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.

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Tags: Barefoot, increased sensory perception

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