The barefoot lifestyle and barefoot running is a trend gaining popularity in the running community. Opinions on barefoot running vary greatly, from “Absolutely Not” to “Absolutely No Other Way”.
The barefoot community claims that running barefoot improves the runner’s form, and eliminates problems like knee and hip pain. This is due to a change in form. When wearing running shoes, which typically have a thick padded cushion in the heel, striking the ground with the heel first sends shock all the way up the leg. This force is largely absorbed by the knee, as well as the hip and back, which can be transferred to chronic pain. Barefoot running eliminates the option of heel striking, forcing the barefooter to land on the balls of the feet, with the feet lined up directly underneath the hips. This allows the force to be displaced more evenly, avoiding common running injuries.
Many claim that the barefoot lifestyle is the only way to go. Advocates of a barefoot lifestyle claim that it is the only true way to feel the ground, and that keeping your foot in a shoe all day is bad for the mind and the spirit. Barefoot running expands into barefoot walking, even barefoot driving!
But is the barefoot lifestyle a wise decision? The opinion on the other side of the spectrum is that barefoot running and walking can lead to serious health problems. Imagine walking around barefoot all day with an “improper” form, striking with your heel. This would lead to some serious heel pain. Also, a barefoot lifestyle offers no protection against the elements, and no protection against debris that may be on the ground. Puncture wounds on the foot can lead to serious infections.
Still, even with the obvious thought that a barefoot runner’s feet would get chewed up by the elements and terrain, barefoot running has a significant following. In fact, many bare footers prefer a rough terrain like asphalt to a soft terrain like grass or sand! There has been much reporting on the barefoot lifestyle, including this article found in New York Magazine, which discusses the idea of shoes wrecking our feet by wearing shoes. There are websites devoted to a barefoot lifestyle, like the Society for Barefoot Living and RunningBarefoot.org.
While many may shudder at the thought of walking to the store with no shoes on, or running on a city sidewalk barefoot, there are those who would have it no other way. Which side of the fence are you on?
Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.flfootandankle.com
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