Barefoot Running

I thought I would take a look at barefoot running today, since this topic has been covered a lot in the media recently.

The video below focuses on the impact forces associated with barefoot versus shod running. However, I believe there are also a number of other factors to be considered with regard to barefoot running.



The soles of your feet contain a greater number of nerve endings than anywhere else in your body. It makes sense to provide as much stimulation to these proprioceptors as possible. This can not be achieved by running in trainers.

Track athletes will perform much of their training in spikes. This is an improvement from both the perspective of impact forces and proprioception. Just as with barefoot running, athletes will naturally strike the ground with the forefoot (rather than the heel) when running in spikes.

The obvious problems with barefoot running will occur when training must take place in public places. If an athlete is training on the streets or in the park, the risk of stepping on objects such as broken glass may be too great when running barefoot.

TIM EGERTON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CONSULTANCY