pros and cons of barefoot running
Pros and Cons of Barefoot Running
Barefoot running is a new craze amongst many runners. Even though this fad is not backed up by sufficient scientific evidence, many shoeless runners swear by its benefits. Here is an article discussing the pros and cons associated with it...
- Research was conducted to study running efficiency in shoeless runners and those wearing shoes. It was found that shoeless runners had a 4% higher running efficiency than runners wearing shoes.
- There is a steady development of gait which gradually helps in strengthening and toning up the foot muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- Padding in shoes is the reason why runners land on the heel. Naturally, a person would land on the mid-region or front portion of the foot when running without shoes. Landing on the back portion first subjects the body to a higher force of impact as compared to landing on the forefoot. This results in increased torque at the joints of the hip, knee and ankles, thus straining them with high impact force.
- Around thirty percent runners suffer from injuries per year. These injuries occur primarily because of tightening of tissues. Discarding running shoes stretches tendons and muscles of the legs, thus reducing the occurrence of these injuries.
- The small muscles of the leg, feet and hip region get activated, resulting in improved balance and a heightened sense of position, location, orientation and movement of various parts of the body.
- Stepping barefoot helps in spreading the toes with every stride, and makes the person feel more connected with the environment.
- The activity is enjoyable when practiced with a gradual approach, and as long as the ground is scanned while running.
- It helps in reducing undesired impact on the environment which is caused due to resource usage and manufacturing of running shoes.
- People who run barefoot are prone to get injured by stones, debris, nails, glass pieces, rocks, etc., that are often scattered on roads.
- People who do not have the habit of shoeless running initially feel pain and discomfort as the foot muscles are not used to being overworked. Sudden shedding of shoes is a shock to the feet which need time to recover.
- Plantar fascia is the thick tissue which forms the bottom of a foot. Normally, this tissue is soft, supple and tender in nature. Moving out on tracks without protection in the form of shoes may lead to the development of pain, which may further worsen to plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar tissue.
- The initial period, when the feet are not accustomed to this form of running, is characterized by the formation of blisters on the lower surface of the feet. As time goes by, thick and hard skin is gradually formed due to continual friction generated due to running.
- Some experts also believe that if a person is not facing any problem after running with athletic shoes, there should not be a need for switching to shoeless running which would cause blisters and pain during the initial period.
- There is an increased risk of contracting infection due to cracks and blisters that are formed when running without shoes.
- Not many people are used to watching somebody run barefoot on the tracks. People are bound to notice and stare mischievously.