The Benefits of Running with Barefoot Running Sandals

There is no argument that running barefoot is the most natural way to run, mankind has done just that for thousands of years. Barefoot running strengthens the foot-ankle complex as well as the rest of the kinetic chain, the knee, hip, core and upper body. Barefoot running promotes a more natural mid-foot/forefoot landing which allows the runner to take advantage of the elastic energy stored in both the Achilles tendon and longitudinal arch of the foot. This also helps to develops calf and foot muscle strength. Walking or running barefoot allows the thousands of nerve endings in our feet to connect us to the world and communicate with the brain to maintain a body position and posture that is neutral or balanced to the ground. This sensory perception is hindered by thick cushioned and inflexible shoes. Range of motion of the foot and ankle is also hindered by these shoes.

So why wear  Barefoot Running Sandals? Simple, it is safer than barefoot as it provides minimalist protection for the runners sole from unseen hazards on the ground while still providing all the benefits of going barefoot. Barefoot running sandals (also known as Huaraches) are made with a thin piece of flexible sole material (usually rubber or leather) that is suspended to the bottom of your foot with some lacing material. Since these sandals are thin and light weight with no upper material, there is no restriction to the foots range of motion or barefoot feel. This promotes a natural barefoot running form with a mid-foot/forefoot strike vs. a heal strike that many of the modern running shoes promote with their wedge shaped designs and thick padding. Heal strikes of course increase impact on the foot, knees and hips that could lead to joint injury over time.

If you are new to barefoot running (or walking) start off slow and break your feet in gradually. Go around the house, yard or beach barefoot when you can. You may find that even after a short time of walking or running barefoot that your feet are getting sore. That is because they are now moving in an unrestricted range of motion that they are not used to. The muscles, ligaments and soles of your feet will need to strengthen before you go full time barefoot walking or running with out injury. Also the calfs of your legs may get sore as they adjust to the full range of motion of the unrestricted foot.

Over time you will find that barefoot walking or running will help to naturally improve your posture, gait and carriage as it continues to strenghten the muscles and ligaments in your feet, legs and hips. Increase your barefoot time gradually and pay attention to what your feet are telling you and wear your barefoot sandals to protect your soles from unseen hazards on the ground.

Quote:

The foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.

Leonardo da Vinci

To learn more about Ron G's custom made Huaraches, please visit my web site at:
http://www.allwaysbarefootsandals.com/

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