Forefoot. Heel strike. Barefoot running. Minimal running. There’s a lot of terminology flying around and it’s not a big surprise that more than a few people are simply confused about what all this means. Of course, everyone is going to have an opinion. So what does this all mean?
RUNNING REVOLUTION
Barefoot and barefoot-style running are taking the world by storm. Running shoes today have the most advanced technology, but people are still getting hurt. There is something inherently wrong with that. Barefoot and barefoot-style running are as real as it gets. We’re talking about minimal interference. It’s not just the running community that feels this way; science has documented the mastery of nature.
Nature is smart. “To help prove this point, Dr. Steven Robbins and Dr. Edward Waked of McGill University, Montreal, performed a series of lengthy tests on gymnasts. They found that the thicker the landing mat, the harder the gymnasts landed. Instinctively, the gymnasts were searching for stability. When they sensed a soft surface underfoot, they slapped down hard to ensure balance. Runners do the same thing. When you run in cushioned shoes, your feet are pushing through the soles in search of a hard, stable platform.” ¹ ²
THE REALITY OF BAREFOOT & BAREFOOT-STYLE RUNNING
Barefoot
This is where it starts. Barefoot running is best. You get the full and immediate mind-body connection that is lacking from the traditional running shoe. Barefoot running does require a few things from you. Your barefoot training has to be very consistent. The soles of your feet will toughen up and become stronger with barefoot training, but even just a short time off can mean softer soles and the potential for injury if you try to come back and do too much barefoot running too soon.
Barefoot-Style
Barefoot-style running offers a much closer connection to the ground than the conventional ‘cushioned’ running shoe. The highly cushioned and restrictive footwear that is widely available actually increases the harsh impact to your hips, knees and feet. Your feet are searching for that connection to the ground and barefoot-style brings you as close as you can possibly get while wearing a running shoe.
Barefoot-style running is a viable option through a truly minimalist running shoe such as SKORA, which allows for the transitional impact from heel-strike to mid-foot landing.
What We Think
Barefoot running is the transition point to barefoot-style running. Understanding how to run properly barefoot is essential to injury-free and enjoyable barefoot-style running. We recommend incorporating barefoot running at least once a week into your barefoot-style running routine to re-set that mind-body-feet connection.
WHERE WE STAND
At SKORA, we don’t think our shoes are going to solve every problem, prevent every issue. Injury-free running is a part of a bigger puzzle. You’ll need a comprehensive running plan which includes things such as nutrition, a prudent training schedule that includes cross-training and of course, proper equipment when needed. Run Real.