Advantages of Barefoot Running

Improved Health Benefits Drastically reduced Injuries Superior Running Economics

Why Run Barefoot?

History

Abebe Bikila 1960 Rome Olympics

Commenting on why he run on bare foot, Abebe said,

"I wanted the world to know that my country Ethiopia has always won with determination and heroism."

Kalahari Desert

BackgroundPersistence Hunt

Not invented until the 1970’s Bill Bowerman, University of Oregon and Nike

BackgroundModern Shoe

Mechanics of the Foot

26 small bones (one-quarter of the bones in

the human body). 33 joints. More than 100 muscles, tendons and

ligaments. A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and

soft tissue.

Components26-33-100

Endo-, Ecto- and Mesomorph body types Flatfoot, High Arch, Normal Arch Any combination will result in a natural

forefoot strike No need for correction

Mechanics of the FootGenetics

Modern shoe allows for a heel-to-toe

movement Natural movement is a forefoot strike “Shock Absorbency” gel

Mechanics of the FootArch Support

 Natural rotation of the foot, hand or forearm The foot pronates to displace force “Motion Control”

Mechanics of the FootPronation

High Speed Capture Heel Strike Impact

High Speed Capture

Mid Foot Impact

Kenyan High Speed

Injury

Heel Striking Pronation control

InjuryCauses

Plantar Fasciitis Iliotibial band syndrome Achilles Tendonitis Stress Fractures Medial tibial stress syndrome Patellar Femoral Pain Syndrome Osgood-Schlatter Syndrome

InjuryTypes

This is not a fight about barefoot vs. shoes It’s not about what you wear on your feet It’s about what you’re doing with your feet Less is More

Take Away Message