Barefoot Running Technique

As you come across the technique 'barefoot running', you might have already imagine that it is nothing but running and jogging without putting any shoes. Your feet remain bare at the time of running, thus the name. Needless to say, barefoot running was quite common in previous times, particularly before the intervention of modern footwear. However, its popularity decreased drastically as people are aware about the comfort of wearing modern running shoes. In fact, running on barefoot sounds very strange in developed countries.

The effects of barefoot running are very different from running with your shoes on. As per researchers, the former offers more health benefits than shod running. Though shoeless running has got a lot of attention in recent times, it is not recommended by majority of the sportspeople or medical experts. So, is barefoot running good for you? If yes, what are the benefits of barefoot running technique? Let's delve more into this not so new running method that is becoming popular amongst the present generation.

Barefoot Running Technique: An Overview

In barefoot or shoeless running, balls of the feet land the ground directly with increased force. This muscular part and overall structure of the human foot absorb the landing shock very effectively, thus helping runners to propel forwards. Contrary to this, when a runner runs by wearing padded shoes, the heel portion strikes the ground indirectly. In such a case, the shock of landing is transferred from the heels to the upper leg, leading to chronic injury. Discussed below are some useful tips, which you ought to know regarding proper barefoot running technique.

Barefoot Running Benefits
The most profound benefit of barefoot running technique is getting relief from chronic stress injuries, particularly in the lower leg portion. It reduces acute pain in the ankles, caused due to heel striking in regular shod running method. Other benefits are strengthening the foot muscles and reducing energy lost during running. Also, with barefoot running the incidences of deformed toes, ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis and varicose veins are reduced to a certain extent.

Barefoot Running Tips
The first and foremost barefoot running tip for beginners is correct practice. Look out for a grassy track field, where you can learn to run barefoot without hurting yourself. In case you have been a shod runner for quite a long time, most probably you are used to heel striking. So, practice forefoot striking and midfoot striking. You can think of wearing minimal footwear for foot protection. Once you are comfortable with it, try running longer distances on smooth and hard surfaces.

Barefoot Running Injuries
As forefoot and midfoot landing occur in barefoot running, there is generation of minimal collisional force. Hence, in comparison to shod runners, barefoot runners experience minimal injury. The actual barefoot running injuries are calluses that are developed on your feet. These help protect skin of the foot from turning rough. Other than this, there is no physical injury related to running on barefoot.

Barefoot Running Shoes
The name barefoot running shoes is not technically correct. Basically, these are minimal footwear, designed specifically to give the same effects as running barefoot, while offering foot protection. The shoes have thin sole and are lightweight. They are mostly preferred by beginners, who have recently switched to barefoot running. Various barefoot running shoes are available in fitness centers, ranging from five fingers shoes to regular design.

Some people believe that barefoot running technique is dangerous, which is totally a misconception. It is to be borne in mind that running barefoot promotes the normal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the foot. The only concern is that shod running is more beneficial, when it comes to running on rocky path, dirty tracks, ice and harsh weather.