Sunday, December 26, 2010

Running In Barefoot Running Shoes

A large following and interest in barefoot running has been developed lately, encouraged by Christopher McDougall's book "Born to Run" which describes the Tarahumara or RarĂ¡muri, an indigenous peoples from Northern Mexico, who have been known to run long distances in thin soled sandals.



We recently assisted a runner with some video analysis as he trains to run a marathon wearing theVibram FiveFingers minimal shoe.Last year we discussed using video analysis to analyze rear foot pronation and attempted to see whether there was a difference in rear foot pronation between running in shoes and running barefoot. We described how a camera should be setup and the measurements that could be done. However, as we studied a runner who does not suffer from pronation we were only able to see a normal amount of pronation in the foot stance phase of his running.Our runnerwanted to determine how much he was pronating when running in his FiveFingers minimal shoes.



He also reported getting blisters under the pads of his feet and on his right big toe.He used all the techniques for filming his motion that we have discussed on this website in the past and sent the videos on to us. He set up to run on a treadmill at a constant speed of 8.3 miles per hour and ran 12 miles in total capturing video at intervals along the way. Set his camera on a tripod at the level of the treadmill to capture the video and his foot placement. He captured video both from the side view and the rear view so that we could assist him in analyzing his foot strike. From the video we have taken a few snapshots to help us analyze his foot strike characteristics.In the images above we can see a side view of the left and right foot strike. We can see that:Both the left and right foot is inverted at foot strike. This means the feet are turned in and the athlete lands on the outside of his foot.



The main muscle used to invert the foot is the Tibialis Anterior (the muscle on the outside of the shin bone). These muscles are also used to dorsi-flex the foot (lift the foot up). This can be seen in the video as the foot and toes are flexed back just before foot strike. Striking with an inverted foot can create a slapping of the foot onto the ground rather than a controlled foot placement. Striking with an inverted foot can also exaggerate any rear foot pronation. The foot strike is occurring toward the midfoot and not the heel.



This is to be expected when running in minimal shoes. The runner in barefoot running shoes is trying to avoid heel impact and is taking greater care to control his foot strike. Now we can look at his rear foot pronation. In this instance an estimate was made for rear foot pronation using a 4 point angle. Rearfoot pronation is measured as the amount of eversion (rotation inward) of the foot from heel strike through mid stance. The angle is measured by drawing a line along the center of the Tibia bone in the lower leg and another line describing the center line of the Calcaneus (heel bone).As our runner was concerned that he was pronating more in his right foot, we have looked only at his right foot here:The pronation angles displayed in the images above are estimates. As there are no markers identifying the necessary landmarks of the midline of the Tibia and the midline of the Calcaneus. The athlete lands with an inverted foot position.



The rear foot pronation angle of 171 degrees shows this. An angle of 180 degrees would be neutral while anything over 180 degrees is everted (pronated). At mid stance the athlete has 13 degrees of pronation (193-180). The foot is expected to evert (pronate) by approximately 10 degrees through mid stance for normal pronation. Therefore this would be considered excessive pronation. The eversion of the foot from foot strike to midstance is also rapid and large, pronating 22 degrees. As can be seen from the video and the images our runner pronates while running at 8.3 miles per hour. Our runner has been training in his Vibram FiveFingers shoes for less than 2 months. Prior to running in these minimal shoes he ran in a shoe offering maximum pronation support.



It may therefore be too early to tell whether the minimal shoes are improving his pronation by encouraging him to control his foot placement.Our runner has also been suffering from blisters, since wearing these shoes. Unfortunately a minimal shoe such as this will likely cause the foot to blister more readily. The shoes are worn without socks (as each toe is separated in the shoe)causing more friction between the shoe and the foot. Being that there is not much cushioning between the shoe and the road surface, any scraping on the hard road or treadmill surface will also cause friction and possible blisters.It is possible that our runner is in fact suffering from the effects of his blisters and is running as seen in the video because of the blisters on his foot.



The exaggerated inverted foot at foot strike may be a way of attempting to protect his foot from injury and further blisters.We still believe that barefoot running or running in minimal shoes will help to improve a runners mechanics. Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton says, "Don't strike the ground. If you do it'll strike back!" The idea of running barefoot or running in a minimal shoe is to feel your feet and understand how much they can take and to learn how to control your running so that you can continue running faster and with less injury.If you want to try running in minimal shoes, allow yourself sufficient time to get accustomed to running in them before trying to do to long a distance at too high a speed.Also pull out your video camera and film yourself. This will help you to visualize what you are doing and possibly help you to achieve success in a minimal shoe. We are always ready to offer our services to help you analyze your motion.http://www.invisibleshoe.com - If you are a barefoot runner and want more information on running barefoot or barefoot running sandals, visit Invisible Shoe. We are the foremost authority on barefoot running sandals.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

How to Deal with Barefoot Running Problems

In a popular New York Times Magazine article this year, Adam Sternbergh makes the claim that "You Walk Wrong" It's a fascinating article that we highly recommend. Sternbergh explains and sheds some light on the biomechanical issues that ALINE holds dear.But there is a problem...



