Barefoot Running
I’ve always enjoyed running, even when I was a child doing cross country for my school at 11 years old. Whenever I need some cardio, running is the first exercise I like to turn to. I wouldn’t call myself a serious runner (I run about 3 miles a day, a few times a week…rock climbing takes up most of my fitness days), but after reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall I have been wanting to spend more of my time running regularly again.
From the book, and further reading beyond Born to Run, I’ve come across the term “Barefoot Running”. Although there is a debate on what is the best type of running for you, here is the long story short: Humans have the ability to run longer distances without stopping than any other living creature. Humans have ran for thousands of years. We ran fine before shoes were invented. But with the invent of the running shoes, we have seen more running injuries than ever. Why? Because all of these cushions, padding and heel supports are actually hurting your feet. By supporting your feet, they cause us to have ankle heel strikes (more force on impact) instead of running on our toes like we would naturally barefoot. Also, with all of that padding, we are unable to work up the muscles in our legs that were made to provide that natural support.
I already owned the Reebok Realflex running shoe from about six months prior. While they are not quite “barefoot”, they are made to support your more natural movement with minimal padding. I thought these shoes were awesome from the very first time I wore them.
But then today in the mail, I got my VivoBarefoot Evo II running shoes from theClymb.com. These are true barefoot shoes. While I am not an expert on shoe construction or barefoot running, I can very much tell the difference between even Reebok’s “natural running” shoes and these barefoot shoes. Since certain muscles in our legs have remained dormant for years due to our shoes providing the support for them, I read that it was recommended to really ease yourself into barefoot running. They are not kidding. Since I normally run 3 miles, I thought I’d run half a mile in my new shoes just to get the feel for them. During the first lap, I was working on really paying attention to the way my foot was landing on the ground. It was extremely easy to pick it up in these shoes, which almost seem to force you to run on your toes as you would naturally. On the second lap, I noticed how straight my entire body’s posture was. It seemed with proper forefoot running, my body really did not want to slouch over or look down. I felt like a natural pull was causing me to run in proper runner’s stance. I was having so much fun discovering the correct way to run, that after the half mile was over I wanted to keep going. So I ran a full mile, which I still thought was “easing into the new shoes” since I usually run 3+ miles at a time.
About an hour after my run in these new shoes, I got up from relaxing and started walking to extremely sore calves. I’ve pushed myself and ran 8-ish miles at once, and the next day my calves did not hurt as much as they do now. After just one mile in these shoes, I completely believe the barefoot running side of the debate. My posture was immediately corrected. These muscles that I apparently have not been using are now becoming active. I glided so easily on my tip toes; so much that I believe when my calves are used to these shoes – I’ll be able to run with much more ease, and at greater lengths, than I used to in my old shoes. I don’t even know if I will want to go back to my awesome Reebok Realflexes after these Vivobarefoot shoes. I may be sold on these for life.
I’m excited to start running more in these shoes and see how far I can take myself in them. I’m a little bummed I’ll have to take it slow at first..so I’ll have to research exactly what people suggest for the transition into barefoot. Unfortunately these shoes run for $140 retail, but I was able to get them for $40 at theclymb.com. I would highly, highly suggest registering for the Clymb if you haven’t already. Great outdoors/fitness/clothing products for at least half of retail costs. And even if I never see Vivo Barefoot products on the Clymb again, I think I would save up the money to own something as outstanding as these shoes. I don’t think I can ever go back to the high-padded shoes that I’ve been used to my whole life.
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