I made a post last week about what to look for when buying a running shoe. There was a lot of feedback to this post, including some questions about barefoot running. I do have some personal experience in this field and so today I thought I would share with you my thoughts on the matter. So..

src

Before you buy... Running Barefoot!

I want to start of by saying this is all my personal experience with running barefoot, and what works best for each individual, will vary accordingly. Therefore, the information in this post should be taken anecdotally..

Just like with the debate on running shoes, the jury is still out on the benefits of running unshodden. However, It may definitely be a viable option for you if you want to:
a) Save lots of money forgoing expensive running shoes.
&
b) improve your overall running performance.

I personally got into barefoot running whilst trying to improve my sleep. A book that I read talked about a phenomenon known as "Grounding" (think electrical). Basically, it was on about how negative ions in our body cause inflammation and pain and so reconnecting with bare earth can allow positive ions in to bond and relieve the pain.. long story short, it suggested getting in direct contact with earth.. skin to dirt contact, for at least 5-10 mins a day. It also suggested starting the day of with 15mins exercise/movement.

I thought to combine the two.. so instead of strapping on a pair of trainers, I went out barefoot, and did my jogging au naturale.

src

Running barefoot has a plethora of advocates. The reasons are clear.
Other than the argument that it is the way we were Born To Run, barefoot running is said to drastically reduce the impact of the foot strike because barefoot runners tend to land on the middle or balls of their feet, rather than favoring a heel strike as runners wearing shoes do.

"People who don't wear shoes when they run have an astonishingly different strike", said Daniel E. Lieberman, professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and co-author of a paper appearing in the journal Nature. "By landing on the middle or front of the foot, barefoot runners have almost no impact collision, much less than most shod runners generate when they heel-strike." src

Many runners have shucked the shoes and gone heel to tarmac in the past, with varying success. Abebe Bikila won the 1960 Olympic Gold medal in the marathon, while running barefoot (He couldn't find a pair of shoes that were comfortable enough). Also, foregoing shoes can allow you to shave off a few hundred grams of weight.. which might not seem like much, but compounded for long distances, can make a BIG difference!

Personally, I feel great every time I run barefoot. I have even done a few races barefoot with great success. I'm faster, and I have better running form.

src

If you are interested in kicking the kicks. I would personally suggest a few ways to get started:

• Start slow, and build up. Everyone wants to best their last run and go farther and faster.. not without shoes.. take it slow.. do one kilometer shoeless, and then strap on your favorite pair and finish your run.. or call it a day... do that for a few days and work up to 1.5km, 2, 3, 5, 6, over a few days of each increment at a time.. yes it takes patience when you want to be running 10k every day, but it will be worth it.. in fact, you might consider just walking around barefoot for awhile first.. walk places without shoes.. and after a week or more of just walking, then start running a bit.

• Terrain is key. Some will tell you to run barefoot on hard ground, others will recommend soft asphalt or grass.. I found that a mix was helpful. But again, this depends on your physical development. Yes, soft ground like sand or grass feels better on your feet, but you are more prone to twisting an ankle by slipping this way or that, these terrain take a little more muscle for support and stability, but can likewise build essential muscles you need to be a better runner.

• Don't panic, but don't be stupid. A lot of people have some trepidation for getting into barefoot running because they are afraid of glass or other sharp objects that might cut their feet and running career short. I think this worry is overblown..yes, if you are running barefoot too far too soon, you're going to get blisters and scraps on the bottom of your feet, but that's not caused by glass or debris , but rather stupidity. Take it slow.. build up the callouses, keep an eye out. Eventually your feet will become leather-like and be impervious to EVERYTHING!!.. well.. not flaming chainsaws, perhaps..

• Self-Assess. If you find that you are experiencing MORE pain without shoes for some reason, or if you are scraping up your feet, slow down.. make one day a week barefoot running day, and throw on some shoes for the rest.. or decided it's not your cup of tea. That's fine too.. Your body is pretty good at telling YOU what it likes and doesn't like. please listen to it.

Remember, The most important thing is to Have fun! Smile and enjoy the experience!

src

Oh.. and.. yeah.. Barefoot Running Shoe is an oxymoron, and makes you look like one too..

[ Just.. No.. ]src

Do you have any experiences running barefoot? Please share!

Until Then..