I've recently taken up barefoot running. This may seem an odd practice; after all, that's why they invented shoes. Yet despite advertising on the contrary, running shoes have not been scientifically proven to prevent injury or increase performance.

A Harvard anthropologist concluded that "A lot of foot and knee injuries…are caused by people running with shoes that actually make our feet weak." The culprit? Complex soles promising cushion and support that actually hinder the natural functionality of our feet. From an evolutionary standpoint, humans were made to utilize their toes, arches and various muscles in their feet, ankles and legs. Yet these components actually atrophy when feet are encased in shoes.

Before the modern running shoe evolved from the Nike Cortez in 1972, runners used "…very thin-soled shoes, had strong feet and had much lower incidence of knee injuries." By using minimalist shoes or simply none at all, runners today are going back to their roots. Even the shoe industry is trying to capitalize on the benefits of barefoot running.

One example, the Nike Free line, proposes to set your feet free. The $85 tag is steep, but not as high as the Swoosh could command. Another, Terra Plana's Vivo shoe, uses "barefoot technology" to encourage Pose Method running--an evolutionarily natural form of forefoot running as opposed to heel striking. But $160 will lighten your wallet as well as your feet.

For a true barefoot experience, Vibram Five Fingers provide maximum protection in virtually any terrain. $75 buys this soled foot glove, which gives mobility to all five toes and allows utility of the body's natural muscles.

Running can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Try going barefoot or as close to it as possible.

--Chris

Photo taken from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.
 

Leave a Comment

0 Comments