To Shoe or not to Shoe; Good Question

March 29, 2011

By now, many of you have probably heard about the barefoot running movement. This running option is slowly gaining momentum while quickly generating many questions.

Bellin Run organizers and training program experts aren’t picking sides in this debate, however, they’re hoping to help separate fact from fiction and provide up-to-date information on the subject so runners and walkers can make informed choices.

Nate Vandervest, a running specialist with Bellin Health Fitness & Athletic Performance, offers the following information regarding the question: “To shoe or not to shoe?”

The human body is engineered to run. This is an indisputable fact. It’s also a fact that the human foot is engineered to run. The benefit of barefoot running lies in the notion that it helps strengthen the foot by working the little used muscles of the foot that don’t get utilized much when they are confined within the protective cover and support of a shoe. But here’s the kicker – the human foot was engineered to run on ground, sand, grass and occasionally stone. It wasn’t designed to run on mile after mile of concrete.

There is a school of thought that says barefoot running leads to less injuries and better running mechanics. There really isn’t much scientific data to support this notion. Running injuries generally occur due to muscular imbalances and lack of flexibility. As for better running mechanics? They can be performed correctly if a person is coached properly – with shoes or without.

Whatever your preference (barefoot or shoe running), it’s important to remember two areas of emphasis, strength training and progression.

If a runner or walker has, through training, strengthened his or her legs, hips and core and is on a proper progressive training program (that builds to a race day peak), that person will be less likely to get injured and will more likely have a fulfilling race day experience.

So when it comes to the shoe or no shoe debate, the key is to be informed and stay in tune with your body. Being informed allows you to make the right decision for your run experience and overall foot health. In all reality, whatever option you chose is fine as long as it works for you.

If you have questions, please feel free to consult any of our running professionals at Bellin Health Fitness & Athletic Performance. We can be reached at (920) 430-4722.