Why run barefoot?
People who ask the question “why run barefoot?” are asking the wrong question. They should be asking, “why run with shoes?”.
The root of the issue is that the person asking the question is starting with an assumption (I need shoes) and asking about the base (the feet), instead of starting off at the base, and asking a question about making an assumption.
Let’s start with the facts:
- We were born barefoot — completely naked.
- Running shoes are a fairly recent invention.
- We evolved to be runners.
Given that we start off life without shoes, and we evolved to be runners, it would follow simply that we are born to run without shoes. If we leave out culture, peer/parental pressure/indoctrination, and look purely at physical reasons we would wear a foot covering, what would that list look like?
- To provide warmth and/or prevent heat loss.
- To protect the skin against extreme hot or cold.
- To protect the skin against protrusions such as jagged rocks, thorns, cacti, etc.
With that said, the simple answers to the question “why wouldn’t you run barefoot?” are:
- Too hot, the skin on my feet will burn.
- Too cold, my feet will get frostbite.
- I’m running over a field of broken glass and syringes, blindfolded. Or less sarcastically stated: I’ve kept my feet in shoes my entire life and I’m afraid to let them out, because they are incredibly sensitive.
If you’re currently running in shoes, ask not why I choose to go barefoot, but why you choose to go shod. Is it because that’s how people always have done it? That’s simply not true. Is it because you’re afraid of the scorn and odd looks from others? Is it because you’re afraid your feet will respond as if you’re the princess and the pea?
Well, why?!
Run barefoot because not only will it reduce your risk of injuries and strengthen the muscles in your feet, but also because its so much fun! I love feeling the ground beneath my feet and it takes me back to when i was a child!
Rob,
Great post! I agree 100%! Proponents of shoes seem to forget that running shoes are a new innovation. What better evidence is needed to argue our point?!?
Keep up the great writing!
-Jason
just don’t step on any glass.. but i did read good stuff about it:
http://barefootrunningshoes.org/2009/12/02/barefoot-running/
I think the main reason people continue to run with shoes is that:
– They have never heard of or considered barefoot running
– Advertising has always told them that they need shoes with good cushion and support to prevent injury
– You can’t run barefoot year-round in the Northern states
– They’d rather spend $80 – $100 on “actual shoes” and not VFF (there should be a cheaper alternative to VFF)
– I’ve heard the “What happens when you step on glass/rocks/$hard_sharp_object?”
Until more people start seeing others running around barefoot, I think it will be generally considered weird and you’ll receive scorn from everyone.
Dan — I think if more people were purchasing VFF and such, cheaper alternatives would exist. It’s still looked upon as a niche market, especially compared to the shoe market.
Some people do run barefoot year round, but I do not count myself among them yet, or perhaps ever.
How about you? Are you exploring your options?
I can consider running barefoot for once. I wanna know the feeling of running with no shoes. It sounds interesting and fun!