Running barefoot?

[Benjamin W Herbert]

Hey guys, the title is kinda self explanatory. I really don't like wearing shoes or any type of extra weight when I run, so usually I run on the grass with shoes off. I haven't experienced any joint pain or setbacks but I was wanting to know if there a problem with doing this? I don't want to pave the way to future problems. THX!

[Matt Thomas]

I don't have any sources at hand, but I'm sure somebody else will come along and post some, but I've actually read that it can be very beneficial for your feet, and the rest of your body, while wearing super supportive running shoes can lead to negative side effects later on.

[Gorm Laursen]

You're built to run on your bare feet, so as long as it's on grass, I'd say there's no problem. But consider walking barefoot as well, as your feet are accustomed to wearing shoes. I'd done some barefeet running, but I'm too afraid of sharp things lying in the grass, so I don't do it any more. The other day I played soccer for 2 hours straight at high intensity barefoot on cement, and experienced some soreness in the sinews in the foot sole two days after, but nothing else. The feet are sturdy servants ...

[David Sailor]

The Pose method of running leans this way, I think. This method advocates very thin soled shoes for practical purposes but would probably lend well to barefoot running. Foot strike plays a role in the impact and the Pose method advocates landing on the balls of your feet instead of your heels, to land with your foot under you instead of out front so as to prevent a braking action which also has more impact to the foot. David

[Martin Schap]

http://www.barefooters.org/running.html
Some links not WS/FS nost notably the .info one looks like a bunch of nudie pics or something. I didn't delve too much. Running barefoot is supposed to be great on the feet. My college track coach would have us do it, and Roger Bannister refers to it in his book Four Minute Mile. I always walk the length of the grass where I'll be running to check for sharp things, and I walk barefoot all summer.

[Connie Morreale]

running barefoot is probably okay for those with good biomechanics. if i ran without my custom orthotics for a mile i'd wind up with plantar faciaitis or posterior tibialis tendonitis. if there is no history of orthopedic problems, and you dont have extra high arches or very flat feet go for it. at the first sign of trouble, stop and get some support (and maybe even a foot evaluation).
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dy try n

[Corey Duvall]

I have posted this before and I'll post it again. It's a link to a paper one of my professors at chiropractic college wrote. I do these religiously in the grass before any run or workout. http://wellness.ndsu.nodak.edu/fitne...footDrills.pdf If you're not having foot problems and are already running with barefeet regularly you should be ok. These drills are a way to strengthen the muscles of the lower leg that support the arches of the foot. Our bodies were built to be brace and orthotic free and our musculature should be conditioned well enough to support us. But wearing shoes from the time we were little and always walking/running on cement/hard surfaces has deconditioned our feet. This is a great way to get that back. I have heard, though not read any credible studies, that the kenyans are such excellent runners because they do it in barefeet from the time they are small. Their feet and lower leg conditioning is so much greater than the rest of the world. Not sure if its true or not, but it would make sense to me on some level.

[Martin Schap]

Good article Corey. Thanks for posting it again, as I'd never seen it. I've heard that about the Kenyans too, though I have to think that their reputation for training extremely hard might have something to do with it too... :wink:

[Garrett Smith]

I'd highly, highly suggest that everyone incorporate those foot drills into their warmup routines, unless they're already doing a specific joint mobility program.

Mobilizing the joints of the foot and ankle with those movements will help with the entire kinetic chain all the way up the body.

Seriously.

[Benjamin W Herbert]

Great discussion guys, I really enjoyed the feedback!