I have only just recently been introduced to this debate. Which is better for you? Running barefoot or running in shoes? I think this is an interesting topic for sure, as someone who is very new to the world of running I found myself earlier today contemplating this very question.
It's not surprise that the main argument for barefoot running seems to be that humans have evolved to run without the modern running shoe. So that means that humans must be better able to run without a running shoe, right? Seems the experts aren't so sure about that either.
From my limited knowledge on the argument and with a bit of common sense, I personally can certainly see the benefits of running barefoot. When we wear a shoe the cushioning on the sole keeps the foot from functioning to it's fullest and I think the restraints of the shoe prevent your foot from truly functioning at peak performance.
We are a different species but bear with me for a moment here, when it comes to horses I always say go barefoot. Not because I'm anti-shoes but because the hoof wall of a horses foot expands and contracts as the horse lands and takes off. The shoe really prevents this natural movement of the hoof, however it does protect from dangers on the ground, to an extent.
So what I'm getting at is that I think we could could look at the human foot and running shoes in a similar way. While a running shoe may add some additional protection from dangers on the ground, without a shoe the foot lands and functions in the most natural way.
It's not surprise that the main argument for barefoot running seems to be that humans have evolved to run without the modern running shoe. So that means that humans must be better able to run without a running shoe, right? Seems the experts aren't so sure about that either.
From my limited knowledge on the argument and with a bit of common sense, I personally can certainly see the benefits of running barefoot. When we wear a shoe the cushioning on the sole keeps the foot from functioning to it's fullest and I think the restraints of the shoe prevent your foot from truly functioning at peak performance.
We are a different species but bear with me for a moment here, when it comes to horses I always say go barefoot. Not because I'm anti-shoes but because the hoof wall of a horses foot expands and contracts as the horse lands and takes off. The shoe really prevents this natural movement of the hoof, however it does protect from dangers on the ground, to an extent.
So what I'm getting at is that I think we could could look at the human foot and running shoes in a similar way. While a running shoe may add some additional protection from dangers on the ground, without a shoe the foot lands and functions in the most natural way.
'"The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art." Leonardo da Vinci
If we are to believe one of the greatest minds in human history, why mess with such a perfect work of art?
Because we've changed the world we live in. While humans might have evolved to run and bound through trees, fields and other fancy scenery's, that world is very different than the one we now live in, where there's more cement then there is grass, and don't even get me started on how much 'safe grass' is actually out there now. With all the dangers that could possibly be lurking in the underbrush. I don't mean snakes and badgers, but used needles and broken glass bottles. Real dangers that could seriously injure you. So I guess the next best thing to barefoot running is running in a minimalistic shoe.
So I'm curious to hear your opinions on this. Do you prefer a regular running shoe or a minimalist shoe/barefoot when it comes to running? Do you do your running mostly in the city or do you dash and bound through the trails? Let me know, I want to hear your voices!
Take care of and love yourselves,
-S
Because we've changed the world we live in. While humans might have evolved to run and bound through trees, fields and other fancy scenery's, that world is very different than the one we now live in, where there's more cement then there is grass, and don't even get me started on how much 'safe grass' is actually out there now. With all the dangers that could possibly be lurking in the underbrush. I don't mean snakes and badgers, but used needles and broken glass bottles. Real dangers that could seriously injure you. So I guess the next best thing to barefoot running is running in a minimalistic shoe.
So I'm curious to hear your opinions on this. Do you prefer a regular running shoe or a minimalist shoe/barefoot when it comes to running? Do you do your running mostly in the city or do you dash and bound through the trails? Let me know, I want to hear your voices!
Take care of and love yourselves,
-S
RSS Feed