Barefoot Running?
Russell at Operative Fitness is a proponent of all sorts of barefoot athletic shenanigans. After reading a recent post on his blog, I read this article in New York Magazine that claims several problems with modern shoes and that the fix could be simply to walk barefoot more often. I’ll agree with their premise, that the human foot evolved to be quite an effective tool for propelling us, but I’m not fully convinced that barefoot is the way to go. The article in NY Magazine cites some medical studies that found less shock to the knee (~12% less) while moving barefoot compared to wearing shoes. That certainly sounds good if the research was unbiased. I am specifically interested in barefoot running and its possible benefits or detriments. Based on the NYM article, it seems barefoot running might alleviate some things in the long term like knee pain and shin splints by either strengthening or reducing unnatural stress to these links in the system.
While a lot of the argument makes sense, and I am still effectively out to lunch on the topic. After all, we don’t use stone wheels anymore; we use wheels shod with tires. I also know for a fact that if moving off the beaten bath then the shod runner will leave the unshod runner behind. I’ve stepped on many things that would have wrecked my bare feet. That begs the question, “If barefoot running is a way to make yourself healthier by moving in a more natural and primitive way, why can you only do it on a well-groomed trail or paved surface?” There’s probably something here that I’m missing, and I’d love to hear some first-hand input. I also may give it a try around my neighborhood sometime soon. Anyone have any experience with barefoot running?
Do a google search on the Tarahumara indians of mexico. These guys run hundreds of miles in the mountains of mexico in home made sandals. What you have on your feet is far less important than how you run. It just so happens that the technique employed by “barefoot” runners (a very broad term) is unique and hard to acheive in traditional running shoes.