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I’m standing in front of the Arch of Constantine which is next to the Coliseum in the heart of Rome.
This historical monument was the finish line for the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon where Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the race barefoot.
Did I mention barefoot?
Running barefoot has its benefits, and today’s running shoe with all that padding and protection can sometimes do more hard than good.
Look at your sprint spikes – super light with ZERO padding. At 12 meters per second maximum velocity, you would expect a lot of pounding and damage, but the opposite is true… you appear smooth as a gazelle.
Why can’t this theory apply to distance running?
Personally, I believe in some barefoot running, especially after the workout in the cool down, for proprioception benefits. In addition, uphill barefoot running on sand dunes helps strengthens the calves and Achilles. In an ideal world, you live next to beaches and sand dunes!
But back home, watch out for broken glass and dog feces! In Vancouver, it’s mostly geese excrement on the infield.
On the beach, I like to run barefoot on the hard part of the sand – the part where the water meets the sand. No shoes required! On a Sunday morning 20 minute run, simply run 10 minutes out and back!
Vibram FiveFingers – More than Rockports
On the flip side, I am also a big fan of Vibram soles as I’ve been wearing Rockport shoes for the last 25 years. If you’ve seen me in a suit and tie, chances are I am wearing Rockport dress shoes.
Enter the Vibram FiveFingers Sprint for Men and Women.
These shoes are where barefoot meets the running shoe.
At first they look like rock climbing shoes, but upon closer inspection, the toes are separated like a glove!
Blisters aside, the most common complaint from these “shoes” are sore calves and the occasional tender arches.
If you are sceptical about barefoot running, or if your running trails are filthy, try the Vibram FiveFingers.
I would first jog on the grass infield, then progress to a runner track, and finally try concrete or asphalt. But if you have access to trails and parks, I would run on those surfaces anytime.
Personally, you will find the traditional heel-toe mechanics too harsh for your body, especially if you are a heavy runner, and thus a more natural landing path will be the balls of your feet… not the toes! Ironically, that’s how a sprinter runs!
In other words, without artificial support, your body will adjust to the most natural and efficient mechanism.
The other most common pet peeve with the Vibram FiveFingers is “half sizes” are hard to find. It’s like the old joke… half of the men in America are wearing the wrong underwear size because they sell them in even multiples..30, 32, 34, 36, etc. So what happens if you are a size 29, 31, 33, 35?
At the end of the day, your mileage may vary. Seriously.
Vibram FiveFingers Available at Amazon and other fine stores
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Jimson Lee
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The only reason people even attempt to run heel to toe is because of current shoe designs.
Most people will land on the mid portion of the foot right under the arch due to the thickness of the shoe sole.
The biggest thing I have found with the vibram shoes is that is still does not allow the foot to move naturally. Sorta like having a tight sock on your foot.
The reason peoples calves are sore is because they land on the backside of the ball of the foot. The foot then collapses onto the heel and then they do a calf raise onto the toes. Not a very efficient way to run.
I think they make great walking shoes but not a very solid shoe to run in.
But keep your eye out for a shoe designed by me that is going to be outstanding for any activity. That will not cause any lower limb issues what so ever even prevent ankle sprains. They will make you run faster by allowing your foot to move naturally and increase your ability to stay on the ball of your foot during ground contact and stay off your toes, heels and arches while running. They will also allow you to jump higher, stop quicker, change directions easier and just bring out your natural athleticism.
But vibrams are a great step in the right direction.
I agree wholeheartedly.
I wrote a pretty long detailed article on this as well that demonstrates shoes have significant negative effects on modern populations:
http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2009/11/shoes-sitting-and-lower-body-dysfunctions/
When you look at any of the 100+ barefoot culture populations around the world, none of them run heel-toe and NONE of them have any type of foot deformities like flat feet, bunions, talipes valgus, knock knees, etc. The contrast between “the civilized” population is pretty stark…
Vibrams are good as are most types of minimalist shoes. It’s unfortunate that most people have been deluded into thinking that padding in the shoe or arch support is necessary for “safety.”