Losing Your “Sole”: Is Barefoot Running Right For You?

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Losing Your “Sole”: Is Barefoot Running Right For You?
 

– Reported, April 04, 2013

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — A Wake Forest University study finds up to 65 percent of runners suffers an overuse injury each year. More and more are looking for new ways to avoid these aches and pains. Now, there’s one trend that some swear by, but you may have to say goodbye to what many consider to be the most important piece of running gear.

Mike Funk runs about 15 miles every day. But what’s even more impressive is he does it without shoes! Mike’s been running barefoot for five years. He believes it prevents injuries.

“I run a lot lower to the ground; bend my knees more, shorten my stride,” Mike Funk told Ivanhoe.

He says he’s able to run longer and farther than he ever did in shoes, but his feet sometimes pay the price.

“Just yesterday, I did an 18 mile run, and I stepped on a tiny, tiny sliver of glass that got in my foot,” said Mike Funk.

Physical Therapist Carey Rothschild, who’s also a runner, has studied the barefoot trend extensively.

“One of the biggest reasons that people are interested, is that they are hoping it’s going to help prevent injury,” Physical Therapist Carey Rothschild, told Ivanhoe.

A Harvard study showed that may be the case. Researchers found runners with shoes tend to strike with their heels, while barefoot runners land on their mid-foot, which causes less impact. But Rothschild says scientists don’t know if that translates into fewer injuries.

“I think the jury’s still out. We don’t know for sure,” said Carey Rothschild.

Rothschild says it’s important to take it slow if you decide to go barefoot. You can start with the popular “minimalist” shoes. Your skin will need at least three to four weeks at 30 minutes a day before it will adapt. Also, stretch your calves often to improve ankle range of motion.

“So gradual, gradual, gradual. That can’t be overstated enough,” explained Rothschild.

Mike logged over 25 hundred miles last year, all barefoot!

“People will stop and turn around and say, ‘Do you need a ride?’ And I’m like, ‘Do I look like I need a ride?’ I’m not carrying a gas can or anything,” said Mike Funk.

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine states because of a lack of studies the public should work with their doctor before deciding to incorporate barefoot running into a training program.