Monday, February 21, 2011

Barefoot Running which shoes are best for you?

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch...that's what it sounds like when you try to do barefoot running and the ground is way too hot. Believe me, I know from experience: I went barefoot running in Phoenix, Arizona in July, and that is like running on a black frying pan. Now, before I give you any advice on how to go barefoot running in hot weather, i would like to be clear about one thing: if it is just too hot for barefoot running, and your feet are actually burning on the pavement, and you don't have any other surface than 'tar' to run on, then just don't do it. save your barefoot running for another day.



However, there are several ways that you can still go barefoot running even if the roads are too hot to handle: 1. Do your barefoot running on trails instead of the road. Trails are usually shaded, and even if they are not, the dirt is always cooler to the feet than pavement. (If you think back to being a kid you will remember this). 2. Find an area where the shoulder of the road has grass and is not likely to be hiding glass or sharp objects - a nice, clean stretch of road with a "grassy verge." Then do your barefoot running in the grass...or run on the road as long as you can stand it and then take a break by running in the grass. 3. Run on the white line.



That's right - black absorbs light, white reflects it - so barefoot running on the white line on the side of the road is always cooler. The only thing to watch out for here is that you will be closer to the cars, so be sure to watch for cars (you should while barefoot running anyway) and get off the line if you see traffic coming. 4. Go barefoot running for as long as you can in the heat - then take a break, and then do some more. Your feet will build up a tolerance to the hot surfaces if you push them a little, and if you don't they probably never will. 5. Try to find a stretch of road to do your barefoot running on where there is enough shade to slip in and out of the shady spots as you run.



You can run on very hot roads - if it's only for a little while, then hop into the shade. 6. Run in Vibram Five Fingers. You can find Vibram Five Fingers online, and although I don't consider running in Vibrams to be 'real' barefoot running, I have done a lot of my training in them. they will allow you to get your barefoot running in without scorching your feet. That's it - 6 ways to keep on barefoot running, even when it's hot enough to fry an egg on the road. One more important note: be sure, with barefoot running as well as any other kind of running, to drink enough water or Gatorade and stay hydrated extra well when you are running in hot weather. I generally drink water before, during, and after barefoot running. And to keep my 'salts' up as well I will drink Gatorade or CeraSport - both of which have salts and electrolytes you need. But it is even more important, of course to drink enough when you are barefoot running in hot weather.



Oh, and one more note about hot surfaces: generally, the darker the surface, the hotter it will be (absorbs more heat)...but red brick is one exception. Red brick is the hottest to run on in the sun, so avoid red brick surfaces when barefoot running. For more information on barefoot running and barefoot running shoes, please visit our website.http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

3 Tips to running in barefoot running shoes

Here are the first three things to know (that I wish I had known when I started out) if you are thinking about doing some barefoot running training:



Barefoot Running Training Step 1: Start Off Slow Even if you've been running for years, when you start your barefoot running training the first thing you need to know is that you will need to cut way back on your usual routine, and begin as though you were just getting started running.



If you're not a runner already, this step may actually be easier for you, as you will not feel such a need to jump into your barefoot running training at full speed. In either case, you need to put the ongoing health of your feet ahead of your need for speed and distance for the moment, and begin your barefoot running training at a quarter, or even a tenth of what you may have been thinking when you started reading this article.



Personally I think that 5 minutes a day is good to start. Then, after a week of that, go to 10 minutes a day, and so on. If you're just starting out running for the first time ever, 5 to 10 minutes a day to start may seem good to you anyway. However, if you've been a serious runner at all before, and you just want o transition over into barefoot running training, then this amount of exercise may seem extremely minimal. In that case, what I would suggest is that you do your normal running routine, whether it's 30 minutes, an hour or what have you, then take off your shoes and do your barefoot running training for the day in the last 5 to ten minutes of your run.



Barefoot Running Training Step 2: Try Minimalist Shoes While I do enjoy running in totally bare feet the most, I would recommend you get a pair of minimalist shoes for your barefoot running training, such as the Vibram Five Fingers, and here is why. When you are doing serious barefoot running training, you are going to encounter places, or weather, or road conditions that might prevent you from getting your training time in, unless you have a pair of minimal shoes to fall back on. For example, it's not a good idea to run for miles in very wet weather, as your feet will turn into prunes and the skin will soften and tear off your feet.



Having a pair of barefoot running shoes will allow you to continue your barefoot running training on the wettest of days. The same goes for very cold weather. Personally I have run in snow and freezing weather without shoes at all, but I had a van for backup and was not alone or in danger of my feet getting frostbite. Having a pair of Vibrams or other minimalist shoes will let you do your barefoot running training in the cold, too. The other thing that might interrupt your barefoot running training is having only bad roads or trails to run on. While I don't mind a few rocks, sticks and even the occasional glass shard, I have seen trails coated in sharp gravel that would curl your toes; and, as I discovered to my dismay, in some places like West Virginia, they "sand" the roads in winter with crushed cinder - a substance very like crushed glass. Not very pleasant. You would be wise to strap a pair of minimalist shoes to your back, even if you plan to do all your barefoot running training without shoes - just in case.



