Research on the biomechanics associated with barefoot running goes back towards the late 1980s when it was discovered that runners that habitually wear shoes that have raised heels and additional padding endure injuries with a far greater rate than those whom wear less supportive shoes. In the two years that have elapsed since Born to Run's first release, increased interest in barefoot jogging has driven scientists to conduct a number of new research projects on the topic. The latest findings supported both the earlier research as well as the ideas put forth in the above mentioned novel - it seems that our body was designed to run barefoot.
As outlined by researchers, conventional shoes induce runners to land on the heels which, in turn, leaves the knees and ankles to absorb the entire impact. An additional result of this specific phenomenon is usually that the musculature and ligaments of the legs and foot are employed in ways for which they were not intended, resulting in unusually large incidences of injuries such as heel pain and medial stress syndrome.
Barefoot runners, conversely, strike upon either the mid-foot or even forefoot as opposed to their heels. The subsequent natural running motion causes most of the force of impact to become evenly spread out over the length of the foot. The natural expansion of the midfoot muscles and toes in this motion further diminishes the effect to the point where the joints feel virtually none of its force. For that reason, shoeless runners can handle longer distances with less injuries and much less fatigue when compared with their shoe-wearing competitors.
Getting Started with Barefoot Running
If you're thinking about trying barefoot running on your own, it is not advised that you just throw aside your favorite shoes and take to the pavement at maximum speed. Rather, most podiatric physicians and seasoned barefoot athletes suggest a slow transition which begins by wearing minimalist shoes such as those mentioned above for a a transitional period. It is actually further recommended that your particular first minimalist shoes have a moderate heel-to-toe lift (4 millimeter is common in shoes suitable for those new to minimalist running) in order to help your muscles and also tendons adapt to the new running form without exposure to risk.
As outlined by researchers, conventional shoes induce runners to land on the heels which, in turn, leaves the knees and ankles to absorb the entire impact. An additional result of this specific phenomenon is usually that the musculature and ligaments of the legs and foot are employed in ways for which they were not intended, resulting in unusually large incidences of injuries such as heel pain and medial stress syndrome.
Barefoot runners, conversely, strike upon either the mid-foot or even forefoot as opposed to their heels. The subsequent natural running motion causes most of the force of impact to become evenly spread out over the length of the foot. The natural expansion of the midfoot muscles and toes in this motion further diminishes the effect to the point where the joints feel virtually none of its force. For that reason, shoeless runners can handle longer distances with less injuries and much less fatigue when compared with their shoe-wearing competitors.
Getting Started with Barefoot Running
If you're thinking about trying barefoot running on your own, it is not advised that you just throw aside your favorite shoes and take to the pavement at maximum speed. Rather, most podiatric physicians and seasoned barefoot athletes suggest a slow transition which begins by wearing minimalist shoes such as those mentioned above for a a transitional period. It is actually further recommended that your particular first minimalist shoes have a moderate heel-to-toe lift (4 millimeter is common in shoes suitable for those new to minimalist running) in order to help your muscles and also tendons adapt to the new running form without exposure to risk.
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