So now I am completely intrigued by the barefoot movement- particularly barefoot running after spotting the Vibram Fivefinger shoes yesterday. By the way, I am seriously going to try a pair- they are too much to resist.
Anyway, back to barefoot running. Barefoot running is based off the idea that we all basically ran around and did things barefoot before we started wearing shoes. When you do run barefoot, you tend to put more force on the balls of the feet versus the heel. Since the heel is often a major cause of foot pain (plantar fasciitis good read here) this seems to somewhat work logically.
Does it work for real? I am still pretty skeptic, but ready to listen to the arguments. I think with my bad knee I would never go for the full run with some Fivefingers on, but I'd tempt fate with a hike or two.
What about you? Are you a yay or nay on the barefoot movement?
Read my initial thoughts and giggles about the Vibram Fivefinger here.
Does it work for real? I am still pretty skeptic, but ready to listen to the arguments. I think with my bad knee I would never go for the full run with some Fivefingers on, but I'd tempt fate with a hike or two.
What about you? Are you a yay or nay on the barefoot movement?
Read my initial thoughts and giggles about the Vibram Fivefinger here.
9 comments:
Apparently running shoes have changed the way we run. So we now run the same way we walk (heel first).
A while a go I briefly looked at Pose running, which I think is another name for what is effectivly landing toes first.
All I know is walking in my cycling shoes (A shoe with no padding or flex) has reward me with a hospital appoinment next week to see if the Articular Cartliage in my knee is damaged. I wont be walking (or running) anywhere in shoes that don't have loads of padding any time soon.
Watch what you're doing with these shoe BMG.
I believe barefoot running leads to more injuries than benefits. Running on our heels doesn't cause plantar fasciitis, but walking/running on your toes does cause the injury. Staying on your toes keeps the plantar fascia flexed, which puts strain on the tendon. Plus, do you want to run barefoot on a city street? Broken glass, pebbles, dog droppings ...
That being said, I'm quite curious too because I saw two hikers wearing those Vibram five-toed curiosities up Old Rag, Va.
Red Bike- not good- I've always wondered if the duck walk from walking in my bike shoes can cause damage and I guess now I know. Not fun. Duly warned on the shoes though. Duly warned.
Dave- makes total sense. I think we will likely hear from some people who have injured themselves with these crazy kicks soon. Dog droppings between the toes is never a good thing.
Equally intrigued. Have you read Born to Run by Chris McDougall, that totally made me want to try barefoot running. I'll be interested to follow how you get on with the five fingers.
I never had any trouble from Pose/toe first running; but then again I never went very far.
My knee injury is from repeatly hitting the ground heel first in carbon soled shoes.
I don't think I will be getting a set of these 5 finger jobbies any time soon; but it will be intresting to see how you get on.
Yuck on the five toed shoes thingys. I can't even wear flip flops because I hate things between my toes.
Ever since my Cherokee grandpa taught me how to walk like an Indian I have watched people's feet while they walk. It's interesting to see how different people use their feet differently. I don't think I've ever noticed too many people landing on their heels though. Barefoot running seems painful to me. I can barely walk through my yard barefooted.
Jumbly- Haven't read that book- but I came across it a few times via the net. Sounds like to to-read book on natural running :)
Tiff- I knew there would be some icky-between-my-toes-people out there! It gets even worse with the fivefingers- they have socks too! Can you imagine double padding between the toes? It's almost too much to even write about.
Love the vibrams I have. I don't think you'll ever find an owner who doesn't.
Good luck...
Reno- thanks for the tip- I may become one of those owners soon...
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