Barefoot Running
Are your feet ready? Take your running to the next level. Reduce your injuries, or are you simply tired of spending €120,-+ on shoes? Then it may be time to consider barefoot running.
Start barefoot running slowly
Running indoors on a treadmill is best because the surface is level and free from debris. If you want to run outdoors, consider investing in “barefoot” shoes that allow your foot and toes to move freely while protecting your feet from injury. Take a look at Vibram FiveFingers and Christopher McDougall’s TED Talk for more inspiration.
Less impact on the body
Your body is the result of millions of years of evolution – so why do we squeeze our feet into shoes that restrict our freedom of movement? Shoes that force our bodies away from their natural movements? Who knows. But now you can take a step in the right direction, free yourself from those restrictive running shoes and run “naked”.
The point is that people run very differently when barefoot. Because of the cushioning in running shoes, most runners land on their heel, sending an impact through the heel and leg. When you run barefoot, you usually land on the ball of your foot or with a flat foot. This produces much less impact on the body. As a result, barefoot running has been associated with a lower risk of ankle and lower-leg injuries.
Build endurance
Running barefoot gives your body—particularly your calf muscles and feet—time to build endurance, helping you avoid injuries. Many people who have switched to barefoot running find that they recover more quickly when they leave their shoes behind. At the very least, you can try something new and experience what it feels like to run the way your body was designed to.
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