stringcheese wrote:
IntenseOne wrote:
This study mirrors results from a 1960 military study on over 40,000 boot camp cadets. Besides assessing incident of injury, they also did force impact studies, and found that with more cushioning came higher impact loads on the legs.
In my own N=1 “study”, at 63 years old this year I finally decided why not at least try barefoot running. For this I did not actually run barefoot, I used a “shoe” from a company named Skinners (
http://www.skinners.cc). These shoes are mistaken as socks by most people, as is it essentially what they are, except with a very thin protective material on the bottom- glass, etc cannot cut through. My first run I was very skeptical, and cautious, starting very slowly. It felt much better than expected, and I gradually increased my pace, and within about 1/4 mile was running my normal training pace. It felt great! I limited the run to 1.5 miles, and continued to do this for a full week. Over this week, my feet got noticeably stronger, and I enjoyed running in Skinners much more than my regular mix of conventional neutral shoes.
I have now been doing this for almost 2 months, am up to 45 miles a week in my build up period, and my feet, legs, knees, and back have never felt better.
Before starting this experiment I never thought I could run without some form of cushioning. I am glad I tried, for me, running without cushion is definitely better.
I doubt this would work out for everyone, but I do think everyone should give it a try and find out :-)
I'd be interested in your "5 year review" of the barefoot experience.
“5 year review”…barefoot running or walking should be considered like any other shoe choice, make the correct choice for your application. There is absolutely no question that being in traditional shoes all day, or most of the day is harmful to your foot and overall health. Running barefoot on grass, sand and soft surfaces feels great, but running on hard surfaces for shorter durations can also be a good experience. For longer runs, and higher intensities I prefer shoes with minimal stack and smooth feeling midfoot rocker, such as the Asics Noosa Tri and Asics Metaspeed Edge. Keep in mind that shoe choice is highly individual, and a proper fitting shoe should feel great immediately! This is particularly the case with Carbon Plated shoes, the first 5 I tried were awful (for me). I had actually given up, but tried the ASICS Metaspeed Edge when a good friend with my same size, 9.5, had a pair he did not like and allowed me to try them. Finally a carbon plate that felt just like my favorite ASICs.
So, I will still do shorter recovery runs barefoot, training and racing in a more conventional shoe- but I am immediately out of them when done with the run. Just walking around, hiking (even technical), I use Skinners, which are essentially low cut socks with 2mm of Kevlar for the outsole!
BTW- just doing your everyday walking barefoot or in a minimal shoe will provide the maximum benefit in foot health- great on the knees too :-)