Do You Know ALL the Advantages of Barefoot Running?

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There are so many advantages of barefoot running and I keep finding more and more.

This article not only talks about the advantages of running barefoot, it also includes a fantastic instructional video from Lee Saxby with great tips to help you improve your running form. I hope you enjoy this article and it helps you to improve your running form even if running barefoot is not for you!

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

You are probably familiar with many of the advantages of barefoot running, such as:

Improved running form (which you will see in a video below) as it promotes forefoot or mid-foot strike which results in less impact on the body
Stronger calves
Stronger feet and arches as the foot is more free to move naturally
Shorter strides
More gentle running with a softer landing
Increased ability to listen to body and respond instinctively as feedback is received from feet

However, there is one advantage that you probably have not realized and that is: you need to replace your running shoes much less frequently! When I ran in cushioned shoes, I would replace my running shoes after about 800 kms and some runners replace their running shoes even more frequently!

Since I starting running in barefoot running shoes, I no longer worry about how much distance I have run in them. Because there is no cushioning to break down, there is no need to replace them until they are completely worn out. As you can see from the picture below, the soles of my running shoes are very worn but I still run in them.

Worn soles of Vibram FiveFingers running shoes

I bought these shoes just over 2 years ago and I have been running in them since then. They are not the only shoes I run in but they are my main running shoes and I intend to run in them until I can no longer wear them; i.e. a hole in the sole, tear in the fabric, they fall apart.

Even though the soles are becoming really thin and worn, it doesn't matter. Actually, a thinner sole helps strengthen my feet, which is one of the main reasons I chose barefoot running. I love that I can run this way, and it is such a great advantage to be able to wear these shoes until they are completely worn out!

If you are considering switching to barefoot running, please do it gradually. It is a big adjustment for your body especially if you have been running in conventional running shoes for many years. So please go easy and be patient with yourself.

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Barefoot Running Step by Step: Barefoot Ken Bob, the Guru of Shoeless Running, Shares His Personal Technique for Running with More Speed, Less Impact, Fewer Injuries and More Fun

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A book I would highly recommend reading when learning how to run barefoot safely and properly is Barefoot Running Step by Step by Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton. He is considered the master and the guru of running barefoot, and he has completed 76 marathons barefoot.

In his book he shares his personal techniques and provides an abundance of the research on barefoot running. He will teach you how to run barefoot, avoid injuries, but most importantly how to have fun while running.

The video below is a great introduction to barefoot running and its effects on how we run. Lee Saxby (associated with Terra Plana) demonstrates how running in your bare feet or in minimal shoes can help correct your running posture. Lee also demonstrates some very practical drills for improving running posture even if you choose not to run barefoot. Terra Plana makes Vivobarefoot shoes so there is some promotion of their shoes, but it is still a great informative video. Check it out!

What about you? Do you run barefoot or in minimalist shoes? Has it improved your running? Please share your experience or opinion in the comments below.

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