Barefoot Running: Your Free Orthopedist

There is nothing new under the sun. Such a statement doesn't reveal the true wonder of human experience. To anyone that's had to deal with knee pain from years of running, the relief and healing that can be brought about from barefoot running seems like such a novel idea. How is it that the foot, ankle, knee, and hips can not only be preserved, but strengthened by not protecting them? The common logic says that the more cushion a shoe can provide, the more that it can reduce the impact on the knees which in turn should preserve them, right? That may not be true. A growing generation of minimalist runners will tell you they've never felt healthier than when they threw away their running shoes.

But that doesn't make any sense.

So, let's explore the idea a bit. Barefoot “supporters” (pun intended) base their position behind the idea that correcting human biomechanics (physical movement) will correct most injuries, pains, and imbalances brought on as a result of improper or unnatural movement. Sparing you the science lecture what it comes down to is that wearing shoes can cause people to walk and move differently than they would without shoes. The foot is not allowed to touch or feel the ground and in many instances the heel is elevated resulting in an unnatural stride or gate. This unnatural stride can cause pain and injuries from the ankles, to the knees, all the way up to the hips or spine. In addition, the muscles of the leg don't have to work as hard to stabilize itself since the cushions in the shoes do the work for them. So, the equation goes: improper movement+lazy muscles+5 mile run x 5 years= OUCH.

Still sounds crazy, but, how legit are their claims?

A quick google search reveals tons of research and studies conducted by Kinesiologists that have compared barefoot running to wearing shoes and all have concluded that the strides of a barefoot runner is much different from that of someone running in shoes. The barefoot runner tends to run more so on the toes or middle of the foot and this is a motion that is typically adopted naturally without instruction. Striking the heel to the ground over time encourages the barefoot runner to develop a softer step. In comparison, the runner in shoes strikes heel to toe the majority of the time as there is no real stimulus to encourage any modification. In most instances this leads to various aches and pains in the body ranging from ankle injuries, to knee pain, and even back problems.

Personally, I haven't quite made the full transition yet. I'm running in the Nike Freerun and some Japanese thin soled gym shoes while my body acclimates to the higher demands. Barefoot running can really kill the calves for the newcomer.

When not walking or running with naked feet the Vibram Five Fingers seem to be the shoe of choice for barefoot enthusiasts.

I'm experiencing tons of benefits already not only eliminating knee pain and adjusting my running form, but also increasing strength and balance.

There's a bunch of information to find on the web about barefoot running. Just check out Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat.