A new study suggests that acclimating to barefoot running may be more difficult for experienced older runners than younger runners. This difficulty transitioning may increase an older runner’s risk for injury while running without shoes. Barefoot running has come into popularity in recent years due to studies suggesting that the trend could decrease how hard the foot strikes the ground and lessen injuries. Enthusiasts for the trend claim that barefoot runners automatically shift the way they run to land on the forefoot, which places less strain on joints.

Recent research, however, has shown that older runners who try barefoot running still maintain a heel landing and do not naturally move to a forefoot landing; increasing their risk for injuries.
Barefoot running is a new trend that is not for everyone. For more information about barefoot running contact one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Barefoot Running
Barefoot running is a fairly popular trend in the running world. More than just simply ‘running without shoes,” barefoot running affects the way your feet hit the ground and your overall posture. Barefoot runners land on the front part of their feet as opposed to those who wear shoes, who usually strike their heel as they hit the ground.

Barefoot running contains many advantages, including:

• A lower risk for ankle and foot injuries
• Improvement in balance and body  posture
• Strengthens muscles in the lower legs, ankles and feet that are not normally worked when wearing shoes

There are also some disadvantages to barefoot running, which include:

• Lack of shoes increases the risk of incurring blisters, scrapes, bruises and cuts
• Risk of Achilles tendonitis as a result of landing on the front of your feet constantly
• Needing time and transition to adjust as the switch cannot be automatic

Start on even, flat surfaces and consider investing in minimalist running shoes. Minimalist running shoes provide the ‘feel’ of barefoot running while affording the same protection you get from wearing shoes. Barefoot running can be safe and enjoyable with the proper planning and transition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technologies to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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