Barefoot Running Training Step 3: Ice, Ice, Ice The number one thing I learned a little too late, that would have been great to know early on, is the benefits of icing your feet when starting your barefoot running training. Ice is a barefoot runner's best friend, and I'm not just talking ice packs. The best thing you can do for your feet when you are in barefoot running training is to make sure you immerse your feet in an ice bath immediately after returning from a a barefoot running training session. It may be difficult (and even feel painful) but having your feet in an ice bath for 5 to 10 minutes right after barefoot running, can reduce or even eliminate swelling, and encourage fast recovery of your feet, especially as you are passing through the stages of "foot restructuring" that your feet go through as they are getting stronger. So, be sure to make ice baths a routine aspect of your barefoot running training and you will avoid some of the unnecessary pain and swelling I experienced.http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Should You Run in Shoes or Barefoot Running Shoes?

A jaundiced meaning of running shoes is 'coffins for your feet'! Regardless of all of the progresses in boot technology since the 70s, the rate of injury among runners has kept more or less the same. Therefore don't be expecting the shoe to save you poor running variety, and don't believe all you could read or learn about what a shoe should certainly do.



For example, there may be some evidence which anti-pronation shoes actually make the tendency to over-pronate worse! A much better solution is to further improve your use, which in turn will help you to prevent your feet from rolling too much. Think about barefoot running shoes



The difference in the higher level of suggestions gained whenever running shoes for flat feet, compared to running without shoes, is phenomenal. Whoever has tried the latter know how much more sensitive one's feet become while unshod. This doesn't mean that everyone should try and imitate the fantastic Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila along with throw their footwear in the bin. In case you possibly can discover a safe destination for a experiment with barefoot running, free of razor-sharp physical objects and unpleasant animal tissue, have a go.



John Woodward, barefoot runner par fineness, sets up standard Healthy Running courses. They exhorts individuals to experience the particular strength and responsiveness from the foot in its natural condition. I found which, even after two hr invested gambolling around the inclines, I had no Calf msucles pain in spite of losing the cushioning beneath my heel. What's more , it became clear that runners' strides altered likewise, becoming shorter, quicker and less on the rearfoot. Despite the fact that I do not educate barefoot, I have affected by wearing 'the least amount of shoe' that still helps me to stay injury-free. Working out for a marathon within racing shoes still left my feet emotion permanently painful, and so i went back to a race/trainer design with a little more extra padding. However, whenever possible I take the shoes away from and do my warm-up drills or advances barefoot.



Orthotics for flat feet are another popular and highly-priced 'solution' to the injury woes experienced by runners. Just like some other miracle solutions, they can often be life-transforming. However, the results are less spectacular for many people other runners requiring help. It's really worthkeeping in mind the old Zen expressing, 'Wherever you go, there a person are' - run having bad use and poor technique and you really are asking for trouble. In such instances, orthotics may basically guide a runner hide more standard concerns for a while.



Everyone should get pleasure from carrying out the art of jogging well, regardless of what this means in practice; whether using best running shoes for flat feet or running barefoot.http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Where do you purchase your Barefoot Running Shoes?

Vibram five fingers - a familiar word that people search on the Internet nowadays. Not only it told as barefoot running shoes, but also it is cheap nowadays - for the activity of cheap vibram five fingers.At beginning, people just considered their image with five finger shoes, also the price is the main consider factor for them. However, with more and more people accepted wearing five finger shoes all day long, it purchased by businessman to make profit.



So it is no wonder why five finger shoes become cheaper. Also the key factor of wearing five finger shoes is their function of health.Designed based on human foot, with the ideal of toe shoes, Vibram skillfully use unique material in the sole. The flexible but rugged soles force you to adopt a more natural bio-mechanical stride. Rather than landing on your heel, as we're accustomed to doing with cushioned soles, you land on the mid-foot or ball of the foot.



This gait is less stressful on your knees and forces you to place the "strikepoint" of your foot beneath your hips, which also means you initiate forward movement with a lean instead of leg drive. The shoes' toe channels don't cause any discomfort, though I have found the five-channeled Injinji brand socks somewhat uncomfortable to wear beneath them, as the stitching pulls into the webbing between the toes. The added articulation of the five finger shoes strengthens your metatarsal ligaments and muscles, which is noticeable in general balance and, oddly enough, upper body pressing strength.People sometimes misunderstand the meaning of barefoot shoes, just think it is considered as without shoes, someone really running without shoes.



