There is a small segment of runners out there who will stick to the barefoot running technique even if you give them the most advanced or most expensive running shoes for free. This is because they firmly believe that a barefoot is the best designed shoe for the human body, as given by nature. Those who are interested in the barefoot running technique will find some useful information on it below.

Why do some people prefer the barefoot running technique?

The barefoot running technique is particularly preferred by some people who insist that the barefoot allows them to feel the striking of the foot on the ground. Supporters of the barefoot running technique say that this feeling is not felt when one is wearing shoes. Feeling the strike will allow a runner to modify their running technique in such a way that their running form improves. This is the argument you will get from most runners who believe in the barefoot running technique. Some scientific evidence seems to suggest that the barefoot running technique allows the weight of the body to be distributed more evenly across the foot whereas shoes place undue strain on the heel of the foot. However, such studies have largely remained inconclusive when it comes to picking a winner from running with shoes and the barefoot running technique.

Will the barefoot running technique work for everyone?

Once again, the results are rather inconclusive. However, surveys conducted on barefoot runners have almost always seemed to suggest that they enjoy the barefoot running experience. Some say that they are able to run longer while some say that they are able to run faster. However, barefoot running seems to be popular among the younger crowd while the older crowd has problems with barefoot running.

Studies also conclude that barefoot running is better for younger people as they have well shaped arches when they are young. Older people tend to lose structural integrity in their arches as they age and they also develop conditions like hammer toes that will make the barefoot running technique impractical for them.

One will only be able to find out if the barefoot running technique is a fit for them if they tried it out for themselves.

What kind of surfaces are ideal for barefoot running ?

Obviously, barefoot running will not be ideal on all surfaces. Grass is the most popular choice of running surface among barefoot runners. Next to grass, asphalt is a very popular choice although runners will need to make sure that the entire running surface is free of any kind of debris or objects that can hurt the foot.

Do minimal shoes offer the same kind of experience as the barefoot running technique?

Of late, the market has been flooded with “minimal shoes” that promise to provide protection while also allowing the runner to run as if they are running or bare feet. The comparisons are inconclusive although many runners use these minimal shoes to make the transition from running shoes to barefoot running.

Filed under: Techniques

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