subject: 7 Reasons To Go Barefoot Running [print this page] While I would not say that barefoot running could yet be called "all the rage" (most people still gawk at someone running barefoot, and if there's one barefoot runner per race or marathon it's amazing) - but it is getting a growing following of enthusiasts who are dedicated to shedding their shoes.
But why? What reasons could there be for going out barefoot running on your nice, soft, tender feet and risking glass, nails and even gravelly driveways (oh my) when you could be wearing a new pair of comfy, padded running shoes?
As it turns out, plenty of reasons. Here are my top seven reasons for running barefoot:
Reason #1 For Barefoot Running: Stronger feet.
When you wear shoes, your feet are "supported" - and that means they don't have to support themselves. Weaker feet means they are more likely to get injured, just like the rest of your body would be more prone to injury if you didn't use the muscles there, which bring me to my next reason for running barefoot.
Reason #2 For Barefoot Running: Fewer injuries.
Barefoot running was once thought to be a certain cause of injury (and most people still think it is). However, since padded running shoes began to be used widely in the 1970's, several studies by scientists and doctors have shown that runners wearing shoes are actually more likely to get a variety of injuries that barefoot runners. Injury wise, barefoot running appears to be the safer practice, but most people don't know it yet.
Reason #3 For Barefoot Running: More interesting runs.
When you go out running barefoot, you can feel every type of surface beneath your feet, and the nerves in your feet are constantly sending information from the ground to your brain. Having shoes on is kind of like having a blindfold on, but for your feet. Take off the blindfold, and see how much more interesting and fun your run becomes while barefoot running.
Reason #4 For Barefoot Running: Smarter thoughts.
For the same reasons as above, running barefoot makes me feel smarter. Not just while I am running, but afterward as well - I am sure that the added stimulation from my feet is keeping my brain sharp and focused. I don't "zone out" when I am barefoot running, however I come up with just as many (if mot more) great ideas as when I was running in shoes.
Reason #5 For Barefoot Running: Feel like a kid again.
Just try it and you will understand this one: nothing really brings back being a kid like taking off your shoes and running free. Remember running over the lawn playing soccer? Running to meet someone over the asphalt driveway? You will find that barefoot running brings back feelings and memories you thought you'd lost forever.
Reason #6 For Barefoot Running: Shocking people.
Barefoot running can be fun for the sole reason that it really, truly shocks just about everyone. From the grandmother to the hardened biker to the seasoned athlete, nothing seems to be more daring than taking off your shoes and barefoot running. I even got shocked exclamations and double takes in NYC, and New Yorkers aren't easy to shock.
Reason #7 For Barefoot Running: Pure joy.
All in all, if you can get past the rocks, the twigs, and so on, and your feet toughen up just a little, you will find that nothing gives you pure joy like running barefoot, your mind sharp and all your muscles firing like they are supposed to. If you feel like you've grown a little dull, dissatisfied, and jaded, my suggestion is that you take off your shoes and go running barefoot. It can help you remember what joy is.
Challenging...extreme...daring...crazy...barefoot running may be many things, but in the end for me, it's nothing but pure joy. (Except for that rock. Ouch!)...
Important! Before you start running barefoot: You will also want to know about how to change your stride for barefoot running, as well as the ancient secret "supplement" used by Aztec runners.
