The latest science says wearing running shoes puts more strain on our legs than barefoot running or walking in high-heeled shoes. More researchers are supporting a minimalist approach. But don’t lace up your stilettos just yet.
Sure barefoot running feels great, if you’re at the beach or on a manicured lawn. But who is logging their 30+ mile weeks this way? When I started running in my 20’s I wore bricks for shoes. Heavy, cumbersome, maximum control running shoes. Why? Cause I had a strange style. I kicked out one of my legs when I ran. Running friends and coaches said I needed heavy shoes to prevent any damage. Being a novice who was I to question the experts.
In my 30’s I got wiser and more confident. My legs were stronger from years of running, I practiced good running form and decided the heavy shoes had to go. What a relief! I felt light as a feather in my light weight training shoes. The downside is that I wear out my shoes a lot quicker but I figure running is a pretty cheap sport.
At the moment I’m reading “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. It’s a ripper read, about the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyons. They run for days in rugged terrain in thin leather sandals. McDougall’s novel has sparked a real interest in back to basics running.
Not sure I’m ready for barefoot running. But I’d love to emulate the Tarahumara’s relaxed and easy running style.
Flickr - sean dreilinger
I am not quite ready to try bare foot running – especially right now with the temps in the 20’s (f) – but I may try it when the temps rise into the 50’s or so – on the grass soccer field at the local prep school.
The past couple of years I have switched to a much lighter and less structured shoe – more like the running shoes I wore in the late 70’s and early 80’s before the shoe companies decide to cure what they think ails runners with so-called scientific designs based upon no science at all so it seems. I had no foot problems running marathons in those shoes.
What may ease my transition to close to bare foot running is the fact that we do not wear shoes in our home – barefeet, socks, slippers – depending upon the temperature – but no shoes – Japanese style.
If I had a treadmill in my house I would try running on it with no shoes.
Comment by Mary Harada — January 8, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
I’m with you Mary, Japanese style around the house all year round!
Comment by Carmel Papworth-Barnum — January 9, 2010 @ 10:09 am