Protect Your Feet while Running Barefoot

Shoes are meant to protect our feet and improve performance, but evidence suggests that running barefoot uses 4% less energy than running with shoes on, and that people who run barefoot are less likely to get running-related injuries. Also, many running champions have won races and broken records barefoot: Abebe Bikila, Bruce Tulloh, Charlie "Doc" Robbins, Zola Budd, etc.

If you're interested in making the transition to running barefoot, it might seem it's only a matter of taking off your shoes. In reality, maybe you have picked up habits that aren't effective with barefoot running and wearing barefoot running sandals. This article give some techniques that will help you to acheive it properly.

Steps

1. Start with thirty minutes of barefoot activity a day for 3-4 weeks. This will give your feet an opportunity to develop thicker skin for running at higher speeds and for longer times. Start by just walking, then jogging, then running, but limit the activity to thirty minutes a day at first. If you transition too quickly, you may develop plantar fasciitis.

* Walk for a few minutes to allow your feet to learn the surface. Tarmac and concrete roads work well. Grass - unless finely manicured - does not work well as the surface can be uneven with clumps and roots.

* Bounce on your feet like a boxer. Repeat 3 times. This will relax your metatarsals and calves.

* Exercising your ankles and feet will help with the transition as well.

2.Make minimalist running shoes or barefoot running sandals if it's cold outside, or you're concerned about your feet getting cut, but really it's best with no to use these minimalist shoes. They are basically reinforced socks and you'll lose many of the sensations of barefoot running. You can also purchase minimalist running shoes that look much like gloves for your feet. They're not the same as ultralight running shoes, which have arch support and a padded heel.

3. Watch ahead, but don't look down. One of the most common doubts people have about barefoot running is "What about stepping on sharp stuff?" and the most typical answer is "Use your eyes. That's what they're for."

* Scan the ground ahead of you for any sharp objects that you should avoid, but don't look down at the ground right looking at your feet. Not only is that bad form, but it doesn't give you enough time to smoothly avoid stepping on something.

* Even if you're wearing minimalist running shoes, you should still be aware of where your feet are going. Don't zone out like you do when wearing shoes. Practice mindfulness

4. Be aware of your form.

* Keep the head, neck and back straight. No slouching. Lift the chest and allow the shoulders to relax.

* Keep your head high and keep looking forward. Relax your eye gaze to the horizon line. If you fail to relax your eyegaze, then pick something in the distance to pay attention to and keep looking at it.

* Bend your knees a bit. You should feel your weight come off of your heels. Bend the knees about 4-5 degrees, and lean forward 4-5 degrees. Keep the knees bent around you can. This will minimize the potential for landing heel first.

* Push your hips forward gently. You should lead with your hips, not your head or shoulders.

* Counterbalance. Keep your hips rotating with your legs, and your shoulders in the opposite direction.

* Keep your feet under your center of balance. No wobbling laterally.

5. Take shorter strides. When people wear shoes with thick heels, they tend to lengthen their strides and land on their heels. When you're barefoot, however, you'll probably find yourself naturally taking smaller strides, and landing on the outside middle or ball of your foot. This allows your foot to absorb shock better.

6. Lift your feet more quickly, and earlier than regular running. You ought to be lifting your back foot before the front foot completely lands.

7. Don't stop abruptly, the way most do when they're wearing shoes. To stop, straighten the lean and straighten the knees and you will probably naturally come to a stop.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.