Minimalist shoes have become increasingly popular among runners in recent years. This type of footwear, which features a low heel-to-toe drop, restricts the movement of the feet to a significantly lesser degree than typical running shoes.
There’s reason to believe making the switch to minimalist yet supportive sneakers or other footwear could yield major benefits for runner. The following are some advantages you may enjoy as a result of going the minimalist route.
Improving Performance
Biomechanist Katy Bowman points out that many styles of shoes – even comfortable sandals – don’t allow our feet to move naturally. They reduce flexibility, resulting in such problems as arch support atrophy.
This type of footwear also prevents the brain from “interpreting” the condition of a running surface. When you’re barefoot, nerves in your feet help your brain determine the shape of the ground. This is key to running safely.
For example, when you grab something with your hand, you’re much more likely to get a proper grip if you understand the shape, size, and texture of what you’re grabbing. The same principle applies to the way your feet grip a surface. However, when tight shoes block nerve signals, the brain doesn’t have a full picture of the ground conditions. Minimalist shoes address this problem by recreating some of the effects of running barefoot while still protecting your feet.
Strengthening Foot Muscles
Runners need strong, flexible foot muscles to avoid injury. They often rely on foot-strengthening exercises to develop these muscles.
That might not be necessary. Minimalist shoes require you to activate your foot muscles far more than you would when walking or running in traditional footwear. Thus, they can help you build the strength your feet need without devoting time to special exercise routines.
This isn’t just speculation: A recent study comparing the effects of walking every day in minimalist shoes and performing regular foot exercises revealed both methods are more-or-less equally effective at building foot muscle strength.
Additionally, cushioned shoes encourage wearers to land on their heels. This results in an unnatural gait that can put you at greater risk of injury. That isn’t a problem with minimalist shoes, as they lack cushioning.
Running Naturally
It’s worth noting that cushioned running shoes are a relatively new invention when compared to the full scope of human development. We haven’t truly developed to run in such footwear. Running barefoot comes far more naturally to us. This may be why people who grew up running without shoes have been found to run differently from people who are accustomed to wearing shoes.
Of course, you need to protect your feet. There are many potential hazards on the ground, including parasites, bacteria, and sharp objects. You don’t want to run completely barefoot. However, as these points make clear, running in minimalist shoes can provide many of the same benefits as barefoot running, without the risk of harm. Consider trying it if you’re a runner or just a person concerned about preventing foot and leg injuries.
0 coment�rios: