Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Tips on running with huarache barefoot running shoes

Tips on running with huarache barefoot running shoes

Christopher McDougall is a former war correspondent for the Associated Press and is now a contributing editor for Men’s Health. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, he has written for Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal, and New York.

He does his own running among the Amish farms around his home in rural Pennsylvania. He is also the author of the recently released Born to Run, that mainly talks about Indians who ran and even won ultra marathons wearing only simple running sandals or either barefoot. In this book he also discussed on what are his experiences and injuries before he already got rid of his wearing shoes. Many people are already trying to run barefoot due to what studies tend to tell them. They were even captivated by Mexican stories that set off wearing minimal sandals.

People tend to think that they would accidentally step on something when they run barefoot, even though this is opposite to what the facts are. Barefoot running helps in different areas. It makes us feel wonderful and changes our style to some more efficient way. When trying this, it'll make you realized that it feels good not to be wrapped with shoes and socks.

In regards to what many people experience especially anyone who has old calf pains or acute sprains which makes them unable to run will conclude that once you practice once in a while running barefoot you will feel more natural and might not only eliminate running injuries but heal old ones. Major news even talks about running barefoot. They have certain arguments whether the effects are good or not.

Barefoot running shoes called Huaraches, probably started as leather weave with leather soles that date back centuries. Originally a native or peasant shoe, the early huaraches came in limited sizes. The sizes were based around the typical Mexican foot, which is commonly rather short and stout. Peasants and villagers preferred huaraches because they were long wearing and relatively inexpensive to make. Some huaraches were reported to last 10-20 years. It wasn't until the 1930s that variations on this all-leather sandal began to appear. Instead of leather, the thought of using recycled rubber from old tires for the sole became popular. Because the old rubber was less expensive, the idea quickly aroused the interest of the people of Mexico. These are sandals that are very flexible and provide you with the best protection whether you step on something accidentally.

Another option is that you should wear Vibram Five Finger shoes which are not clearly a sandal. Vibram Five Fingers simulates walking barefoot, which moves your body in a more natural and healthy way. Vibram Five Fingers stimulate muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve flexibility. Well sprints work great for slack lining. The straps keep it tight to your feet which make it simpler to balance. These are perfect for slack lining since they add a level of cushioning and still allow the freedom and dexterity of going barefoot.

This huarache shoes or huarache sandals make it easy for you to still experience running barefoot. This is the best for protections and even minimizes the potential of injuries, rather than wearing shoes that has much impact force in your feet. To learn more on huarche running barefoot, please visit our website, 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.

Tips on running with huarache barefoot running sandals

Tips on running with huarache barefoot running sandals

Christopher McDougall is a former war correspondent for the Associated Press and is now a contributing editor for Men’s Health. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, he has written for Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal, and New York.

He does his own running among the Amish farms around his home in rural Pennsylvania. He is also the author of the recently released Born to Run, that mainly talks about Indians who ran and even won ultra marathons wearing only simple running sandals or either barefoot. In this book he also discussed on what are his experiences and injuries before he already got rid of his wearing shoes. Many people are already trying to run barefoot due to what studies tend to tell them. They were even captivated by Mexican stories that set off wearing minimal sandals.

People tend to think that they would accidentally step on something when they run barefoot, even though this is opposite to what the facts are. Barefoot running helps in different areas. It makes us feel wonderful and changes our style to a more efficient way. When trying this, it will make you realized that it feels good not to be wrapped with shoes and socks.

As to what many people experience especially those who have old calf pains or acute sprains which makes them unable to run will conclude that once you practice every once in a while running barefoot you will feel more natural and might not only eliminate running injuries but heal old ones. Major news even talks about running barefoot. They have certain arguments whether the effects are good or not.

Barefoot running sandals called Huaraches, probably started as leather weave with leather soles that date back hundreds of years. Originally a native or peasant shoe, the early huaraches came in limited sizes. The sizes were based around the typical Mexican foot, which tends to be rather short and stout. Peasants and villagers preferred huaraches because they were long wearing and relatively inexpensive to make. Some huaraches were reported to last 10 to 20 years. It wasn't until the 1930s that variations on this all-leather sandal began to appear. As opposed to leather, the idea of using recycled rubber from old tires for the sole became popular. Because the old rubber was less expensive, the idea quickly caught on with the people of Mexico. These are sandals that are very flexible and give you the best protection whether you step on something accidentally.

