Running Naked
Running barefoot used to be a thing of the past. Industrialized countries have changed the way people run by manufacturing ‘running’ shoes, with cushioned heels and raised arches for added support. But are these shoes causing injuries? That depends on who you ask. A new trend has emerged in the world of runners. Barefoot running. It sounds pretty primitive, but that is the point.
The human body has been evolving for millions of years. Modern cushioned running shoes have only been around since the 1970′s. The way humans evolved to run is not usually the way they run now, and studies are now starting to show the correlation between running shoes and chronic running injuries. A barefoot runner tends to land on the ball or middle of the foot, with almost no impact. A runner wearing shoes typically lands on the cushioned heel, causing a massive impact. The impact of landing on the heels is so intense that it has been compared to being hit on the heel by a hammer two to three times the runner’s body weight, with every step. Ouch.
The natural structure of the human foot is designed to absorb the shock of landing. In natural running, the arch is used like a spring, and gravity propels the runner forward. When a cushion is added beneath the heel, and a runner strikes the ground with their heels, the natural motion of the foot is impeded, a large portion of body weight comes to a dead stop, and shock is sent up through the heel, to the knees, and up to the hips, causing impact-related injuries.
While running barefoot has obvious advantages like no impact and less energy to go the same distance, it does take time to build up more foot and calf strength. For those of us who aren’t super excited about the hazards of running barefoot outdoors (we hear acorns are the worst), don’t worry, you don’t have to give up shoes completely to get the same experience. A few companies make minimalist running shoes that protect your feet from the elements (and the acorns) without impeding the natural motion of your foot.
Let us know what your thoughts about barefoot running are here, or on our facebook fan page.
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What a great resource!
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I’m gonna have to look into this, good article thanks.