Research on the biomechanics regarding barefoot running goes back into the late 1980s when it was observed that runners whom usually wear shoes using raised heels and included cushioning experience injuries with a far greater frequency than those whom wear less supportive footwear. During the two years that have elapsed since Born to Run's debut, increased interest in barefoot jogging has inspired research workers to conduct a number of new research projects on the subject. The latest discoveries supported both the earlier scientific studies as well as the ideas put forth in the aforesaid novel - apparently the body was born to run barefoot.
Per researchers, traditional shoes cause runners to land with their heels which, consequently, leaves the knees and ankles to take the entire impact. An additional consequence of this specific phenomenon is usually that the musculature and tendons of the lower legs and toes are employed in ways for which they were not designed, leading to abnormally substantial occurrences of injuries similar to heel pain and medial stress syndrome.
Unshod runners, on the other hand, land with either their mid-foot or perhaps forefoot as opposed to their heels. The subsequent natural running form causes most of the force of impact to become equally distributed over the length of the foot. The natural extension of the front foot muscles and toes with this motion further lessens the collision enough where the joints feel virtually none of its force. For that reason, unshod runners have the ability to run for prolonged distances with less injuries and much less fatigue when compared with their shoed counterparts.
Getting Started with Barefoot Running
If you are thinking about trying barefoot running by yourself, it is not recommended that you simply throw aside your old shoes and take to the road at your normal speed. Rather, most podiatric doctors and knowledgeable barefoot enthusiasts suggest a slow transition which begins by using near-barefoot shoes such as those mentioned above for a a transitional period. It is actually further recommended your first minimalist shoes have a slight heel-to-toe differential (4 millimeter is normal in shoes suitable for those unfamiliar with minimalist running) so as to help your muscles as well as tendons adapt to the running form without injury.
Per researchers, traditional shoes cause runners to land with their heels which, consequently, leaves the knees and ankles to take the entire impact. An additional consequence of this specific phenomenon is usually that the musculature and tendons of the lower legs and toes are employed in ways for which they were not designed, leading to abnormally substantial occurrences of injuries similar to heel pain and medial stress syndrome.
Unshod runners, on the other hand, land with either their mid-foot or perhaps forefoot as opposed to their heels. The subsequent natural running form causes most of the force of impact to become equally distributed over the length of the foot. The natural extension of the front foot muscles and toes with this motion further lessens the collision enough where the joints feel virtually none of its force. For that reason, unshod runners have the ability to run for prolonged distances with less injuries and much less fatigue when compared with their shoed counterparts.
Getting Started with Barefoot Running
If you are thinking about trying barefoot running by yourself, it is not recommended that you simply throw aside your old shoes and take to the road at your normal speed. Rather, most podiatric doctors and knowledgeable barefoot enthusiasts suggest a slow transition which begins by using near-barefoot shoes such as those mentioned above for a a transitional period. It is actually further recommended your first minimalist shoes have a slight heel-to-toe differential (4 millimeter is normal in shoes suitable for those unfamiliar with minimalist running) so as to help your muscles as well as tendons adapt to the running form without injury.
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