Should You Run Barefoot?

Running barefoot.

When you first got into this whole “running” thing, this might not be a question you originally pondered: should you run barefoot? After all, today’s running industry seems built around equipment like iPods, heart-rate monitors, and of course, running shoes. Is ditching the shoes a possibility – or even a reality? The answers might surprise you.

First, the answer is that running barefoot for long distances is possible. The Ethiopian runner, Abebe Bikila ran a 2:15:17 marathon barefoot. But why would someone do this, when it’s so easy to step on a pebble, rough up the bottom of your feet, and run into some other obstacle that you’d think would leave you crying for a nice, comfortable running shoe?

Some people believe that the human foot was built for running, and that adding anything to it is actually unnecessary. As many runners already know, the bottom of your foot will toughen up in order to prevent blistering: anyone with a callus knows that this is true. With some adjustment, your foot will be able to toughen up and should feel relatively comfortable running around without any protection except for the bottom of your natural feet.

It is already well-known that some shoes (ladies, you know how uncomfortable heels can be) don’t exactly promote good posture – in fact, these shoes might be responsible for lower back problems later in life. The proponents of running barefoot believe that these back problems and issues with posture are the result of de-naturizing our feet, giving arch support where it is not needed, or at the very least constraining our feet by squeezing them into little boxes.

Of course, the ultimate decision lies with you. Running barefoot is indeed possible, but that doesn’t mean you should run your next 5k without shoes. You’ll actually want to “initiate” yourself to the process, much like starting over your running training. You can continue your regular running routine, but start adding a bit of barefoot walking. Gradually add more distance and time to the amount of barefoot walking you do, and then work your way up to running.

You should notice that the skin on the bottom of your feet becomes tougher. It’s also important to remember that the muscles in your feet might not be used to the kind of work they’ll be doing barefoot, so don’t take on too much at once. As you get used to running barefoot, you should have a clearer idea of what it’s all about.

Photo Credits: Blind Grasshopper

Originally posted 2009-08-18 03:37:14.

This post involves: