Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Barefoot Running with Vibram FiveFingers
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.
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.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Barefoot running shoes decreases foot injuries
How to prevent foot injuries? Well, I guess, the first thing you would do is buy the most expensive and latest footwear’s made for running. But based on current studies this engineered expensive running shoes might be not that useful than you think it is. A professional American Scientist denote and proved this in his findings using infrared 3-D tracking to gauge the difference in foot strike between shod and shoeless runners.
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
Barefoot running sandals decreases foot injuries
How to prevent foot injuries? Well, I guess, the first thing you would do is buy the most expensive and latest footwear’s made for running. But based on current studies this engineered expensive running shoes might be not that useful than you think it is. A professional American Scientist denote and proved this in his findings using infrared 3-D tracking to gauge the difference in foot strike between shod and shoeless runners.
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Barefoot running sandals decreases foot injuries
How to prevent foot injuries? Well, I guess, the first thing you would do is buy the most expensive and latest footwear’s made for running. But based on current studies this engineered expensive running shoes might be not that useful than you think it is. A professional American Scientist denote and proved this in his findings using infrared 3-D tracking to gauge the difference in foot strike between shod and shoeless runners.
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
If you see a person walking down the street barefooted, there is a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem when you see people running barefoot even though over the years sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is just one of the differences that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. As for the conclusion, it clearly states that early humans will not be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to get rid of your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are certain things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
Running barefoot decreases foot injuries
Preventing foot injuries? Well, I guess, the very first thing you would do is buy the costliest and latest footwear’s made for running. But based on current studies this engineered expensive running shoes might be not that useful than you believe it is. A professional American Scientist denote and proved this in his findings using infrared 3-D tracking to gauge the difference in foot strike between shod and shoeless runners.
If you see a person walking outside barefooted, there's a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem if you notice people running barefoot even though over time sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is simply one difference that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. Are you aware that conclusion, it clearly states that early humans won't be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to eliminate your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are specific things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and then try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
If you see a person walking outside barefooted, there's a possibility that you would think that it would hurt and be quite dangerous. This is like what Daniel Lieberman stated, a professor at Harvard University, majoring human evolutionary and became an author. You start to see a likely possible problem if you notice people running barefoot even though over time sneakers is not yet known until the 1970s. “Yogging” as Ron Burgundy convey, also known for many as jogging, is a moderately recent invention that is secure.
Barefoot runners usually land toward the middle or front of the foot, while 75 to 80 percent runners who wore sneakers ended up landing heel first. This is simply one difference that reminisce the way the early Homo sapiens walk and run based on their foot strike. Are you aware that conclusion, it clearly states that early humans won't be compatible wearing Nike or Reebok.
“Joint torques at the ankles, knee and hip increases when using running shoes”, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stated. They even prefer that running in heals is much better than using tennis shoes, because this minimize joint injuries. The temptation of not demanding to eliminate your toenails is another gain in running without sneakers.
Newton running shoes or the Vibram Five Fingers are known footwear’s that allow runners to alter, change and modify their foot strike into a more comfortable and natural way, or to give out a new layer of tough skin that protects their foot.
The new and updated cushioned sneaker heels permit runners to renew their stride to high-impact running, and now welcomed a whole new problem relating foot and leg injuries. A collision force of 1.5 to 3 time’s body weight is carried in heel-landing without shoes.
Well, I guess this concludes that as our technology rises, there are specific things that instead of developing its use turn out worsening it. We should still open our eyes and then try to see how each of us develops. For more information on barefoot running sandals, please visit www.InvisibleShoe.comMailcucan - About the Author:
Meditation Tips Meditation Secrets Meditation Advice
Read the amazing journey of a modern day athlete and her meditation journal!
Free Tarot Reading Secrets
Improve your love, money, health, work and career luck today. Tons of free tools and resources available!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Know 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 involved with socks and shoes... this means you will 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 stop 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.
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 involved with socks and shoes... this means you will 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 stop 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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Barefoot running, is it here to stay or a fad?
Barefoot running, is it here to stay or a fad?
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.For more information on barefoot running and 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.
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.For more information on barefoot running and 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.
Barefoot running, is it not going anywhere soon or a fad?
Barefoot running, is it not going anywhere soon or a fad?
Many people, even runners, don't realize that there's 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 they have more stability and fewer injuries when running barefoot.So what's the controversy? Why doesn't everyone go barefoot when they run? Here 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 get it done in shoes." Next he said that he would not compete barefoot again.Such isn't 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, like the Nike Free and Vibram Five Fingers which may be used to either ease people in to running barefoot or providing protection if an environment is simply 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 try it out on a controlled surface, like 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 have 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.
Among the stated benefits of barefoot running is the runner having heightened sensation beneath their feet causing them to run "lighter." If you find 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, along with the added danger of stepping on a sharp object and not feeling it. This leads 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 vulnerable to 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 be in danger 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 might not be seen. Any place that you run or walk barefoot must be examined well to avoid such hazards.
Just like 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, make sure to visit your podiatrist if you see any problems on the way.For more information on barefoot running and running barefoot, 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.
Many people, even runners, don't realize that there's 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 they have more stability and fewer injuries when running barefoot.So what's the controversy? Why doesn't everyone go barefoot when they run? Here 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 get it done in shoes." Next he said that he would not compete barefoot again.Such isn't 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, like the Nike Free and Vibram Five Fingers which may be used to either ease people in to running barefoot or providing protection if an environment is simply 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 try it out on a controlled surface, like 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 have 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.
Among the stated benefits of barefoot running is the runner having heightened sensation beneath their feet causing them to run "lighter." If you find 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, along with the added danger of stepping on a sharp object and not feeling it. This leads 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 vulnerable to 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 be in danger 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 might not be seen. Any place that you run or walk barefoot must be examined well to avoid such hazards.
Just like 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, make sure to visit your podiatrist if you see any problems on the way.For more information on barefoot running and running barefoot, 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.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Damage to your feet from Running Barefoot
You might have already started barefoot running; or you may be just considering barefoot running but haven't started yet. One question that comes up often is, "how will I know should i be damaging my feet with barefoot running?"
This is an excellent question. However, a few couple things to bear in mind. One, whenever the topic of barefoot running comes up, people are instantly worried about "ruining your feet," and two, runners - even professional runners - have only been wearing highly padded, technical running shoes since the early 1970's. That's only 30-some years, compared to literally 1000's of years (and sports activities) in which runners wore no shoes, or thin, unpadded shoes.
And studies have actually shown that foot and leg injuries have increased, not decreased, since these highly padded, technical shoes were introduced. So, the very first thing we should do is dispel the myth that running without highly padded shoes will automatically ruin your feet.
However, one reason you should take care not to damage your feet right off when you start barefoot running is you have probably been wearing these highly padded and structured shoes all your life, and therefore your feet have not developed the muscles they would have if you were going barefoot all your life.
Those who have gone barefoot most their lives have no trouble how to choose barefoot running, and anyone who has always worn shoes have a harder time. It doesn't mean that you cant' switch to barefoot running if you were a dedicated shoe runner; it just means you'll want to start out very slowly.
If you start barefoot running to quickly, and don't allow yourself the proper buildup time for your muscles to build and your foot to adjust to barefoot running, you may experience a few of the following warning signs:
Swelling of the foot
Pain inside the foot
Bad blisters (including blood blisters)
If you're experiencing swelling or pain in your foot or feet while barefoot running, there might be serious damage or there might not be. You might want to check with your doctor if you feel something is seriously wrong. I have had some swelling in my feet, and what I did was three things:
1. Stop barefoot running for some days until the swelling goes down.
2. Put the foot up (elevate it) when not running.
3. Give the foot frequent ice baths.
With bad blisters (meaning, dark, large, or blood-filled blisters) I stopped barefoot running for a couple of days. If I really needed to run, I put Moleskin in a circle around the blister to prevent touching the ground, depending on how bad it was. Regardless, for those who have a blister you don't want to go out barefoot running so much that it makes the blister worse.
If you're experiencing these signs, then the thing is not likely that you're barefoot running, but that you're barefoot running too much previously. Cut down your time barefoot running for a time, after taking a break from it to let your feet heal, then you can certainly increase your distance and time gradually with less damage.
