Is Barefoot Running Good For Your Feet?

Now days, more and more shoegear is being developed to simulate barefoot running. Is this good for your feet? Is this bad for you feet?

Running barefoot has shown to caused runner to have a shorter stride length and ultimately lower the impact forces during running. Wearing “Vibram” or “Five Fingers”  shoes have shown to simulate barefoot running, but provide a small amount of protection.

Studies have shown that some running shoes restrict the natural motion of the foot, therefore causing the foot to perform a specific foot motion pattern designed for the shoe and not the person’s running style.

It has been thought that the tiny muscles in the feet are used more effectively when running barefoot, therefore improving foot function and increasing foot efficiency during running.

It has also been thought that as the heel strikes the ground while running barefoot, causes less of an impact and shock absorption. This allows the runners center of gravity to cause more stable running alignment.

The increased risk of running barefoot is lack of cushioning. This may subject the patient to increased skin problems such as calluses, and impact injuries such as stress fractures. It is also thought that the plantar fascia will become more strained and lead to increased risk of plantar fasciitis. Also, achilles tendon injuries are thought to increase with barefoot running.

It is felt that most runners have not been taught proper running form and therefore, this coupled without proper shoegear will lead to injuries.

So it running barefoot a good or bad idea? You be the judge.

~Dr. Williams