Barefoot Running

     Barefoot running (which is known to some as minimalist running) is running with (yes, you guessed it) no shoes on at all or in shoes that have an extremely thin sole. At some point in your life you have probably seen somebody walking around in shoes that look like gloves like their feet, and if you pay close enough attention to those running in your community, you may have spotted those types of shoes on runners, too.
     It's been argued by minimalist runners that by running with either no shoes or on shoes with a thin sole that this can correct form, foot strike,and lead to the prevention of injuries as you continue your running career.While scientifically there hasn't been any exact proof of the benefits from minimalist running, some runners prefer it much more over exercising in shoes made for just that.
     But think about this: why do we race in spikes? Besides the fact that the spikes grip whatever surface we're running on, therefore making it easier, they're so incredibly lightweight! By switching to spikes during a cross country race girls have shaved minutes off their time! Comparing spikes to running in no shoes, the amount of time runners are able to shave off must be paralyzing.
     It's also true that by running barefoot your foot will hit the ground differently. If you take some time to gather how this all works: we naturally don't really walk heel to toe. I mean, in a way we do. That's how we're supposed to walk, at least. But if you were to think about how you're walking down a hallway, you kind of naturally just walk on the pads of your feet. It's something you don't even have to think about. The first part of your foot to hit the ground is not actually the heel.
     So when runners run in shoes made for just that, the way the foot strikes the ground is adjusted, and more often than not, the heel is the first to hit the ground, or at least that is the intention of the shoe.This isn't typically a natural motion for most people I know, which may be why running can be so uncomfortable or cause constant injuries.
     By running barefoot, the foot strikes naturally (on the pads of your feet) and can seem more pleasant and comfortable to those who are running. It's something to consider if running isn't that pleasant for you now. Personally, I wouldn't try this. Given the problems my shins and knees have had over this past year, I plan to stay off my feet as long as I possibly can.