And the easiest method to avoid such damage to begin with is to begin barefoot running very gradually, at about 5 minutes a day, then 10 minutes a day, and so forth, increasing your time each week. Should you choose that you will be able to begin barefoot running without worrying about "damaging your feet."
However, do remember that it will require a while to develop your barefoot running muscles, your sole will have to build up some padding, and your foot structure will be changing overall, which is not always a pleasant process.
So, if you wish to start barefoot running, a rule is "grin and bear it" on the minor pains, but stop and treat the larger pains prior to them getting too big. For information on running barefoot and 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.
This is an excellent question. However, a few couple things to bear in mind. One, whenever the topic of barefoot running comes up, people are instantly worried about "ruining your feet," and two, runners - even professional runners - have only been wearing highly padded, technical running shoes since the early 1970's. That's only 30-some years, compared to literally 1000's of years (and sports activities) in which runners wore no shoes, or thin, unpadded shoes.
And studies have actually shown that foot and leg injuries have increased, not decreased, since these highly padded, technical shoes were introduced. So, the very first thing we should do is dispel the myth that running without highly padded shoes will automatically ruin your feet.
However, one reason you should take care not to damage your feet right off when you start barefoot running is you have probably been wearing these highly padded and structured shoes all your life, and therefore your feet have not developed the muscles they would have if you were going barefoot all your life.
Those who have gone barefoot most their lives have no trouble how to choose barefoot running, and anyone who has always worn shoes have a harder time. It doesn't mean that you cant' switch to barefoot running if you were a dedicated shoe runner; it just means you'll want to start out very slowly.
If you start barefoot running to quickly, and don't allow yourself the proper buildup time for your muscles to build and your foot to adjust to barefoot running, you may experience a few of the following warning signs:
Swelling of the foot
Pain inside the foot
Bad blisters (including blood blisters)
If you're experiencing swelling or pain in your foot or feet while barefoot running, there might be serious damage or there might not be. You might want to check with your doctor if you feel something is seriously wrong. I have had some swelling in my feet, and what I did was three things:
1. Stop barefoot running for some days until the swelling goes down.
2. Put the foot up (elevate it) when not running.
3. Give the foot frequent ice baths.
With bad blisters (meaning, dark, large, or blood-filled blisters) I stopped barefoot running for a couple of days. If I really needed to run, I put Moleskin in a circle around the blister to prevent touching the ground, depending on how bad it was. Regardless, for those who have a blister you don't want to go out barefoot running so much that it makes the blister worse.
If you're experiencing these signs, then the thing is not likely that you're barefoot running, but that you're barefoot running too much previously. Cut down your time barefoot running for a time, after taking a break from it to let your feet heal, then you can certainly increase your distance and time gradually with less damage.
And the easiest method to avoid such damage to begin with is to begin barefoot running very gradually, at about 5 minutes a day, then 10 minutes a day, and so forth, increasing your time each week. Should you choose that you will be able to begin barefoot running without worrying about "damaging your feet."
However, do remember that it will require a while to develop your barefoot running muscles, your sole will have to build up some padding, and your foot structure will be changing overall, which is not always a pleasant process.
So, if you wish to start barefoot running, a rule is "grin and bear it" on the minor pains, but stop and treat the larger pains prior to them getting too big. For information on running barefoot and 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.
Damage to your feet from Running Barefoot
You might have already started barefoot running; or you may be just considering barefoot running but haven't started yet. One question that comes up often is, "how will I know should i be damaging my feet with barefoot running?"
This is an excellent question. However, a few couple things to bear in mind. One, whenever the topic of barefoot running comes up, people are instantly worried about "ruining your feet," and two, runners - even professional runners - have only been wearing highly padded, technical running shoes since the early 1970's. That's only 30-some years, compared to literally 1000's of years (and sports activities) in which runners wore no shoes, or thin, unpadded shoes.
And studies have actually shown that foot and leg injuries have increased, not decreased, since these highly padded, technical shoes were introduced. So, the very first thing we should do is dispel the myth that running without highly padded shoes will automatically ruin your feet.
However, one reason you should take care not to damage your feet right off when you start barefoot running is you have probably been wearing these highly padded and structured shoes all your life, and therefore your feet have not developed the muscles they would have if you were going barefoot all your life.
