Training Barefoot

[Sequenced]

I use to have a lot of pain in my ankles and week knees a while back.

Over the past 6 months I've been running and playing ultimate Frisbee barefoot. I've noticed a huge improvement on strength for my ankles, and the stability of my knees. I don't have flat feet anymore, and I have a better grip on the ground now.

What are your thoughts on barefoot running? Also, why do you think some people are so against it?

[24901miles]

Tarahumara

[JayTheWiz]

I walk around barefoot most of the time, but if you do it on pavement it (obviously) hurt like a son of a bitch...

I remember reading a while back that walking and running in shoes has done nothing but weaken our fett. Wish I could remember the source.

[BasedBubbus]

now you have disgusting rough feet

[MrPercie]

At 9/12/13 11:55 AM, 24901miles wrote: Tarahumara

even they are wearing sandals.

[Painbringer]

At 9/12/13 11:57 AM, JayTheWiz wrote: I remember reading a while back that walking and running in shoes has done nothing but weaken our fett. Wish I could remember the source.

If think most barefoot lifestyle sites will tell you that. And from first-hand running experience.

I occasionally go on barefoot walks around the block and on local beach trails.

I don't wear socks indoors anymore, and have never gotten foot fungus in my life (fungus grows in warm, wet, enclosed shoe environments).

[Entice]

It's good for you. If you're wearing shoes most of the muscles in your feet don't get exercised.

[Timmy]

There was the notion that came along about 10 years ago that modern running shoes weakened/damaged your feet and legs by forcing your feet to land unnaturally - and there may be something to it. Some running injuries just weren't around before the modern day running shoe with the thick heels - and there's no doubt that running barefoot strenghtens your feet and stabilizing muscles.

That being said, I still recall my first year of college when everyone was joining the "mininalist running shoe" movement and my entire team purchased Nike Free's to mimic the sensation of running barefoot.

I recall most of us having stress fractures within the month, with the rest soon following.

So I still believe that the modern day shor is beneficial and still prevents a lot more injuries than they cause, but there is something to be said for doing some stuff barefoot to increase strength.

[CaptainQuartz]

I grew up on my barefeet. I can walk on all sorts of terrain and not have any problems with pain.

Be mindful, for those who have no gotten thick ass calluses on their heels and foot pads. Walking around on asphalt barefoot will leave blisters on your feet like no tomorrow.