Barefoot Running
Have you been to a park lately and seen anyone running in something that looks like a glove for the foot? Chances are this runner was trying out a pair of Vibram FiveFingers (pictured), a shoe that simulates exercising in your bare feet.
This type of shoe creates a more natural movement and improves posture by distributing bodyweight across the bottom of the foot. Our normal running shoes may cause us to run more on our heels rather than the balls of our feet.
When you’re a kid, you often zip across the yard in your bare feet. While some people firmly believe complete barefoot running is best, others disagree. Using a shoe like FiveFingers lets you almost run barefoot but still offers your feet some protection. Who really wants to run on pavement in July in Charleston? You wouldn’t have any skin left on the bottom of your feet!
If you decide you want to run barefoot or in a barefoot-like shoe, do your research and ease into it. It will take some getting used to, so make sure you understand the implications. You may even want to check with your doctor, particularly if you have any issues with your feet. Here’s an interesting article from Runner’s World on the pros and cons of running barefoot.
What do you think? Good or bad idea? Let us know if you’ve tried it and your experience!