Mr. Sternbergh, like many well-intentioned barefoot advocates, fails to notice the 500 lb. Sasquatch in the room: its name is PAVEMENT.Feet have been evolving for 4-5 million years and are wonders of biomechanical engineering. They are well-suited for moving over the variable, natural terrain that humans encountered for 99.9999% of their evolution.Start pounding those same feet on hard, flat asphalt (or marble, tile, concrete, wood, you name it), and they break down quickly.



Most shoes only add to the problem, for the reasons discussed by Sternbergh. And just for kicks, throw in an adult foot that's been severely compromised by years of abuse and is now expected to go run barefoot... on pavement. Disaster.We started ALINE based on many decades of combined experience in sports and biomechanics, and we understand foot function better than most. What most people don't realize is that the bottom of your foot is constantly in motion, conforming to natural terrain and aligning the body with every step. That action just doesn't work well on pavement, and it's disabled by most shoes.ALINE's goal is to provide an interface that allows the foot to move in a natural way, especially on the hard, flat surfaces where we live, work and play.



First off, your ankle and knee alignment improves dramatically as soon as you stand on an ALINE. And once you start moving, ALINE's BFAST suspension lets your foot move naturally no matter what terrain you're on.Want proof? OK. ALINE athletes (who we don't pay to wear our insoles!) have won over a dozen X-Games medals in various sports, three PGA Tour events, several mountain biking national championships, and much more. More importantly, we get love letters daily from average people who can't thank us enough.The bottom line? The shoe problems that lead people to go barefoot are very real. But for modern feet in the modern world, ALINE is just better than barefoot.



For more information on barefoot running sandals, visit our websitehttp://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, December 20, 2010

How to know if you should wear barefoot running shoes

In an age of high priced athletic shoes and broken glass on streets, barefoot running is a rare sight. But, more coaches and trainers are turning to barefoot training for their runners and now recreational athletes, tired of expensive shoes and lower extremities injuries, are picking up on this new trend. It is actually not so new, as people have been running barefoot for hundreds of years. Zola Budd made barefoot running famous by breaking the women's 5000 meter world record in 1984, running barefoot.



So, why are we all paying high dollar for cloth and rubber to surround our feet? Are shoes the problem or the solution? Many are not in agreement about barefoot running and the debate between barefoot proponents, coaches, trainers, runners and podiatrists is in full swing. Barefoot proponents claim that the shod foot (foot enclosed in a shoe) becomes weak over time when it is constricted. They also claim that the body is unable to sense the ground and adapt appropriately.



This inability to sense and adapt appropriately leads to injury. The body spends more energy when running in a shoe, than when running barefoot. Some runners claim that the few scratches on their feet were much less painful than the blisters they normally have to deal with after a half or full marathon.ResearchThe scientific evidence supporting barefoot running is lacking. A few small studies have supported barefoot running. One study in the Internal Journal of Sports Medicine found that there is actually less impact on the feet while running barefoot because of the way the body adjusts to the impact. Another study found that the body uses about 4% more energy while running in shoes as compared to running barefoot.



In underdeveloped countries with both shod and unshod feet, comparisons have shown a higher rate of injuries in the shod foot. OppositionOpponents don't find these studies convincing and claim that these studies were too small or not carried out properly. They point to the fact that the study in underdeveloped countries and point out that this tells us very little about injuries and performance in developed countries.Those opposing barefoot running do so for many reasons. Podiatrists, in general, are some of the more vocal in opposition to barefoot running. The biggest reason for opposition is foot protection. Puncture wounds are the greatest concern for those running without any protective shoe gear.



Many podiatrists feel that blisters and injury are due to ill-fitting shoes, not all shoes. Many argue that since our ancestors did their walking and running barefoot, we should too. But, the surfaces we walk on today are much more rigid and less forgiving than the grass, dirt and even stone roads our ancestors walked on. Glass and metal shards are common on roads and were not a major concern even a few hundred years ago. There are different types of feet. Some people have very high arch feet and some people have very low arch feet. Some foot types may adapt well to barefoot running, but that doesn't mean all foot types will. The mechanics of the foot are extremely complicated. Individuals who overpronate (rotate in) and have a flexible and flat foot type, typically need a more supportive shoe and sometimes a custom made orthotic. Individuals with a very rigid, high arch foot type, place a tremendous amount of pressure on the outside of their feet and may need a shoe or insert to help even this pressure out. Both of these individuals would most likely end up with injuries if they attempted to run barefoot.



The general rule is that if you aren't having any problems with injuries or performance in your current running shoes, don't change anything. If, on the other hand, your feet fall somewhere in between a high and a low arch and you have bought every expensive shoe and insert on the market, but continue to get injured, you might consider trying barefoot running. If barefoot running is something you would like to try, make sure to gradually work into it. Puncture wounds, scraps, cuts and bruises are likely unless you choose your surface wisely. Start on grass or a soft surface. Consider sand at the beach or even going to the track. Start gradually and slowly.A Word About ShoesAn ill-fitting shoe can be the cause of many lower extremity injuries. A shoe can put your foot at the wrong angle to your knee and hip, leading to potential injury. A shoe that is too tight can cause blisters at the toes and toenail problems.