Those who have gone barefoot most their lives have no trouble how to choose barefoot running, and anyone who has always worn shoes have a harder time. It doesn't mean that you cant' switch to barefoot running if you were a dedicated shoe runner; it just means you'll want to start out very slowly.
If you start barefoot running to quickly, and don't allow yourself the proper buildup time for your muscles to build and your foot to adjust to barefoot running, you may experience a few of the following warning signs:
Swelling of the foot
Pain inside the foot
Bad blisters (including blood blisters)
If you're experiencing swelling or pain in your foot or feet while barefoot running, there might be serious damage or there might not be. You might want to check with your doctor if you feel something is seriously wrong. I have had some swelling in my feet, and what I did was three things:
1. Stop barefoot running for some days until the swelling goes down.
2. Put the foot up (elevate it) when not running.
3. Give the foot frequent ice baths.
With bad blisters (meaning, dark, large, or blood-filled blisters) I stopped barefoot running for a couple of days. If I really needed to run, I put Moleskin in a circle around the blister to prevent touching the ground, depending on how bad it was. Regardless, for those who have a blister you don't want to go out barefoot running so much that it makes the blister worse.
If you're experiencing these signs, then the thing is not likely that you're barefoot running, but that you're barefoot running too much previously. Cut down your time barefoot running for a time, after taking a break from it to let your feet heal, then you can certainly increase your distance and time gradually with less damage.
And the easiest method to avoid such damage to begin with is to begin barefoot running very gradually, at about 5 minutes a day, then 10 minutes a day, and so forth, increasing your time each week. Should you choose that you will be able to begin barefoot running without worrying about "damaging your feet."
However, do remember that it will require a while to develop your barefoot running muscles, your sole will have to build up some padding, and your foot structure will be changing overall, which is not always a pleasant process.
So, if you wish to start barefoot running, a rule is "grin and bear it" on the minor pains, but stop and treat the larger pains prior to them getting too big. For information on running barefoot and 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.
This is an excellent question. However, a few couple things to bear in mind. One, whenever the topic of barefoot running comes up, people are instantly worried about "ruining your feet," and two, runners - even professional runners - have only been wearing highly padded, technical running shoes since the early 1970's. That's only 30-some years, compared to literally 1000's of years (and sports activities) in which runners wore no shoes, or thin, unpadded shoes.
And studies have actually shown that foot and leg injuries have increased, not decreased, since these highly padded, technical shoes were introduced. So, the very first thing we should do is dispel the myth that running without highly padded shoes will automatically ruin your feet.
However, one reason you should take care not to damage your feet right off when you start barefoot running is you have probably been wearing these highly padded and structured shoes all your life, and therefore your feet have not developed the muscles they would have if you were going barefoot all your life.
Those who have gone barefoot most their lives have no trouble how to choose barefoot running, and anyone who has always worn shoes have a harder time. It doesn't mean that you cant' switch to barefoot running if you were a dedicated shoe runner; it just means you'll want to start out very slowly.
If you start barefoot running to quickly, and don't allow yourself the proper buildup time for your muscles to build and your foot to adjust to barefoot running, you may experience a few of the following warning signs:
Swelling of the foot
Pain inside the foot
Bad blisters (including blood blisters)
If you're experiencing swelling or pain in your foot or feet while barefoot running, there might be serious damage or there might not be. You might want to check with your doctor if you feel something is seriously wrong. I have had some swelling in my feet, and what I did was three things:
1. Stop barefoot running for some days until the swelling goes down.
2. Put the foot up (elevate it) when not running.
3. Give the foot frequent ice baths.
With bad blisters (meaning, dark, large, or blood-filled blisters) I stopped barefoot running for a couple of days. If I really needed to run, I put Moleskin in a circle around the blister to prevent touching the ground, depending on how bad it was. Regardless, for those who have a blister you don't want to go out barefoot running so much that it makes the blister worse.
If you're experiencing these signs, then the thing is not likely that you're barefoot running, but that you're barefoot running too much previously. Cut down your time barefoot running for a time, after taking a break from it to let your feet heal, then you can certainly increase your distance and time gradually with less damage.
