boots – Read It Here

Coming Soon:
- Nike Free 5.0
- Terra Plana’s Dopie Shoes
- Sanuk Shoes
- MBT Shoes
- Feelmax Osma Running Shoe
- Feelmax Toe Socks Comparison
- Flexible Footwear Custom Footwear
- ReReview of Feelmax Niesa
- Sockwas
- Soft Star Roo Moccassins
- Soft Star Rambler Moccasins
- Zinetic Pocket Slippers
- Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek
- Kigo Shel folding footwear

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Tags: Barefoot, increased sensory perception