Barefoot running: "Liberate your feet"
I met David Engwall through Craigslist. He was looking for a running buddy. So, if you've ever been interested in barefoot running, then let me know because I'm looking to start a barefoot running club. I know it sounds crazy at first, but if you haven't tried it, then I suggest you liberate your feet and give it a chance.
I'm the only one who answered Engwall's ad. But I didn't want to run with him (my tootsies are too delicate for that). I wanted to hear about how he got into barefoot running.
It's building up something of a cult following in some circles. Barefoot runners swear that it's their fancy running shoes, with their arch support and thick cushioning and more, that are the root of jogging injuries. And a movement has sprung up in recent years of people who hit the asphalt, the sidewalk, the grass for long runs -- and leave their high-tech Nikes at home. Some use minimalist footwear. But others just go in the buff (their feet, that is).
It used to hurt when Engwall, 26, ran. He all but gave it up. Then he heard about the skimpy shoes and tried them out. They felt good, but one day he ditched them altogether. Now, he runs three and four miles at a time, pain-free, unless you count the berries and pebbles he occassionally steps on. His fiancee won't run with him if he is barefoot. She worries too much that he'll step on somthing and get hurt.
I spoke to several who have recently given up their running gear and gone barefoot. Many of its adherents were inspired to give up their shoes after reading Born to Run, the New York Times bestseller by Christopher McDougall that tells the story of the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico who run long distances with ease. What resonates with the barefoot runners is the chapter about how running injuries became more prevalent with the rise of newfangled running shoes and his well-researched suggestion that we might all be better off without them.Several doctors I spoke to tell me there is no conclusive evidence either way. "Is it good? It's as good or as bad as running with shoes," said Dr. Benno Nigg, a kinesiologist at the University of Calgary. But, I must say, that is one convincing chapter.
It was almost enough to get me out there on the road with nothing on my feet but hot pink polish. Almost.Baltimore Sun photo
Check out the Sun's website for the upcoming Baltimore marathon.
Comments
I'm not a shill for this particular company, but there is a company producing a shoe by the name of Five Fingers that is minimal in construction. My husband heard about them from a friend approximately a year and a half ago, and bought a pair for lifting. He also walked/run our dog while wearing the shoes, and swears by them for giving a barefoot feel without having to dig twigs, rocks, and acorns out of his feet.
Posted by: Laura | September 22, 2009 8:20 AM
I wonder how much the podiatry treatments and regular shoes we need the other 23 hours of the day will cost when they need to compensate for the callous growth...
Posted by: MrRational | September 22, 2009 11:24 AM
I am one of the many people who has been inspired to try "barefoot" running as a result of reading Born to Run. ("Barefoot" in quotes because I am waiting for my Vibram Five Fingers Shoes to arrive in the mail, to protect my feet from pebbles, glass, etc.) It makes so much sense to me that all of the latest "high tech" running gear has gotten us away from the way our bodies were naturally designed to run. I am hoping that the saying "no pain, no gain" doesn't actually need to be true for running -- I want it to be fun again!
Posted by: Dawn | September 22, 2009 12:04 PM
I made this comment on the main story, but it has yet to show up. Sorry if this is a "repeat."
Excellent article. I've been running barefoot regularly for three years and I feel great from head to toe. I couldn't say that when I ran in shoes - it was always one thing or another, from blisters to shin pains to aching arches.
I'd like to directly address the quip by Pete Mulligan (main article in Sun). In fact, it is not at all likely for a seasoned barefoot runner (and I wouldn't expect an unseasoned one to try and run a marathon barefoot) to pick up a staph infection on the route. Check out the runningbarefoot.org site and see all the people who regularly complete marathons in their bare feet. Their feet may get dirty, but not as dirty as the hands of an auto mechanic or the skin of a coal miner. All in a day's work, and soap and water still get the job of done when it comes to cleaning.