Barefoot running shoes that is too loose may lead to tendonitis or cause blistering at the heel. A shoe that is too flexible may contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain). A good shoe does not need to be expensive. When looking for a running shoe, make sure the midsole is supportive. Test this by grabbing the toe area and the heel area and try to bend the shoe in half. If it folds in the middle of the shoe, it is too flexible and will not support the foot. Make sure there is enough room at the toe box. Check the heel counter and make sure the heel counter is stiff enough to hold the heel in place to avoid blisters. Above all, make sure that the shoe is comfortable. Wear them around the house, on the carpet, before going out for a run.



There are probably a few individuals who could improve their performance and decrease their rate of injury by running barefoot. But, before you toss your shoes in the garbage can and head out for a run with naked feet, consider a better fitting shoe. Barefoot running is not recommended for individuals with a high arch, a very low arch, those who overpronate or those with diabetes. If you do decide to give barefoot running a try, choose the running surface carefully and be aware of puncture wounds.



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

Friday, December 17, 2010

Huaraches Barefoot Running Sandals of the Tarahumara Indians | InvisibleShoe.com

Get your own huaraches, the barefoot running sandals of the Tarahumara Indians. Like the ones featured in Chris McDougall's Born To Run. DIY or buy them here.Get your own huaraches, the barefoot running sandals of the Tarahumara Indians. Like the ones featured in Chris McDougall's Born To Run. DIY or buy them here.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Barefoot Running with the best Barefoot Running Shoes

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



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



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



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



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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Barefoot Running with the best Barefoot Running Shoes

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



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



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



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



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

Friday, December 10, 2010

Which are the best barefoot running shoes

Barefoot running is the new sport in the world, after doctors suggest people should start barefoot running, it become more and more popular today. Almost every runners turned into barefoot running, almost
every website publicize barefoot running day by day, developed less than ten years, the achievement barefoot running has exceed other sports.



This huge economic benefits promote more and more brands to produce shoes just designed for barefoot running.No matter from online searching or in stores, you can find barefoot running shoes so popular, so wide and so different. They are light and strange, even Nike joind the competetion in barefoot shoes market, the momentum of producing barefoot shoes has begun to emerge. The name of five finger shoes in 2007, by Times make the war heated.



However, the popular of barefoot running make the different selection for runners become popular.- Kigo ShelLooks like crocodie, but it really light. The Kigo Shel is a unisex shoe that's designed for trail running, hiking, and wet weather conditions. Weighing only five ounces per shoe, the thin, high-grip rubber outsole and flexible midsole make it a good option for minimalist footwear. It also has a removable insole that provides extra ground support when needed. Added plus: it's eco-friendly. Kigo shoes are made using recycled materials and water-based glues.- Newton All-Weather TrainerWhile the Newton All-Weather Trainer may look like a normal running shoe, it's anything but.



All Newton shoes encourage you to run on your midfoot/forefoot and keep you upright to discourage heel-strikes. The All-Weather Trainers are a great shoe regardless of what type of runner you are. Some key features: a grippy sole and antibacterial and moisture-wicking sockliners. What's great about the entire Newton line is that there is a shoe for everyone, whether a beginner or marathon runner.- Nike Free 7.0 Running ShoeWhen it comes to looks, the Nike Free line has the best barefoot runners. The Free line emphasizes the natural movement of your feet, and the shoes are designed to give you the benefits of barefoot running without sacrificing your feet to the elements.



Since the Nike Free scale goes from 10.0 to 0.0, with 10 being a fully supportive shoe, the Nike Free 7.0 Running Shoe is a good entry point into this style of running. Just like the speed development scales of Nike company, as it appeared in the market, it become more and more popular, continues the regualr line of Nike shoes, Nike Free is really different.- Vibram FiveFingers SprintVibram FiveFingers are the most well-known of the barefoot running shoes. But this may have more to do with its unmistakable design. The most versatile shoe in its line, the Five Fingers Sprint is suited for bouldering, running, water sports, yoga, Pilates, everyday wear, and general fitness.



Based on the human foot, it is scientist and health. And the runners who wear it said that they can release powers and make magic of their body. As the fitness shoes, vibram five fingers assist you to spread your toes gently. The foot base happens to be wider for this particular footwear style. This brings improvement to the muscles of your feet. The range of the motion of each foot gets enhanced in this way and the general health of the feet improves to a great extent. Also it strengthen the lower part of the legs and the feet muscles. The muscles will turn tougher in the cozy comfort of five fingers. This in turn lowers the risk of leg injury to a great extent. When it appeared in the market, people reflect highly comment of it.



Nowadays people wear Nike has translate into vibram five fingers. With this magic shoes, some women can find them thiner while doing exercise.The hot of barefoot running increasing from year by year, also the hot of producing shoes for barefoot running will never stopped, with this health shop method, people can release themselves in the world barefoot running build and they can also enjoy their life whenever they can.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.