The basic thesis is that we're doing ourselves a disservice by spending hundreds of dollars in the latest running shoe technology that actually does nothing to prevent injury. In fact, the feet become weaker in the cushy cocoon of the shoe and promotes improper running mechanics (heel striking) whereas by running barefoot, you strengthen the feet and run the way the human body was designed to (splayed toes, on the forefoot, with your legs acting as a natural spring to absorb shock).
While I don't necessarily agree with 100% of what this article is saying (I DO believe the more you run, the more susceptible you become to injury), the main point of the article resonated with me and made sense. So I've started reading up on barefoot running dedicated forums and sites, and it only piqued my interest further. So in my last couple of runs, I've started adding about .25 miles at the end by going completely barefoot. It forces me to engage in each footstrike, run light and surprisingly - run comfortably.
For when I really ramp up mileage, the consensus on the shoe that mimicked running barefoot the most were the Vibram Five Finger shoes:
Your initial response might be to scoff (god knows that was mine when I first saw these on my friend Shacky), but I'm officially on the barefoot running bandwagon and will incorporate it into my every day running as much as possible. These won't replace my regular shoes and no, I won't be running a marathon barefoot any time soon. At the very least, I'm hoping it will strengthen my feet and ankle and reduce my nagging susceptibility to posterior tibial tendinitis.
Here's a video of a VFF rep explaining in further detail:
I'll report on my progress at a later date!
21 comments:
I've been curious about barefoot running for some time now but have never really been able to make the leap out of my shoes. I'm interested to see how it goes for you. Good luck.
i wonder if incorporating barefoot running into just a portion of your training will really have much of an impact...i'll be interested to see what you think...oh, and watch out for broken glass...
You'll have to keep us updated on teh barefoot running and if you feel your feet and ankle are getting stronger. Also, let us know if it helps with your form.
Good luck with it.
I've heard barefoot running can be a good thing, but my feet are so damn sensitive that when I walk on a rock on my patio I wanna shriek in pain. I'll be interested in how your running goes. Don't get yourself injured, though.
You know my prior RW "rants" about exactly what that article describes - the COMPLETE lack of scientific evidence that all their pseudoscientific "stability", "cushion", etc. type shoes reduces injury and increase performance.
In fact, it's the COMPLETE OPPOSITE - increased injuries!
I got flamed from the "shoe love" crowd at RW for putting this opinion forward, but it seems that more people from other fields are also taking note and providing good evidence.
We all know about my Payless Amps - cheap, solid, and definitely "less shoe." 40 minute marathon PR in those, and 70+mpw training with no problems.
Hope the Vibrams work out for you - I'd go that route myself, but I'm pretty happy with my standard shoes (despite the lack of evidence that they work!)
I am not going to lie to you Billy; I am not feeling this one! :)
Are you going to spring for a pair of the Vibrams? If not where are you going to do this barefoot running? I am unsure of an area where I would be comfortable enough to try it. I would be nervous about getting something stuck in my foot.
Billy - are there sole on those shoes? I mean, is there a danger that I could cut my foot by stepping on a sharp rock, glass, stick, etc.? They look cool....
A Vibram Five Finger? Sounds more like something that would come in handy on a weekend 'au pres de ma blonde', than on anything running related... But seriously I totally buy the concept of running barefoot. I might try it on the half mile path to the pool and back. With the dogs, who do it barefoot every day.
Dude - I'm totally interested! They looks so bad ass! ...well not really, but I'm curious to hear how this goes for you.
now you got me curious! what kind of surface are you doing the barefoot portions on? my feet were once invincible to even sun-baked south carolina black top when i was a little southerner growing up barefoot of course, but now they are a bit more sensitive. interested to see how it comes along!
@ Jonah - thanks for commenting. I was a skeptic too but the more I read on it, the more I wanted to try it.
@ Willis - never saw that particular thread but maybe I'll try digging it up. Dug your more scientific take on this too btw.
@ Seth - already sprung for them (those are my feet in the pic). And the other great thing about BF running is that it forces you to engage in each step.
@ Glenn - there is a rubber sole on the shoes (w/ minimal padding).
@ lindsay - I've done a pair of runs BF on asphalt thus far (again, only at .25 miles each time)
Hi Billy!
Thanks for the comments on my blog. And let us know how the VFFs are working out for you. Mine are enroute somewhere in the middle of America. I can't wait for them to arrive.
I spend most of my day barefoot - so the leap to running barefoot wasn't too big for me - they are pretty strong as they are right now.
And for everyone out there who thinks that this is a crazy idea, I ask you "Why?" Our ancestors were running barefoot or in sandals for 100,000+ years. It's the way you were born. Check out the book - "Born to Run." It's and excellent and interesting read.
This combined with you Newtons will make for an interesting combination...keep us posted
those are some interesting "shoes". Have have never seen anything like that. I hope it helps the pain.
Interesting reading your post and Willis' post. I haven't heard much about the Newtons. Have you still be training primarily with these shoes? How have they been working out?
I have the same perspective you do on this and hope to use some barefoot running to help strengthen my feet. Hopefully I can get a pair of these soon...
I've read a little bit about this and will have to read a bit more about it. Definitely keep us posted on what you think.
Yikes! I don't think these would be for me. I finally found a pair of shoes that don't give me blisters. I pound when I run I think I would miss the cushyness of shoes.
Definitely keep us posted.
I don't know about anybody else, but I ran around barefoot all the time as a kid growing up. And I've tried it again recently and it feels great. I suggest everyone go out to a park and run barefoot on grass again to get the feel. It's safer than asphalt at least. Of course it's like learning how to run all over because instead of running heel first like you do with shoes you run only on the balls of your feet (it's totally instinctual). It's pretty cool. The VFF seem like a great way to protect against abrasions. I saw a guy that probably weighed 200lbs. run a 5k last February and he was wearing VFF's. It's not for everybody, but you should give it a try just for the hell of it.
Didn't you just spend 129879102 dollars on shoes and now you're running barefoot?
But I'll be interested to hear what ya think...I've read a lot of articles praising barefoot running.
While I have yet to engage outdoor running, most of my other cardio exercises (kickbox, dancerobics, "power yoga" which I still consider an oxymoron) are done barefoot or in socks only and it definitely feels easier on the leg/feet joint.
But yea, it'll be quite a while till I embrace running barefoot, but I'll look at your blog's way if/when I ever do make that leap.
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