Going barefoot may seem more like child’s play than a way to get in serious shape, but many avid runners are shirking their shoes and running barefoot for not only a freeing, but surprisingly beneficial, new way to workout.
Many runners will plunk down hundreds of dollars for a pair of running shoes that will protect their feet and limit impact, but it turns out, wearing no shoes at all may be the answer to their problems. Barefoot running has been shown to help many athletes eliminate the knee, foot and Achilles pain associated with running.
It may seem odd that running with no padding whatsoever would be the answer to running pain, but researchers have found that the difference lies in how the athlete strikes the ground. Those who run in shoes land on the heel of their foot, where the impact with each step can equal up to two to three times the runner’s own body weight. Multiply that impact force with each step a runner takes, and it’s no wonder most are plagued by repetitive stress injuries.
Those who run barefoot, however, tend to land on the ball of their foot which generates almost no collision force at all. Because of this change in strike, people can run barefoot on concrete and not feel any pain or discomfort. Unless you step on a rock, I suppose.
If you have senstive feet like me, or live in the city and don’t really want to risk stepping on peice of glass or hypodermic needle, there are shoes specially made to simulate running barefoot.
Vivo Barefoot Shoes and Vibram Five Fingers with individual toes are shoes specifically designed to simulate being barefoot while protecting your feet from debris. Nike has even jumped on the barefoot craze with their Nike Free line, which uses minimal materials. Unfortunately, despite giving you the feeling of wearing nothing at all, these prices are anything but. My advice for the budget minded- run barefoot in the grass at your local park.
With spring here, and summer right around the corner, now is the time for you to get in on this fun, freeing and surprisingly beneficial new way to work out, body and sole.
Photo via Barefoot Healthy Lifestyle