Another option is for you to wear Vibram Five Finger shoes which are not clearly a sandal. Vibram Five Fingers simulates walking barefoot, which moves your body in a more natural and healthy way. Vibram Five Fingers stimulate muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion. Well sprints work great for slack lining. The straps keep it tight to your feet which make it easier to balance. These are perfect for slack lining since they add a level of cushioning and still allow the freedom and dexterity of going barefoot.

This huarache shoes or huarache sandals make it possible for you to still experience running barefoot. This is best for protections and even minimizes the possibility of injuries, rather than wearing shoes that has much impact force in your feet. For more information on huarche barefoot running sandals, please visit our website, 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.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Tips for choosing Barefoot Running Shoes

If you're a runner, you should seriously consider dropping your expensive hi-tech running shoes and switching to barefoot running sandals.

I know that "barefoot running sandals" sounds like an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

I mean if you're running barefoot, then you can't, by definition, be wearing sandals. Right?

Okay, let me explain.

Barefoot running is all the rage. Since Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and won) ultra-marathons either barefoot or wearing huaraches -- simple running sandals they often made out of old tires and twine, more and more people are interested in barefoot running. People, myself included, were transfixed by the storied of Caballo Blanco (the "white horse") and Barefoot Ted, who tossed off their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in running sandals instead.

In the book, Chris talks about how he had been plagued with injuries until he went barefoot.

There have been articles in almost every major newspaper about running without shoes, with arguments about whether this is good for you or not -- the "pro" camp saying that it's more natural and will not only reduce running injuries but heal old ones, and the 'con' camp saying that it could be stressful on your feet and calves.

By the way, my experience is that if you take it easy at first and don't do too much, it's not dangerous at all -- certainly not more than running in shoes. And, I also had some long-term calf injuries that, after a month of running barefoot, are totally gone.

But, anyway... here's the deal.

Running barefoot is great. It's a lot of fun, it changes the way you run to a more efficient style, it feels good to not be wrapped up in socks and shoes... and it can mess you up pretty bad if you accidentally step on something (which, by the way, happens WAY less often than you might imagine... in fact, less often than the number of times I would trip on something when running in my racing shoes).

Or, sometimes you want to run on a surface that, well, just doesn't seem conducive to being without shoes.

Which brings us back to huaraches, the running sandals of the Tarahumara.

Huaraches running sandals give you the benefits of barefoot (or as close as you can get) with the protection that can keep you from getting cut up by stepping on something by accident.

Barefoot running shoes are really pretty simple: some sort of sole, and something to tie that sole to your foot.

For soles, I've seen leather, cardboard wrapped in duct tape, carpeting, even your basic beach flip-flop bottom. One really good choice, if you can find it, is Vibram 4mm "Cherry" material. It's really flexible but provides great protection.

For the strapping, you can use leather lace, hemp, nylon/polypropylene or anything else that's strong but flexible. There are a couple of different tying styles: one looks like it goes with a toga, the other is less, oh, odd-looking and allows you to slip-on and slip-off your huaraches.

Another barefoot-ish option -- not quite a sandal, but worth mentioning -- is called Vibram Five Finger shoes (yes, the same Vibram from the soles I mentioned earlier). These are like gloves for your feet, with separate places for each toe.

I like the VFFs, but they don't feel as free as huaraches. They also don't fit my feet quite well, and the soles are much thicker and more structured than the huarache sandals.

Barefoot running sandals are the closest thing there is to barefoot, other than somehow painting a flexible but impervious layer of something-or-other directly onto your foot.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.

Reviews of the best Barefoot Running Shoes

If you're a runner, you should seriously consider dropping your expensive hi-tech running shoes and switching to barefoot running sandals.

I know that "barefoot running sandals" sounds like an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

I mean if you're running barefoot, then you can't, by definition, be wearing sandals. Right?

Okay, let me explain.

Barefoot running is increasingly popular. Since Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and won) ultra-marathons either barefoot or wearing huaraches -- simple running sandals they often created from old tires and twine, a growing number of people have an interest in barefoot running. People, myself included, were transfixed by the storied of Caballo Blanco (the "white horse") and Barefoot Ted, who tossed off their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in running sandals instead.

