Barefoot Running

Written by Michelle Champlin BSc Pod., M.Ch.S., S.R., Ch., (UK)
For the last 30-40 years €˜barefoot€™ or minimalistic sport running has been in practice. What was called minimalistic running was referred to as running with racing flats.
Due somewhat to the power of advertising the concept of barefoot running (from books and footwear companies) has grown in popularity in the running community in the last few years.
Barefoot/minimalistic running (MR) has been thought to prevent injuries and/or off load pressure to certain joints in the lower limb; commonly the Knee joint, €˜as you are running in your natural form€™.
It is also important to take note, that relieving the pressure from one joint, doesn€™t make the pressure go away, it will go somewhere else. Commonly with barefoot running, the increase of pressure will go from the knee, to the foot and ankle joint. Also if you are someone who chronically suffers from Achilles tendonitis or metatarsal stress, barefoot running is not for you.
Often those who begin barefoot running, do it through fads, or friendly recommendations. Without proper training for barefoot running this will cause the most common form of barefoot running injuries being, metatarsal stress fracture(s). To adjust to a new style of running, it doesn€™t take weeks to adjust to, barefoot/ MR running, it takes months to even a year to perfect.

Elite runners who go barefoot / minimalistic running
Elite runners are young and have a lean and muscular frame. As part of their training technique barefoot running or MR may be used once a week, to strengthen the muscles in their feet.
A racing athlete€™s ultimate goal is to shave seconds off their running times, which is why they use various training techniques to achieve this goal. During racing the elite runners will wear light-weight racing flats.
You can ask yourself what is your main reason to barefoot run€¦ to remove seconds from your previous running achievements? And do you have the build and training of a professional athlete?
For those who are considering barefoot running, you should speak to a Podiatrist, who will assess your gait and provide professional advice on barefoot/minimalistic suitability, while also assessing the reasoning to behind the motivation to change running techniques.
Whether new to running or an experienced, contact the experts at Dubai Podiatry Centre on 04 3435390 for a friendly and informative biomechanical and footwear session.