Barefoot Running

Barefoot running has gained popularity in recent times, especially after the book “”Born to Run”" has become available. Also, the introduction of the Vibram 5-finger shoe has sparked interest in running with the idea of minimal protective footwear.

The concept of barefoot running is based on the utilization of natural foot mechanics. The human foot naturally strikes the ground at the midfoot, absborbing the shock and dispersing it throughout the foot as the remainder of the foot rolls through the great toe to push-off. The addition of a sneaker onto the foot decreases the awareness of the foot as it strikes the ground and also alters the mechanics so that the heel strikes first. Repetitive heel striking may lead to pathology in the foot itself and possibly up the kinetic chain of the leg.

Tricia Fong, MSPT, COMT