Running Barefoot
Some experts says its better to run barefoot.
It’s not since 1972 that we’ve been told to run on thick synthetic soles, with the advent of trainers.
Some of the reasons these experts says it’s good to run barefoot:
- Strong evidence shows that thickly cushioned running shoes have done nothing to prevent injury.
- Some smaller, earlier studies suggest that running in shoes may increase the risk of ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and other injuries.
- Runners who wear cheap running shoes have fewer injuries than those wearing expensive trainers.
- Meanwhile, injuries plague 20 to 80 percent of regular runners every year.
- Running barefoot allows the foot to flex and absorb shock.
- Compared with trainer’s thick heels, people lengthen their strides, landing heel-first and letting the shoe absorb the impact of each footfall. You can’t do that barefoot, so your body naturally falls into a shorter stride.
- Research into human and early hominid fossils suggests that the human body, including the foot, is well-adapted to long-distance running without shoes.
- Running barefoot or with minimal footwear is the way to avoid injury. After all, we evolved without shoes.
- Knee osteoarthritis rates are very low in China, where many people wear flip-flops.
- Studies have shown women who wear high heels are at increased risk for knee osteoarthritis.
As for me personally, I would like to have the best of both world.
I would use trainers for trails, uneven routes, gym and track workout.
While I would run barefoot in the fields during my warm down.
Well it’s your call …