In the book, Chris talks about how he had been plagued with injuries until he went barefoot.

There are articles in almost every major newspaper about running without shoes, with arguments about whether this will last you or not -- the "pro" camp saying that it's more natural and will reduce running injuries but heal old ones, and the 'con' camp saying that could be stressful on your feet and calves.

Mind you, my experience is that invest the it easy at first and avoid, it's not dangerous at all -- certainly only running in shoes. And, I also had some long-term calf injuries that, after a month of running barefoot, are totally gone.

But, anyway... here's the deal.

Running barefoot is great. It's many fun, it changes how we run to a more efficient style, it feels good to not be obsessed with socks and shoes... also it can mess you up pretty bad if you accidentally step on something (which, mind you, happens WAY less often than you might imagine... in fact, less often than how often I would trip on something when running in my racing shoes).

Or, sometimes you wish to run on a surface that, well, just doesn't seem conducive to being without shoes.

Which brings us back to huaraches, the running sandals of the Tarahumara.

Huaraches running sandals provde the benefits of barefoot (or as close as possible) with the protection that can prevent you from getting cut up by stepping on something by accident.

Barefoot running shoes are really pretty simple: some form of sole, and something to tie that sole to your foot.

For soles, I've seen leather, cardboard wrapped in duct tape, carpeting, even your basic beach flip-flop bottom. One really good choice, if you possibly could find it, is Vibram 4mm "Cherry" material. It's really flexible but provides great protection.

For the strapping, you should utilize leather lace, hemp, nylon/polypropylene or anything else that's strong but flexible. There are some different tying styles: one looks like it goes with a toga, the other is less, oh, odd-looking and permits you to slip-on and slip-off your huaraches.

Another barefoot-ish option -- not quite a sandal, but worth mentioning -- is called Vibram Five Finger shoes (yes, the same Vibram from the soles I mentioned earlier). These are like gloves for your feet, with separate places for each toe.

I like the VFFs, but they don't feel as free as huaraches. They also don't fit my feet quite well, and the soles are much thicker and more structured than the huarache sandals.

Barefoot running sandals are the closest thing there is to barefoot, other than somehow painting a flexible but impervious layer of something-or-other directly onto your foot.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.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Runners, make the switch to barefoot running shoes

If you're a runner, you should seriously consider dropping your expensive hi-tech running shoes and switching to barefoot running sandals.

I know that "barefoot running sandals" sounds somewhat oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

I mean if you're running barefoot, then you can't, by definition, be wearing sandals. Right?

Okay, let me explain.

Barefoot running is increasingly popular. Since Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and won) ultra-marathons either barefoot or wearing huaraches -- simple running sandals they often created from old tires and twine, a growing number of people have an interest in barefoot running. People, myself included, were transfixed by the storied of Caballo Blanco (the "white horse") and Barefoot Ted, who tossed off their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in running sandals instead.

In the book, Chris talks about how he had been plagued with injuries until he went barefoot.

There are articles in almost every major newspaper about running without shoes, with arguments about whether this will last you or not -- the "pro" camp saying that it's more natural and will reduce running injuries but heal old ones, and the 'con' camp saying that could be stressful on your feet and calves.

Mind you, my experience is that invest the it easy at first and avoid, it's not dangerous at all -- certainly only running in shoes. And, I also had some long-term calf injuries that, after a month of running barefoot, are totally gone.

But, anyway... here's the deal.

Running barefoot is great. It's many fun, it changes how we run to some more efficient style, it feels good to not be obsessed with socks and shoes... also it can mess you up pretty bad if you accidentally step on something (which, mind you, happens WAY less often than you might imagine... in fact, less often than how often I would trip on something when running in my racing shoes).

Or, sometimes you wish to run on a surface that, well, just doesn't seem conducive to being without shoes.

Which brings us back to huaraches, the running sandals of the Tarahumara.

Huaraches running sandals provde the benefits of barefoot (or as close as possible) with the protection that can prevent you from getting cut up by stepping on something by accident.

Barefoot running sandals are really pretty simple: some form of sole, and something to tie that sole to your foot.

