Running and jogging are the chosen workouts of many people; it’s economical and there’s no need for a specific place to be able to do the exercise. Apart from these, you don’t need to be particularly skilled because, really, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other continuously at a steady and fast pace.
Not too long ago, however, barefoot running has become quite a topic among fitness buffs. Some studies revealed the many benefits of doing so, especially if done on sand or nicely leveled grassland.
Running on sand has always been deemed a good workout especially for volleyball players who claim that the weight and shifting of sand help develop their foot and leg muscles so they can jump or launch higher. There are additional benefits, too, like a higher impact workout, exfoliation of dead skin cells and after-effects similar to getting a foot massage.
So does this mean that it’s time to ditch those running shoes?
A foot doctor College Park, Maryland locals turn to claims that even with all the promised benefits of barefoot running, which are all real, it should only be done occasionally. So, no — do not get rid of those running shoes because most of them are designed to lessen the impact of the movement and the weight of the body on the heels. These shoes provide cushioning that supports the balls of the foot, to the ankles, to the calves, to the backs of the legs – they’re more ideal for long distance running. In addition to that, it’s more sanitary, of course, especially if you’re running around the usual public places.
But for those who want to try barefoot running, there are important considerations to take note of to ensure you get all the “promised” benefits. One is to choose a good surface to run on – sand, grass, and any clean, smooth and soft surface are the most ideal. Second is to train yourself to land on the balls of your feet so the impact of the movement is not as stressful to the feet and legs. As much as possible, run when it’s still light out so you can see what you’re stepping on and be able to avoid debris or protrusions that can injure your feet. Likewise, choose a good weather day for a barefoot run – you wouldn’t want to burn the soles of your feet or numb them due to the cold. Lastly, start slow because the sensation of barefoot running is different from “shoe-d” running – get those leg muscles to adjust first so you can get the most out of the workout.
In conclusion, we do not recommend barefoot running to our patients – but if you must, make sure to follow the recommendations above, to try your best to prevent a painful injury.
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