Do You Know ALL the Advantages of Barefoot Running? 

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 often than that!

 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 breakdown, there is no need to replace minimalist running shoes until they are completely worn out. As you can see from the picture below, the soles of my running shoes are becoming very worn.

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 still 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 it helps strengthen my feet more, 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 running 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 a long time. So please go easy and be patient with yourself.

A book I would highly recommend reading on 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 the latest research on barefoot running. He will teach you how to run barefoot, avoid injuries, but most importantly 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!

Other related articles you may be interested in:

Barefoot Running Form

Barefoot Running Shoes

Free Your Feet Infographic

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.

Back to top of Advantages of Barefoot Running

Comments--Advantages of Barefoot Running