As a running coach, I admit to never being terribly excited about the barefoot running trend that ran wild in the wake of the incredible book Born to Run. But, as always, I am open to learning, changing and watching the data. In the years since, I have found there are some barefoot running benefits when used correctly.
How often do you think about your feet {besides lusting after great new kicks}? Or the important role they play in injury free running?
There are 26 bones connected through 33 joints in the human foot.
Of greatest importance: the big toe!
It provides balance, foot stability and explosive power for your running stride. Proponents of barefoot running point to this as one of the major benefits of letting our feet be free! Gaining foot strength can improve your entire stride, which increases speed and reduces injury.
While I never found myself interested in going entirely unshod {ouch glass, eww city streets}, barefoot running can provide us with tools and techniques to get stronger and stay injury free.
How Often to Run Barefoot?
Let’s start by saying, I will not be ditching my running shoes and I’m not propose that you should either!
Rather, where I have seen some max results are for runners spending time doing running drills or some quick running strides…
