In Evansville, running and walking barefoot seems like a natural thing to do. Our ancestors walked, ran, roamed, and hunted, often without shoes. However, as the popularity of running barefoot gains ground, it’s also important to note that thousands of generations of early humans wore shoes in one form or another. They clearly saw a reason to develop footwear, but modern humans don’t have to wear shoes to obtain food or flee from danger. In our bipedal world, running has become more about sport and exercise than survival. So now the question is: Which is better—shod running (with shoes on) or barefoot running in Evansville?
Barefoot Running
One of the benefits of running barefoot is that it strengthens the muscles of the feet, ankles, and arches. Scientific testing has also determined that running barefoot surprisingly takes less energy than running with shoes on due to the foot having to lift the weight of the shoe. This effect is leading to the popularity of minimalist running shoes instead of the chunky joggers of the past, as well as the popularity of running barefoot. The adverse effect is that an uncovered foot, or one with minimal covering, is exposed to the terrain, potentially leading to damage of the soft tissues of the feet.
Shod Running
Running with a shoe on protects the feet from whatever terrain is being traveled, whether it’s a mountain path or a smooth track. Shod running has a larger impact when the heel hits the ground. That impact is absorbed in the knees, hips, and lower back, possibly leading to injuries. If you began as a shod runner, it’s difficult to transition to barefoot running. You will need to let all previous injuries heal and try transitioning with minimalist shoes first.
The decision to choose shod or barefoot running in Evansville is like most fitness choices—explore your current health condition, partner with your coach or physician, and the right choice is the one that works best for your individual needs. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of running, whether with shoes or without, the friendly staff in Evansville at BFit is here to help! Contact us or stop by today! If you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, you’re always welcome here! Join us today!
