Barefoot running has become more popular over the last couple years, but exercise enthusiasts who enjoy running without shoes are finding it difficult to get their workout in during the cold winter months.
Cold temperatures have forced barefoot runners to find a gym that can accommodate their workout, but many gyms have banned barefoot running for a variety of reasons. Some health clubs are afraid of the liability, while others have banned the trend due to outcry from other members.
Hanna Brooks Olsen, who is a member at Mode of Fitness, said she complained after a barefoot runner made her uncomfortable.
“It was just a big, hairy dude with his big, hairy feet, clomping along beside me,” said Olsen. “I just felt like that was an unnecessarily excessive human skin transfer.”
While some believe Olsen should “get over it”, Mode of Fitness banned the barefoot practice for liability reasons, echoing the sentiments of Jason Carrell, who operates a gym called Fitness 19.
“If someone were to drop a weight on their toe, and they don’t have their shoe on, their toe is going to explode,” said Carrell.
Other gyms worry about the spread of germs, but many barefoot runners say that there is little evidence that shows that running sans footwear exposes others to more bacteria.
“Who’s to say shoes are more healthy?” says Ken Bob Saxton, a barefoot running advocate. “It should be an individual choice.”
Growing Trend
Barefoot running has increased in popularity as proponents say it naturally lends itself to the optimal foot strike.
Many doctors and foot specialists agree that a midfoot or forefoot strike is best, and running without shoes naturally allows for this type of strike pattern. Tired or novice runners sometimes run with a heel strike gait, which can lead to complications or problems over time.
Dr. Silverman comments
There is extensive scientific evidence that supports barefoot running, and there is absolutely no scientific evidence supporting a logical fear of barefoot activities.
The claims of increased risk of disease transmission are ridiculous. Disease transmission by hand to hand contact or hand to fomite (inanimate object) contact is astronomically higher.
Stopping these people from running on the treadmill simply because their bare feet are touching the machine is like telling someone they can’t hold dumbbells with their bare hands.
Related source: Wall Street Journal
