Does anybody practice barefoot running?

Question

Or at least try to adhere to the form of barefoot running (i.e. landing on ball of foot, feet directly below body, short strides, etc.)?

Answer 1

A lot of people run barefoot and they argue there are advantages that I think make sense. You should check out http://www.runningbarefoot.org/

Also, the Nike Free shoes are supposed to be the closest shoe that simulates barefoot running. I have a pair and find them quite comfortable, but they are not my main running shoes.

Answer 2

Your not the first person I know who has had this particular struggle. Often, when a person is very private and reserved (which I am guessing you are) showing parts of their body in public that is normally covered is a serious adjustment, because it almost feels like you're exposing yourself. When I was a young teenager, I was the same way. I was the neighborhood fat kid growing up, and I never went swimming because of the jokes I would hear about my pectorals needing a bra (And, believe me, kids were very ruthless about the way they expressed their jokes at my expense about the issue). When I had reached my teens, I lost a lot of weight, but still didn't feel comfortable about going around outside without a shirt on a hot day, even though I was now just built like all the other guys my age. I overcame it when my family would go up north. I got up every morning and walked down to the lake when nobody else was around. Then, I would go shirtless for about a half hour, until it finally just felt natural,and I never had a problem going swimming, or doing other things that was acceptable for a guy to do shirtless afterwords. If you know of a private place you can go, try doing the same by going barefoot there until it just feels natural. Best of luck!

Answer 3

Running barefoot is supposed to be good for strengthening the little muscles in the ankles/feet that we don't use because of our super-thick shoes. However, there's always the danger of getting your feet hurt/cut and you've to find grass to run on.

Actually my cross team does most of our running on grass/trails (with shoes) and we find its already a huge advantage over road running cos of less impact, stronger muscles and better proprioception (dont sprain ankles so easily).

So yes, start with shoes on grass and then slowly increase barefoot time for shorter runs perhaps?

Oh and don't launch into a 40min run barefoot all at once- i once paid for that with really aching calves!!

Answer 4

I don't know of anyone here that runs barefoot. It is difficult to do with our society and all of the pavement. In Kenya they run barefoot until they are members of a club that can furnish the shoes. It is a totally different culture. The form of running, where you take a shorter stride is common among most long distance runners, they focus on efficiency.

Answer 5

I have flat feet and running is hard enough WITH good support!!!

The protection of shoes is worth it for me. My standard gait falls into the "barefoot style" anyways...

Answer 6

im in 10th grade and thereis this one kid and all he runs in is really short shorts and barefoot and everything and i talked to him and he said he barely feels the ground puntureing his skin when it does and he has such a thick layer of skin on his foot that he can run basically anywhere barefoot and have it not hurt

Answer 7

I run in just socks sometimes for my cool down. It feels really good after a long run, and it improves your speed.