The result may damage your foot. However, vibram five finger correct people's misconceptions. These shoes allow you to walk with a barefoot gait, without a bare foot, avoiding the injuries that could sideline you. Rocks piercing the foot or breaking a toe on a curb is the end of a barefoot experiment, so you can wear vibram five fingers as an urban stepping stone to barefoot hiking.But it looks like strange and odd. Can anybody wear sock with it? It is the biggest confuse in people's mind.



Recently, it is proved by experiment. Through much research and the study of the Tarahumara tribes he was able to find his ability to run. He reflected that barefoot runners will run in all weather. Some will wear waterproof socks in cold weather. Others will run barefoot despite the climate or surface.



Many boast wonderful benefits of barefoot running, such as injuries decreasing, a visible increase in arch height. There are shoes, such as Vibram Five Fingers Shoes that may be used to either ease people in to running barefoot or providing protection if an environment is just too dangerous to run in while barefoot.It is a new fashion to wearing five finger shoes, also with the correct concept of barefoot running, it is easy for people to buy vibram five fingers, no matter in stores or online.



If you are interested in purchasing barefoot running shoes, please visit www.Invisibleshoe.comhttp://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Friday, January 14, 2011

So, you want to be a barefoot runner?

Many people, even runners, do not realize that there is a small but significant subculture of serious runners who run barefoot. While you may expect to find these runners on the beach or in areas with a soft composite track, you'd be mistaken. These runners are training on asphalt and concrete and even competing in road races. There are marathon runners and triathletes who find that they have more stability and fewer injuries when running barefoot.So what's the controversy? Why doesn't everyone go barefoot when they run?



This is the dilemma I face: How in good conscience do I, a podiatrist focusing on runners and sports medicine, tell people that running on hard surfaces, without the protection of a shoe or support from an orthotic, is okay to do. This violates most of my training and certainly goes against common sense. A shoe, after all, absorbs shock and will cushion the blow of an unforgiving surface.The most well-known barefoot runners are the Kenyans who are always front-of-the-packers at most international marathons. Inspired by these Kenyan athletes, Josh Stevenson made international news in February 2009 by racing and completing the grueling New Zealand Coast to Coast Multisport event while barefoot. It was his eighth time competing in the race and he went in with the attitude "If I can do it in bare feet, hopefully I can inspire other people to do it in shoes." He also said that he would not compete barefoot again.Such is not the attitude of true barefoot runners.



They run in all weather, some wearing waterproof socks in cold weather, others barefoot despite the climate or surface. Many boast wonderful benefits of barefoot running, such as injuries decreasing, a visible increase in arch height. There are shoes, such as the Nike Free and Vibram Five Fingers that may be used to either ease people in to running barefoot or providing protection if an environment is just too dangerous to run in while barefoot. Give barefoot running a try if it intrigues you? Well anything in moderation can't hurt. My recommendation is to give it a try on a controlled surface, such as a rubberized track, and see how you do. Barefoot runners will say that such a surface is not good and a smooth concrete surface is best. I respectfully disagree with that. Running barefoot will provide a very significant change in mechanics, so you need to ease into it. Shifting from shoes to barefoot running to quickly will expose you to injury.



There are those, however, who should not even attempt barefoot running. People, with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or other medical conditions that result in a numbness of the feet or a decreased immune system, should not run barefoot under any circumstances. One of the stated benefits of barefoot running is the runner having heightened sensation beneath their feet causing them to run "lighter." When there is a medical problem that causes a decrease in sensation, these benefits are negated. Furthermore, the inability of a runner to not acutely feel their surface will open them up to injury, as well as the added danger of stepping on a sharp object and not feeling it. This can lead to infection and puts the limb in danger.Runners who have very significant mechanical issues or deformity, such as previous foot surgery on bones, clubfoot, injury to tendons, or even extremely flat or high-arched feet should exercise extreme caution if attempting barefoot running. The unique biomechanical conditions that exist in these situations put the barefoot runner at risk of further injury. Serious barefoot runners may disagree, but the mechanical imbalance in such feet will be exacerbated in barefoot running.A more obvious concern with barefoot running comes with various surfaces. A looser gravel surface will run the risk of a more focal issue on your foot. A trail will have a surface of twigs and sharp rocks that can cut and imbed themselves in the foot. Even a safer and more even surface can have errant rocks and broken glass that may not be seen. Any place that you run or walk barefoot must be examined well to avoid such hazards.As with any new activity, one should proceed in a slow and cautious way. In something as comparatively extreme as barefoot running, caution must be exercised. As you proceed, be sure to visit your podiatrist if you notice any problems along the way.Dr Andrew Schneider - About the Author:Tanglewood Foot Specialists is a recognized center of excellence in Houston, TX known for the evaluation and treatment of all injuries and conditions of the foot and ankle. Dr. Andrew Schneider is the medical director of the practice and personally assures that each patient has the time and attention he deserves. For more information and many informative videos, visit http://www.tanglewoodfootspecialists.com and his blog at http://tanglewoodfootspeci

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Barefoot Running Shoes – Your Feet will Love Them

Long before technology change the world, people use to neglect cover to protect their foot. Nowadays, we are too abusive with our body just to sustain the thing that we usually do, who cares? That's the ultimate "bread and butter", turning nights into days somehow is an activity that can degrade your health. Although there are indications about unhealthy sleep, doctors and other experts suggest the art of barefoot running. Yes, everyone can take part in the event however, how about the correct shoes for this spectacle? If you positively need to know, better check out the points to come up with cross country running shoes that can be use for this fun run.



