There are a few jogglers who prefer to run without shoes. This includes the Barefoot Joggler and Joe Salter who wears Vibram Five Fingers.
I’ve never really considered it because I don’t even like walking around without wearing shoes. In fact, I don’t like to be without at least socks at any time. I’m not sure why, but I just like to have something on my feet.
But according to a paper published in Nature magazine, barefoot running might be worth considering. The researchers found that people who run barefoot have a much different foot strike than shoe-wearing runners.
Benefits of barefoot running
The paper doesn’t give specific benefits of barefoot running over shoes, but they conclude that when you run barefoot, there is less force for your legs and knees to absorb. Therefore, barefoot running should lead to fewer injuries. Of course, on their barefoot running website, the authors do clarify by saying that they “present no data or opinions on how people should run, whether shoes cause some injuries, or whether barefoot running causes other kinds of injuries. We believe there is a strong need for controlled, prospective studies on these problems.” The bottom line is that they don’t know if you should run barefoot or not.
Is barefoot running dangerous?
One reason people don’t run barefoot is that they think it might be dangerous. Well, the research shows this is not true. Researchers Dan Lieberman says,
“Most people today think barefoot running is dangerous and hurts, but actually you can run barefoot on the world’s hardest surfaces without the slightest discomfort and pain. All you need is a few calluses to avoid roughing up the skin of the foot”
Barefoot running seems to be gaining popularity and if you want to try something new with your joggling, you might want to give it a try. With running shoes consistently going for >$100 a pair, even a shoe-lover like me might be prompted to try it.
Barefoot jogglers, got any tips for someone who wants to give barefoot running a try? Leave a comment below.
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Tip: Be gradual and patient with making the switch or experimenting with barefoot/minimalist footwear. It takes time and gradual conditioning for your feet, unused muscles, and tendons/ligaments to get used to “being used fully.”
I love being barefoot throughout the day! I never wear shoes inside, so I am always in socks or barefoot on hardwood floors while in the house. I grew up barefoot a lot too. It feels so nice to wear Vibram KSO’s outside or to just go barefoot! Your legs and feet feel alive!
I want to run in VFFs, just don’t have the money to shell out for them yet!!
Birthdayshoes.com is a great resource for “all things Vibram Five Fingers.” I recommend folks interested in trying out Vibrams or other minimalist footwear, to visit the site which has a great forum, blog, articles, etc.
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