For soles, I've seen leather, cardboard wrapped in duct tape, carpeting, even your basic beach flip-flop bottom. One really good choice, if you possibly could find it, is Vibram 4mm "Cherry" material. It's really flexible but provides great protection.

For the strapping, you should utilize leather lace, hemp, nylon/polypropylene or anything else that's strong but flexible. There are some different tying styles: one looks like it goes with a toga, the other is less, oh, odd-looking and permits you to slip-on and slip-off your huaraches.

Another barefoot-ish option -- not quite a sandal, but worth mentioning -- is called Vibram Five Finger shoes (yes, the same Vibram from the soles I mentioned earlier). These are like gloves for your feet, with separate places for each toe.

I like the VFFs, but they don't feel as free as huaraches. They also don't fit my feet quite well, and the soles are much thicker and more structured than the huarache sandals.

Barefoot running sandals are the closest thing there is to barefoot, other than somehow painting a flexible but impervious layer of something-or-other directly onto your foot.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.

Runners, make the switch to barefoot running sandals

If you're a runner, you should seriously consider dropping your expensive hi-tech running shoes and switching to barefoot running sandals.

I know that "barefoot running sandals" sounds like an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

I mean if you're running barefoot, then you can't, by definition, be wearing sandals. Right?

Okay, let me explain.

Barefoot running is all the rage. Since Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and won) ultra-marathons either barefoot or wearing huaraches -- simple running sandals they often made out of old tires and twine, more and more people are interested in barefoot running. People, myself included, were transfixed by the storied of Caballo Blanco (the "white horse") and Barefoot Ted, who tossed off their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in running sandals instead.

In the book, Chris talks about how he had been plagued with injuries until he went barefoot.

There have been articles in almost every major newspaper about running without shoes, with arguments about whether this is good for you or not -- the "pro" camp saying that it's more natural and will not only reduce running injuries but heal old ones, and the 'con' camp saying that it could be stressful on your feet and calves.

By the way, my experience is that if you take it easy at first and don't do too much, it's not dangerous at all -- certainly not more than running in shoes. And, I also had some long-term calf injuries that, after a month of running barefoot, are totally gone.

But, anyway... here's the deal.

Running barefoot is great. It's a lot of fun, it changes the way you run to a more efficient style, it feels good to not be wrapped up in socks and shoes... and it can mess you up pretty bad if you accidentally step on something (which, by the way, happens WAY less often than you might imagine... in fact, less often than the number of times I would trip on something when running in my racing shoes).

Or, sometimes you want to run on a surface that, well, just doesn't seem conducive to being without shoes.

Which brings us back to huaraches, the running sandals of the Tarahumara.

Huaraches running sandals give you the benefits of barefoot (or as close as you can get) with the protection that can keep you from getting cut up by stepping on something by accident.

Barefoot running sandals are really pretty simple: some sort of sole, and something to tie that sole to your foot.

For soles, I've seen leather, cardboard wrapped in duct tape, carpeting, even your basic beach flip-flop bottom. One really good choice, if you can find it, is Vibram 4mm "Cherry" material. It's really flexible but provides great protection.

For the strapping, you can use leather lace, hemp, nylon/polypropylene or anything else that's strong but flexible. There are a couple of different tying styles: one looks like it goes with a toga, the other is less, oh, odd-looking and allows you to slip-on and slip-off your huaraches.

Another barefoot-ish option -- not quite a sandal, but worth mentioning -- is called Vibram Five Finger shoes (yes, the same Vibram from the soles I mentioned earlier). These are like gloves for your feet, with separate places for each toe.

I like the VFFs, but they don't feel as free as huaraches. They also don't fit my feet quite well, and the soles are much thicker and more structured than the huarache sandals.

Barefoot running sandals are the closest thing there is to barefoot, other than somehow painting a flexible but impervious layer of something-or-other directly onto your foot.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.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Barefoot Running Shoes are you ready for the switch?

If you're a runner, you should seriously consider dropping your expensive hi-tech running shoes and switching to barefoot running sandals.

I know that "barefoot running sandals" sounds somewhat oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp.

I mean if you're running barefoot, then you can't, by definition, be wearing sandals. Right?

Okay, let me explain.

