The Benefits of Barefoot Running

Answer 1

Almost Barefoot Running With Vibram Five Fingers

Running is perhaps the most popular sport around the world, practiced by people in every country on every continent. However, the way people run varies greatly from location to location. Many traditional culture ran barefoot for thousands of years, only beginning to wear running shoes in the last century. In just the past few years many serious athletes in the modern world have turned to minimalist running shoes to recreate the barefoot running sensation. Minimalist or barefoot shoes provide a small amount of protection to the sole of the foot, but allow the wearer to run naturally without a large amount of cushion underneath the heel. Although running experts aren't all sold on the idea of barefoot running, here are a few of the advantages.

Strengthens the Foot

There is no denying that running without shoes, or running with minimalist shoes, requires the wearer to call on more muscles throughout the body. That means that the ankles, the arches of the feet, the toes, the shins and the calves are all strengthened over time. Although there many be a period of adjustment where these muscles begin working harder to run, after several months or years of wear there will be definite strength gains in the whole lower body.

Can Reduce Injuries

Many runners who have dealt with extensive injuries over the length of their running career find hope in the idea of barefoot running. Rather than finding shoes that hide the weaknesses in your stride, barefoot shoes force you to strengthen the legs and feet and identify the issue. This results in fewer injuries over the long term. However, it is important to note that runners who begin wearing minimalist shoes right away and running their typical mileage may face overuse injuries. It is important to slowly ease into barefoot running techniques.

Run as Intended

Many athletes around the world love barefoot running because it mimics how children run before they are equipped with expensive sports gear. Cultures in Africa who still run barefoot are often the most successful athletes in the running world, further suggesting that barefoot running is the answer.