And the easiest method to avoid such damage to begin with is to begin barefoot running very gradually, at about 5 minutes a day, then 10 minutes a day, and so forth, increasing your time each week. Should you choose that you will be able to begin barefoot running without worrying about "damaging your feet."
However, do remember that it will require a while to develop your barefoot running muscles, your sole will have to build up some padding, and your foot structure will be changing overall, which is not always a pleasant process.
So, if you wish to start barefoot running, a rule is "grin and bear it" on the minor pains, but stop and treat the larger pains prior to them getting too big. For information on running barefoot and 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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
3 Tips to learn how to Run Barefoot and Barefoot Running Shoes
Here are the initial three things to know (that I wish I had known when I started out) if you're thinking about doing some barefoot running training:
Barefoot Running Training Step 1: Start Off Slow
Even you will find many running for years, when you begin your barefoot running training the very first thing you should know is that you will have 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 simpler for you, as you won't feel such a need to jump into your barefoot running training at full speed.
Either way, you have 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 perhaps a tenth of what you might 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 forth.
If you're only starting out running the very first time ever, 5-10 minutes a day to start may seem good to you anyway. However, you will find many a serious runner at all before, and you simply want o transition over into barefoot running training, then this amount of exercise may seem extremely minimal. If so, what I would suggest is you do your normal running routine, whether it's 30 minutes, an hour or whoever else, then go without your shoes and do your barefoot running training during 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 suggest you get a set of minimalist shoes for your barefoot running training, like the Vibram Five Fingers, and here is why.
When doing serious barefoot running training, you will encounter places, or weather, or road conditions that might prevent you from getting your training time in, unless you've got a pair of minimal shoes to select from.
For example, it's not recommended 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 set of minimalist shoes will help you to continue your barefoot running training on the wettest of days.
Well the same 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 at risk of my feet getting frostbite. Having a set of Vibrams or other minimalist shoes enables you to 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'd be wise to strap a set of minimalist shoes to your back, in case you expect to do all your barefoot running training without shoes - in case.
Barefoot Running Training Step 3: Ice, Ice, Ice
The main thing I learned a tad too late, that would have been great to know early on, is the advantages 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 reaction you can have for your feet when you're in barefoot running training is to ensure you immerse your feet in an ice bath immediately after returning from a a barefoot running training session.
It might be difficult (and even feel painful) but having your feet in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes right after barefoot running, can reduce or even eliminate swelling, and encourage fast recovery of your feet, especially when you are passing through the stages of "foot restructuring" that your feet go through as they are getting stronger. So, make sure to make ice baths a routine aspect of your barefoot running training and you'll avoid a few 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.
Barefoot Running Training Step 1: Start Off Slow
Even you will find many running for years, when you begin your barefoot running training the very first thing you should know is that you will have 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 simpler for you, as you won't feel such a need to jump into your barefoot running training at full speed.
Either way, you have 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 perhaps a tenth of what you might 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 forth.
If you're only starting out running the very first time ever, 5-10 minutes a day to start may seem good to you anyway. However, you will find many a serious runner at all before, and you simply want o transition over into barefoot running training, then this amount of exercise may seem extremely minimal. If so, what I would suggest is you do your normal running routine, whether it's 30 minutes, an hour or whoever else, then go without your shoes and do your barefoot running training during 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 suggest you get a set of minimalist shoes for your barefoot running training, like the Vibram Five Fingers, and here is why.
When doing serious barefoot running training, you will encounter places, or weather, or road conditions that might prevent you from getting your training time in, unless you've got a pair of minimal shoes to select from.
For example, it's not recommended 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 set of minimalist shoes will help you to continue your barefoot running training on the wettest of days.
Well the same 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 at risk of my feet getting frostbite. Having a set of Vibrams or other minimalist shoes enables you to 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'd be wise to strap a set of minimalist shoes to your back, in case you expect to do all your barefoot running training without shoes - in case.
Barefoot Running Training Step 3: Ice, Ice, Ice
The main thing I learned a tad too late, that would have been great to know early on, is the advantages 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 reaction you can have for your feet when you're in barefoot running training is to ensure you immerse your feet in an ice bath immediately after returning from a a barefoot running training session.
