Barefoot Running Shoes

Barefoot & Minimal

Barefoot & Minimal running shoes have become very popular very quickly, as runners try to gain the benefits of barefoot running while still protecting their feet from the elements.  Running without shoes isn’t always practical, given the great British weather, the risk of cuts and the dread of standing on something unpleasant. Barefoot running shoes offer the best of both worlds, by replicating the barefoot experience with some added protection.

Barefoot running shoes mimic barefoot running as closely as possible. Running shoe manufacturers have been producing more barefoot ranges over the past few years to keep up with their popularity and demand from runners.

The concept of barefoot running is not entirely new. In 1960, the legendary Ethiopian runner Adebe Bikila famously competed barefoot and took home the Olympic gold medal for his record-breaking marathon run in Rome. Other athletes who famously competed were record-setting middle distance and cross country runner Zola Budd, and long-distance track and road runner (and multiple gold medal winner) Tegla Lourope.

Barefoot running shoes have many benefits for runners, by providing as close an experience as possible to running barefoot. Barefoot running can:

• Encourage natural posture, gait and form
• Reduce deformities in the toes
• Improve balance and agility
• Protect against varicose veins, by encouraging blood flow to the feet
• Strengthen the structure of foot and leg
• Reduce likelihood of ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis
• Correct poor footing and running styles
• Encourage planting the middle and forefoot when landing
• Reduce heel striking and subsequent chronic injuries

In 2001, Australian physical therapist (and runner) Michael Warburton published a paper called simply “Barefoot Running”. This paper, which discusses the positive effect of going bare on running styles and risk of injury, spread very quickly throughout the running community, and many people have credited it with the boom in demand for the best Barefoot running shoes. It makes interesting reading for anyone curious about barefoot running, and is still available on the Sportscience Journal at sportsci.org.

From the Nike Free range, to the revolutionary, barely-there Vibram FiveFingers, there is something to suit anyone keen to gain the benefits of barefoot running.