Is running barefoot a good idea?
Recently, there have been several articles about the virtues of barefoot running. At first glance, you might think the idea is crazy. I mean, who would put their feet through all of that pounding without the protection of a $100 running shoe? But as I thought more about the biomechanics of feet and running, I realized that it does make sense.
Our feet were designed to act like springs, absorbing the shock of striking the ground with our arches and knees. For thousands of years, our ancestors walked without shoes and were just fine. In fact, when we do walk barefoot it allows the small muscles in our feet to become stronger and they send more proprioceptive (balance) information to our brains. This allows our body to move more easily and in better balance, protecting our joints and ligaments.
The problem comes from two areas: 1) Most of us have been wearing shoes for years and making a switch now would be very difficult because we don’t have the strength in our feet; 2) Instead of walking on grass and dirt like our ancestors, most of the U.S. is covered with asphalt and concrete, which is much harder on our soles.
Instead of switching to barefoot running (or walking), let’s instead try to stimulate the nervous system in a safer way. Start with walking barefoot around the house. Add in some balance board, yoga or stability trainer exercises to strengthen those some muscles in your feet. Have your chiropractor regularly adjust your feet and ankles, which has been shown to stimulate the same nerve fibers as barefoot walking does. These tips may take a few minutes of your time, but are certainly more socially acceptable than going to dinner barefoot!
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