It might be difficult (and even feel painful) but having your feet in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes right after barefoot running, can reduce or even eliminate swelling, and encourage fast recovery of your feet, especially when you are passing through the stages of "foot restructuring" that your feet go through as they are getting stronger. So, make sure to make ice baths a routine aspect of your barefoot running training and you'll avoid a few 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.
3 Tips to learn how to Run Barefoot and Barefoot Running Shoes
Here are the initial three things to know (that I wish I had known when I started out) if you're thinking about doing some barefoot running training:
Barefoot Running Training Step 1: Start Off Slow
Even you will find many running for years, when you begin your barefoot running training the very first thing you should know is that you will have 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 simpler for you, as you won't feel such a need to jump into your barefoot running training at full speed.
Either way, you have 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 perhaps a tenth of what you might 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 forth.
If you're only starting out running the very first time ever, 5-10 minutes a day to start may seem good to you anyway. However, you will find many a serious runner at all before, and you simply want o transition over into barefoot running training, then this amount of exercise may seem extremely minimal. If so, what I would suggest is you do your normal running routine, whether it's 30 minutes, an hour or whoever else, then go without your shoes and do your barefoot running training during 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 suggest you get a set of minimalist shoes for your barefoot running training, like the Vibram Five Fingers, and here is why.
When doing serious barefoot running training, you will encounter places, or weather, or road conditions that might prevent you from getting your training time in, unless you've got a pair of minimal shoes to select from.
For example, it's not recommended 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 set of minimalist shoes will help you to continue your barefoot running training on the wettest of days.
Well the same 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 at risk of my feet getting frostbite. Having a set of Vibrams or other minimalist shoes enables you to 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'd be wise to strap a set of minimalist shoes to your back, in case you expect to do all your barefoot running training without shoes - in case.
Barefoot Running Training Step 3: Ice, Ice, Ice
The main thing I learned a tad too late, that would have been great to know early on, is the advantages 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 reaction you can have for your feet when you're in barefoot running training is to ensure you immerse your feet in an ice bath immediately after returning from a a barefoot running training session.
It might be difficult (and even feel painful) but having your feet in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes right after barefoot running, can reduce or even eliminate swelling, and encourage fast recovery of your feet, especially when you are passing through the stages of "foot restructuring" that your feet go through as they are getting stronger. So, make sure to make ice baths a routine aspect of your barefoot running training and you'll avoid a few 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.
Barefoot Running Training Step 1: Start Off Slow
Even you will find many running for years, when you begin your barefoot running training the very first thing you should know is that you will have 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 simpler for you, as you won't feel such a need to jump into your barefoot running training at full speed.
Either way, you have 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 perhaps a tenth of what you might 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 forth.
If you're only starting out running the very first time ever, 5-10 minutes a day to start may seem good to you anyway. However, you will find many a serious runner at all before, and you simply want o transition over into barefoot running training, then this amount of exercise may seem extremely minimal. If so, what I would suggest is you do your normal running routine, whether it's 30 minutes, an hour or whoever else, then go without your shoes and do your barefoot running training during 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 suggest you get a set of minimalist shoes for your barefoot running training, like the Vibram Five Fingers, and here is why.
When doing serious barefoot running training, you will encounter places, or weather, or road conditions that might prevent you from getting your training time in, unless you've got a pair of minimal shoes to select from.
For example, it's not recommended 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 set of minimalist shoes will help you to continue your barefoot running training on the wettest of days.
Well the same 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 at risk of my feet getting frostbite. Having a set of Vibrams or other minimalist shoes enables you to 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'd be wise to strap a set of minimalist shoes to your back, in case you expect to do all your barefoot running training without shoes - in case.
Barefoot Running Training Step 3: Ice, Ice, Ice
The main thing I learned a tad too late, that would have been great to know early on, is the advantages 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 reaction you can have for your feet when you're in barefoot running training is to ensure you immerse your feet in an ice bath immediately after returning from a a barefoot running training session.
It might be difficult (and even feel painful) but having your feet in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes right after barefoot running, can reduce or even eliminate swelling, and encourage fast recovery of your feet, especially when you are passing through the stages of "foot restructuring" that your feet go through as they are getting stronger. So, make sure to make ice baths a routine aspect of your barefoot running training and you'll avoid a few 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)