Running that is categorize for barefoot is said to be good for the heart. For runners, it can be their winning piece as they gain the ability for the sport. Study shows that some of running events can cause injuries. Activities that go beyond the boundaries of your capacity. If that's the case, then your heart is push into something that isn't healthy. Barefoot running shoes include models like Nike Free and five finger shoes. The footwear that you are using should improve your muscles and promote good posture as well. Using this kind of shoes enhance your life- force talent in athletics.



It is natural for shoes brand to experience difficulties sometimes. Of course, people have different perception as they adopt the shoes that they are going to use. There are times that people are not comfortable with the shoes that they usually use for daily routines. As a result shoes made for barefoot running is produce to answer the past complaints of aspirant runners. If you are wondering about the advantages after buying barefoot running shoes for barefoot events, better consider the pleasures or incentives that one could get:



If you get yourself in with the event for cross country, you can develop your muscles in your feet along with the lower legs. Using five fingers can restrain the muscles and avoid injuries.
Cultivates your strength in the ankles, feet, and toes. It feels like you are doing the natural feet relaxation.



Speed up your neural function. As experts said, neural activity is helpful in improving once balance at the same time agility.



Knowing the benefits of running in a unique like barefoot, can give you the pleasure of feeling the real essence of exercise considering that you are comfortable. If you want to be one of the finest runners, start with something simple yet can cause you big difference. Something that prevents you from too much pressure. Don't be in a hurry, if you want to be a great runner, be with the shoes that will serve as your partner. Footgear that you can consider as your asset and can help you build the determination to hit the goal. So choose the barefoot shoes that can live up to your simple expectations. Success don't come instantly, you have to work for it.http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Barefoot Running with the best Barefoot Running Shoes

Our feet are designed to work best without shoes. If you would notice, when you walk or run with shoes on, you lengthen your steps but if you compare your steps running barefoot, you have shorter steps. This is because when you have shoes on, your foot's position is pointed upward resulting your strides to land heel-first. When you run barefoot, your feet tend to be in a more natural and relaxed position so your foot lands on the forefoot and adjust the impact which results on optimum balance. Barefoot running can also increase your stability with less shock and improves your running efficiency.But running barefoot seems to be a dangerous step because there are lots of dangers waiting for your bare skin. You can either step into sharp objects, rocks or dirt. But that won't be a problem anymore.



Vibram FiveFingers shoes are designed to let you feel the benefits of running without shoes. It's totally like you are running with your barefoot. You can feel everything that's on the ground, the moist, the change of temperature, and the sharpness of the surface.Vibram FiveFingers provides all the benefits of barefoot running including shock absorption, greater agility, less deformed feet, and greater flexor strength with less risk of injuries. These shoes protect the skin from sharp objects while you run, in addition it delivers the same feeling when you run without shoes because it absorbs shock just like when you are running barefoot. This is the perfect alternative for barefoot running.With Vibram, running would never be that difficult for you anymore and it's more comfortable for your feet to work efficiently.



It enhances your sensory awareness because the designs of these shoes follow the shape of your foot and individually pocketing each toe. It works as your second skin and letting you perceive the terrain beneath your feet and at the same time provides optimum protection against sharp objects. Vibram FiveFingers are treated with an Aegis anti-microbial structure, and are machine washable to maintain freshness.Vibram shoes are ideal footwear for active people who want to run the natural way.



You can also use these shoes for walking, trekking, kayaking, water sports and other fitness training. According to a research done by Michael Warburton, a physical therapist in Australia, running barefoot decreases the likelihood of ankle sprains and chronic injuries. Some physical therapist also noted that these shoes can help people with plantar fasciitis; a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia. Most people experience this kind of foot injuries because of the modern lifestyle and not wearing proper footwear.



Vibram shoe ranges from $75 - $80 or more. If you are looking for Vibram FiveFingers, ZBsports.com offers this kind of shoes. They have a wide variety of Vibram shoes for both men and women. They also offer different kinds of athletic shoes in very affordable prices. Now you can enjoy the benefits of barefoot running without damaging your feet. Go out, run and explore the secrets of natural running!http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.