{"id":2450,"date":"2018-05-11T13:25:01","date_gmt":"2018-05-11T13:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.thegentsplace.com\/?p=2450"},"modified":"2018-05-11T13:25:01","modified_gmt":"2018-05-11T13:25:01","slug":"thoughts-barefoot-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.thegentsplace.com\/thoughts-barefoot-running\/","title":{"rendered":"Thoughts on Barefoot Running"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tYou may have seen some people running in minimalist “five finger” running shoes or even simply barefoot and wondered what benefit they were getting.\u00a0 The reality is that most of us are used to running in shoes and we might consider barefoot running strange, or worse, dangerous.\u00a0 It’s true that barefoot running isn’t for everyone, but it is worth at least trying if you enjoy running.<\/p>\n

Start with why<\/h4>\n

At The Gents Place, we are advocates of good shoes, and we’ve often written about dress shoes<\/a> here.\u00a0 It’s important to buy shoes not just for style, but for form and comfort.\u00a0 But, over they years running shoes have evolved to have more stability or motion control features, which can influence the way that you run, and not always for the positive.\u00a0 These more restrictive shoes treat feet like planks which must be placed in protective houses and don’t allow the 26 bones, 20 muscles and associated tendons, and the many ligaments in each foot move naturally.\u00a0 This can lead to weaker feet and ankles, and more chance of injury.<\/p>\n

Some take a more intellectual view, using the term “natural” when referring to barefoot running, and talk about the connection they feel with the ground when running, and it is true that your feet and soles get stronger when running with less artificial support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to get started<\/h4>\n

If you’ve only ever run in supported shoes, you’ll want to take it very slow when it comes to minimal\/barefoot running.\u00a0 Firstly, run on a hard surface, taking care to avoid any areas that have rocks or potential glass.\u00a0 Secondly, go in increments.\u00a0 Your feet are not used to this and while your body and stride will adjust, you want to take it slow so as not to injure yourself and\/or make your feet sore.\u00a0 If you find yourself landing on your heels, shorten your stride.\u00a0 You’ll also want to stay light and springy in your steps.<\/p>\n

Caveats<\/h4>\n

If you consistently wear dress shoes every day, are unaccustomed to going barefoot, even at home, or never wear flip-flops, barefoot running is probably not a good idea for you.\u00a0 It’s also noted that diabetics or those who can’t feel their feet well shouldn’t barefoot run.\u00a0 Further, if you have ongoing feet or leg injuries, you should wait for those to heal before making such a change.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Have you ever run barefoot?\u00a0 If so, share your experience with us in the comments below.\u00a0 You’ll receive 25% off any foot repair service to take care of those feet after they’ve been out on the trails!<\/em>\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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