Barefoot running has been acclaimed as particularly beneficial and great for the feet; however, a recent study conducted by the University of Colorado contradicts those claims. Jason Franz, a doctoral student at the university, discovered that runners will actually perform better while wearing supportive and appropriate running shoes rather than running without anything at all.

Experiments exposing barefoot running were held in a locomotion lab where oxygen intake and carbon dioxide exhalation was observed while subjects ran on a treadmill. Volunteers ran once with a lightweight running shoe and then once again completely barefoot. The results of the study showed that the body exerts about three to four percent more energy while running without shoes. Franz suggest that the adjustments your feet make to cushion the impacts of running uses more metabolic energy from the body.

Barefoot running can be a difficult transition from traditional running. If you would like more guidance and more information, talk to Dr. Paula Raugellis of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc.. Dr. Raugellis will treat your podiatric needs.  

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running
-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running
-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running
-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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