Barefoot running is increasingly popular. Since Chris McDougall's book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and won) ultra-marathons either barefoot or wearing huaraches -- simple running sandals they often created from old tires and twine, increasingly more people are interested in barefoot running. People, myself included, were transfixed by the storied of Caballo Blanco (the "white horse") and Barefoot Ted, who tossed off their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in running sandals instead.

In the book, Chris talks about how he had been plagued with injuries until he went barefoot.

There were articles in almost every major newspaper about running without shoes, with arguments about whether this is useful for you or not -- the "pro" camp saying that it's more natural and will not only reduce running injuries but heal old ones, and the 'con' camp saying that could be stressful on your feet and calves.

Mind you, my experience is that invest the it easy at first and avoid, it's not dangerous at all -- certainly not more than running in shoes. And, I also had some long-term calf injuries that, after a month of running barefoot, are totally gone.

But, anyway... here's the deal.

Running barefoot is great. It's many fun, it changes the method that you run to a more efficient style, it feels good to not be involved with socks and shoes... and it can mess you up pretty bad if you accidentally step on something (which, furthermore, happens WAY less often than you might imagine... in fact, less often than how often I would trip on something when running in my racing shoes).

Or, sometimes you need to run on a surface that, well, just doesn't seem conducive to being without shoes.

Which brings us back to huaraches, the running sandals of the Tarahumara.

Huaraches running sandals provde the benefits of barefoot (or as close as you can get) with the protection that can keep you from getting cut up by stepping on something by accident.

Barefoot running sandals are really pretty simple: some sort of sole, and something to tie that sole to your foot.

For soles, I've seen leather, cardboard wrapped in duct tape, carpeting, even your basic beach flip-flop bottom. One really good choice, if you're able to find it, is Vibram 4mm "Cherry" material. It's really flexible but provides great protection.

For the strapping, you should utilize leather lace, hemp, nylon/polypropylene or anything else that's strong but flexible. There are a couple of different tying styles: one looks like it goes with a toga, the other is less, oh, odd-looking and lets you slip-on and slip-off your huaraches.

Another barefoot-ish option -- not quite a sandal, but worth mentioning -- is called Vibram Five Finger shoes (yes, the same Vibram from the soles I mentioned earlier). These are like gloves for your feet, with separate places for each toe.

I like the VFFs, but they don't feel as free as huaraches. They also don't fit my feet quite well, and the soles are much thicker and more structured than the huarache sandals.

Barefoot running shoes are the closest thing there is to barefoot, other than somehow painting a flexible but impervious layer of something-or-other directly onto your foot.

For more information, visit our website - 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.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Barefoot running shoes are good for your feet

Shoes are supposed 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, you may be thinking it's just a matter of taking off your shoes. In reality, you will have picked up habits that aren't effective with barefoot running. Post give some techniques that may help you to make it happen 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 some minutes to allow your feet to learn the surface. Tarmac and concrete roads work well. Grass - unless finely manicured - doesn't 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 barefoot running shoes 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 buy minimalist running shoes that look much like gloves for your feet. They're not like ultralight running shoes, which have arch support and a padded heel.

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

* Scan the ground ahead of you for any sharp objects that you need to avoid, but don't look down at the ground right in front of 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. Look closely at 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 cannot 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 approximately you can. This will minimize the potential of 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 sideways.

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 need 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'll naturally come to a stop.

For more information on barefoot running shoes and to learn to make your own from scratch, visit our website. 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.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Barefoot running sandals are great for barefoot runners.

Barefoot running sandals are great for barefoot runners.

Barefoot running has gaining a following on the fringe of the larger running community. Hardcore "barefooters" prefer hard surfaces to softer terrain; a few even venture off road. Heading up the movement is the barefoot running guru Ken Bob Saxton, a barefoot marathoner from California. There are certain habits that are aren’t effective when running barefoot. Barefoot running is a way of running without shoes. We have proper ways to do it correctly.

You should practice in about 3-4 weeks in a slow transition in order for you to prevent having plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain for which professional care is sought. Various terms have been used to describe it including jogger's heel, tennis heel, Policeman's heel, and an outdated term, gonorrheal heel, which reflected the old thought that it was somehow related to that sexually transmitted disease. In this time slot your muscles and ligaments will soon adapt and develop your running to higher and longer times. Tarmac and concrete roads are advisable, while grass is sometimes not that efficient due to rocks and roots. Even try exercising your ankles and feet to help in increasing the results of adaptation.

