Barefoot running has gained popularity in the past several years. Barefoot running is a style,not actually running barefoot. You can wear a shoe that is made to simulate barefoot running (MBT Masai Barefoot technlogy), or an Intrinsic muscle activating shoe (5 Finger Vibram), or just land on the ball of your foot. Proponents say that it reduces the risk of running related ankle and foot injuries. While there are some cons, the benefits greatly outweigh the negatives according to Minneapolis Orthopedic Surgeon, Lance Silverman. Here are the top 5 reasons barefoot running is best.
- Heel strike is unnatural. All children walk and run on their toes. It’s only after they get older and heavier and wear cushioned heel shoes that “adult – style gait pattern evolves.”
- Striking with the forefoot leads to fewer injuries in some studies. When you land on your heel, the impact is tremendously focused. Only larger muscle groups can modify the impact. You can’t fine tune the landing. When you land on your forefoot you have a wider impact zone, and more than a dozen different muscles including large and small muscles that allow better loading of the bones and joints. In fact, the largest and most powerful muscle (the Gastrocsoleus) is uniquely activated in forefoot strike. This is phenomenal advantage.
- Microklutzes, aka “heavy walkers,” are all Heel strikers. All heavy walkers strike with the heel. Some orthopedists believe that these heavy walkers are hypothetically at a higher risk of Arthritis.
- It strengthens muscles up the entire leg. Patients who switch to shoes that force this type of gait note significant muscle soreness. Soreness is good. It means you are more active and burning calories. Activity is tied directly to physical and mental health. Active people live longer, healthier lives, improve their immune systems, and prevent or block progression of diseases from Alzheimer’s to Zoster. It’s a small change, but it can have long lasting effects.
- It builds agility. There is nothing graceful about the heel strike. It is not beautiful to watch. Forefoot landing is beautiful. No Dancers land on their heels. Not even stomping dance involves heel strikes.