After looking at the principles and philosophy of barefoot running in the first part of this series, it is evident why many people decide to try it. However, before throwing your running shoes in the trash let’s take a deeper look at a few more things.
Barefoot running is just that, barefoot. This inherently means that all ground contact is directly on the foot. While this is precisely what causes the heel strike avoidance, it also presents other potential problems. First, and most obvious, is that the potential for foot injury significantly increases. Pebbles, rocks, cracks, sticks, glass, uneven ground, hot surfaces, and many other things naturally found on the ground are all of a sudden a concern when running barefoot. These are things that previously (when wearing shoes) were of no concern. However, when barefoot one step on a sharp rock or a piece of glass can end your running for a long period of time. So, your decision to barefoot run may depend on what surfaces you run on and what potential dangers may be found there.
Secondly, running barefoot can reduce some initial stability that the shoe normally creates. For many people ankle and foot stability has been reduced over time due to multiple strains and/or injuries to the foot and/or ankle. Shoes can somewhat help these individuals by providing some stability that would otherwise not be there. Without this added stability rolling an ankle or straining the lower extremity muscles can occur, especially in the initial stages of barefoot running. While the body is building up foot/ankle strength and getting used to running without shoes you must be sure that you are not putting too much strain on the body.
Lastly, and along the same lines as the last issue, is questions for those who wear orthotics. While the point of barefoot running it to get away from all of these ‘crutches’, some people have negatively progressed to a point where they need orthotics to avoid creation of knee, hip, back, or other pains. Obviously, you cannot use orthotics when barefoot and immediately throwing away this assistance may cause the return of previous pains and injuries.
Just know that there are many factors involved with the decision to run barefoot. While it sounds logical and beneficial you must be sure that it is the right choice for YOU and that you know how to correctly implement it.
Dr. Vince DiSaia, DC, CSCS
Dr. DiSaia then became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and provided personalized fitness training both privately and at fitness facilities. He decided to increase his knowledge of the human body and attended Southern California University of Health Sciences. Four years later he received his doctorate of chiropractic from SCUHS with Magna Cum Laude honors. Since then, Dr. DiSaia has continuously sought out new ways to help his patients and clients perform their best. His expertise with the musculoskeletal system is greatly enhanced through his Full Body Certification as an Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider. He has been certified as a Kinesio Tape practitioner and is also a Certified Level 2 Medical Golf Fitness Instructor (CGFI) through the Titleist Performance Institute.
Dr. DiSaia currently runs his own practice in Lake Forest, CA, and also works in conjunction with other healthcare providers within a medical clinic in Foothill Ranch, CA. He resides in Orange, CA where he lives with his wife Marci and his sons Carson and Cole.
Be on the lookout for Part 3 later this week.
Tim says
Awesome. Straight to the point and realistic.
I hope everyone approaches something as unconventional as barefoot running with such level headed points as these at Innovative Results.
All natural, earthy crunchy, and organic are all the rage. But being all the rage doesn’t mean it’s definitely good for you.
Thanks guys.
Corey Beasley says
Thanks Tim
Jackie Lovato says
her toes are in front of the line.
Corey Beasley says
lol…good point Jackie!