I'm no marathoner, and I usually run on a track (as I did when I ran in shoes), but I l now look forward to my 3-4 miles a day in a way that I never thought possible in my days of wearing New Balance or Adidas. I could never find a Nike that felt even halfway comfortable. Now, running barefoot, my feet feel like they are able to do the job they were meant to do rather than being impeded by thick, rigid athletic shoes.
Posted by: Happier Feet | September 22, 2009 12:41 PM
The army since 1917 has been making shoes to replicate how the foot works barefoot. Reading the book in which Brigadier General Munson, MD outlines what's wrong with traditional shoes and how they damage the feet should make a believer out of anyone. "Born to Run" is a great book, but McDougall goes easy on shoe companies compared to the Army.
For the last 90 years the Army has been putting soldiers in boots designed to allow the feet to work as they would when barefoot.
"No conclusive evidence either way..."
I'm sorry, but if the Doctor really feels that way I think he has a little reading to do.
I run in Vibrams now, btw. I would not go back to wearing sneakers. Without a doubt sneakers weaken your feet and legs.
Posted by: Tuck | September 22, 2009 1:26 PM
You ladies should try it. :^) It's fun and an interesting challenge. I've been a barefoot hiker and jogger for over 10 years. A great primer on being barefoot outdoors is Richard Frazine's "The Barefoot Hiker." A little book about hiking without shoes in the woods, available in full text on the author's homepage. It's a very free practice, mind-opening, mentally challenging more than physically, the calluses needed and generated are really minimal in my experience and I'm barefoot outdoors every day of the year, even in the snow (central Ohio), and, not in a perverse way either, it's also pretty sexy. ;^) Give it a try, one of life's great simple (and free) pleasures. :^)
Posted by: Peter | September 22, 2009 3:01 PM
It's not just a matter of running with shoes or without shoes, but about focusing on running technique. People tend to heel strike when they wear modern running shoes, but to run more on the forefoot when running barefoot. You can run with a more natural forefoot landing even while wearing cushioned shoes, but it takes considerable effort and concentration. Forefoot landing comes much more intuitively when you're running in minimalist shoes (racing flats or Vibram Five Fingers) or barefoot.
Posted by: Stacey Jehlik | September 23, 2009 7:01 PM
I just started barefoot running about two weeks ago. I had seen a few things here and there about bfing but not from health stand point. It was a short article in Mens Health (June 2009) that really got me thinking about how natural it is. I had never given thought about Indians and Kenyons who walked and ran barefoot for miles with no problem.
I had a slight setback when I started trail running out of the blue. But barefoot running has you wanting to run EVERYWHERE! I think trail running is a definite option but not three times in two weeks after years of running on straight roads with shoes.
I have become very aware of how differently my foot hits the ground barefoot and how my stride is shorter.
I would like a pair of five fingers simply because I still want to be sorta girly about my feet. I wear an 11 and need all he help I can get.
Posted by: Cindy Rodgers | September 28, 2009 11:35 AM
I would like to start running and start running barefoot. I live in Chicago and need someone to teach me how to run properly barefoot. Then I would like to join a running group. Does anyone know of someone in Chicago that might be able to help me out??
Posted by: liz | October 1, 2009 10:18 AM
Liz, go to the forums on www.runnersworld.com, there is a barefoot running forum woth experienced and very nice paople who can guide you through your transition. I'll be running the Baltimore 1/2 barefoot, if you're there and you see me ask away!
Posted by: Barefoot Ramzev | October 4, 2009 10:15 PM
Awesome article. We love running in minimalist shoes and barefoot as you can see on our website. http://bit.ly/2RHwsD
Posted by: Jeremy | October 13, 2009 8:25 PM
I'm interested in joining a barefoot running club in the Baltimore, MD area. If you are still looking for a running buddy let me know! :)
Posted by: Ashley | October 15, 2009 4:04 PM
Hey I am interested in learning more about barefoot running and joining a barefoot running club! Is there one happening?
Anyone interested email me at Shelley@thechoppingblock.net
P.S. I am no expert, just discovering the idea
Posted by: Shelley | March 6, 2010 2:46 PM