Shoes today particularly joggers or runners seem to have more technical features than shoe.
Things like…
Superior Cushioning.
Flexibility in the right places.
Stability or Motion control.
Traction on road or trails.
Tortional stability – stiff where needed.
Night-time reflectivity.
Breathability.
(list courtesy of https://www.active.com/running/articles/running-shoe-guide-for-dummies)
are all meant to improve our running walking exercise experience, but what is all this really doing to our feet and legs?
Is this constant disconnect between our feet and the ground actually weakening our feet, collapsing arches, shortening tendons and calf muscles and prompting more injuries?
Sure for contact sports protective footwear is essential, you won’t gt a run on the soccer field without a good pair of boots, and for some of us with major structural imbalances extra support is critical.
But for basic Primal fitness exercise, there are a few options that have been around for a while, but I too have only recently started wearing….and loving.
Minimal shoes typically mimic being barefoot, but with a little protection.
They are lightweight, have limited cushioning, are super flexible and have thin soles….and feel great to wear.
Research has shown they help naturally improve your “foot strength and arch function”
(Quote from Journal of Sport and Health Science “The effect of minimal shoes on arch structure and intrinsic foot muscle strength”)
If you give them a try, ease into them. By this I mean I started with Nike “Free” and after 12 months, moved to Vibram FiveFingers.
Firstly walking around the house, then walking outside and then short periods of exercise increasing gradually.
Initial arch and calve discomfort is expected until you adjust to them, but stop if you feel any pain.
I am Rod Bucton. This is Sports Adventure
I help busy over 40 year old fathers get fit, lean, strong and get out and play.
To apply for a free coaching call visit www.sportsadventure.com.au