When you’re concerned that there is a possibility that you would step on something accidentally, try wearing barefoot running sandals or minimal shoes, but don’t wear reinforced socks due that you’ll lose the sense of barefoot running. This kind of sandals is different compared to running shoes that have complicated structures and too much cushioning.
You can also prevent stepping on sharp objects by both watching ahead and not looking down. Always scan the ground for safety in order for you to easily avoid them. Try practicing mindfulness even though you’re already wearing minimal shoes.

Balance is important in running. Try not going side to side. Always keep your hips also in balance. Rotate your legs and shoulders in opposite direction. You should also try avoiding landing heel first; because it maximizes injuries to your foot rather bending your knees about 4-5 degrees will help the possibility. Don’t slouch. Keep your head high, back straight and shoulder relaxed. Try looking on the distance in order for you to have focus in the distance.

You should lift your back foot before the front foot completely lands. You can solve this by lifting your feet with fast transitions, and speed increase in running.
Try not sopping quickly and without warning. We clearly do this when we are wearing shoes. Minimize the distance covered by your every step. Probably landing on the outside middle or ball of your foot is advisable for it allows your foot to absorb shock better. Compared to running in shoes, they actually land on their heels first.

Running champions like Abee Bikila, Bruce Tulloh, Charlie Robbins, Zola Budd and etc competed barefoot. This is the proof that running in barefoot minimizes in about 4 percent of the energy used compared to wearing shoes. Shoes should make us feel protected and improve our skills and performance but likely increase having injuries, which are based on studies made for barefoot 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.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Should you run in barefoot running sandals?

Should you run with barefoot running sandals?

Christopher McDougall is a former war correspondent for the Associated Press and is now a contributing editor for Men’s Health. A three-time National Magazine Award finalist, he has written for Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal, and New York. He does his own running among the Amish farms around his home in rural Pennsylvania. He is also the author of the recently released Born to Run, that mainly talks about Indians who ran and even won ultra marathons wearing only simple running sandals or either barefoot. In this book he also discussed on what are his experiences and injuries before he already got rid of his wearing shoes. Many people are already trying to run barefoot due to what studies tend to tell them. They were even captivated by Mexican stories that set off wearing minimal sandals.

What are Huaraches?

Barefoot running sandals called Huaraches, probably started as leather weave with leather soles that date back centuries. Originally a native or peasant shoe, the early huaraches came in limited sizes. The sizes were based around the typical Mexican foot, which is commonly rather short and stout. Peasants and villagers preferred huaraches because they were long wearing and relatively inexpensive to make. Some huaraches were reported to last 10-20 years. It wasn't until the 1930s that variations on this all-leather sandal began to appear. Instead of leather, the thought of using recycled rubber from old tires for the sole became popular. Because the old rubber was less expensive, the idea quickly caught on with the people of Mexico.

What is Vibram Five Fingers Shoes?

Another option is for you to wear Vibram Five Finger shoes which are not clearly a sandal. Vibram Five Fingers simulates walking barefoot, which moves your body in a more natural and healthy way. Well sprints work great for slack lining. The straps keep it tight to your feet which make it easier to balance. These are perfect for slack lining since they add a level of cushioning and still allow the freedom and dexterity of going barefoot.

Why are Huaraches and Vibram Five Fingers Shoes advisable to use?

This huarache shoes or sandals make it easy for you to still experience running barefoot. This is best for protections and even minimizes the possibility of injuries, rather than wearing shoes that has much impact force in your feet. These are sandals that are very flexible and give you the best protection whether you step on something accidentally. It also stimulates muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve flexibility.

What are people concerns walking barefoot?

People tend to think that they would accidentally step on something when they run barefoot, even though this is opposite to what the facts are. Barefoot running helps in different areas. It makes us feel wonderful and changes our style to some more efficient way. When trying this, it will make you realized that it feels good not to be wrapped with shoes and socks.

As to what many people experience especially anyone who has old calf pains or acute sprains which makes them unable to run will conclude that once you practice every once in a while running barefoot you will feel more natural and might not only eliminate running injuries but heal old ones. Major news even talks about running barefoot. They have certain arguments whether the effects are good or not.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.