Running in barefoot or minimalist shoes
The amount of cushioning that is required for running is a more personal choice. There are multiple studies that promote more cushioning, even more that support no cushioning and even barefoot. There is no conclusive “better” in this scenario. While cushioned shoes soften the landing, minimalist shoes promote a more natural gait cycle and running form.
What Are Minimalist Running Shoes
Minimalist or barefoot running shoes are simply shoes that make you feel like you’re running barefoot without your feet actually touching the ground, providing some protection from hazards on the ground. They have minimal cushioning and lie completely flat on the ground.
Traditional shoes usually have a meaty heel cushion and even midsole cushion.
Benefits Of Running In Minimalist Shoes
Low impact gait - Minimalist shoes allow you to feel the ground more. This allows your body to adapt to the surface faster, and if there is one thing the body doesn’t like - it’s impact. Minimalist shoes motivate you to change your gait to a more natural and low impact mode which often means a mid foot to a forefoot strike that can help you engage your muscles more effectively.
Feel the ground more - Feeling the ground more means more nerve stimulus and better muscle mind connection.
Minimalist shoes are lighter - Minimalist shoes are usually much lighter than traditional running shoes. The weight difference may not feel like a lot initially, but if you run long distances, the benefit truly adds up in your favor.
Choosing the right minimalist shoes
The best running shoes are no shoes at all. Now that is what we promote but of course this comes with a caveat. The surface that you run on should be safe, and your muscles should be strong enough to take impact as you switch to something more minimalist or even choose to go shod less.
There are a couple of features that should be looked at when trying minimalist running shoes -
1. The fit- Make sure your shoes are tightly anchored at your ankle and your mid foot. This allows your toes to be free and do their job of balancing and pushing off effectively.
2. Sole grain - The sole surface should be grippy enough so you feel confident running on the surface you usually run on. Constant slippage may make things tricky.
3. Cushioning - While being barefoot is good for you. Being completely barefoot when you start may not be possible and even practical. It is good to look at options to slowly transition to barefoot shoes and reduce cushioning gradually.
Trying out barefoot running is a bittersweet experience when you start but once you get used to it, it becomes really difficult going back to your heavily cushioned shoes.
The primal instincts kick in and you feel so much lighter and jumpier. The feeling is like no other.
Do try Zen Barefoot for your next barefoot run. We make your barefoot experience safe and help you take your runs to the next level.
