Barefoot Running Shoes
By Drew Heideman, MPT, ATC, PES
Barefoot Running Shoes
A common perception is that running on hard surfaces such as pavement or concrete causes injuries. These injuries can be hip pain, plantar fasciitis, and runner’s knee. Because of this, many athletes have recently turned to barefoot running or minimalist running shoes in an attempt to change their running mechanics.
Image of woman walking on a path.
Barefoot running, or running in minimalistic shoes tends to change a runners’ mechanics causing him or her to land more towards the mid and forefoot. Forefoot and some midfoot strikers hit the ground in a way that generates minimal impact forces with the ground even on hard surfaces like pavement or the sidewalk.
Minimalist Shoes
When considering minimalist shoes there are a few things that runners should look for. The thickness of the cushioning in the heel and toe box of the shoe should be about the same. Also, it should not be too cushioned. They should be able to be easily twisted along the long axis and the shoe should bend backwards on itself easily. There should not be a stiff arch support that prevents the natural movement of the arch of the foot. There are several brands of barefoot running shoes currently on the market. The physical therapists at JOI Rehabilitation can give you recommendations of local retailers who sell these types of shoes.
Vector – vector illustration of a flat and normal feet
Related Article: Foot Pain in Athletes
Switching Shoes
Switching to a barefoot running style or to minimalistic shoes should be done with caution in order to prevent injury. It is very important that you follow a slow progression when you transition to this type of running. Even with a conservative program, runners likely experience some muscle soreness. Typically, the soreness is in your calf muscles, the Achilles tendon, or pain in the feet. Because of this, anyone who has a previous history of Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, previous stress fracture or metatarsalgia should proceed with extreme caution. In addition, if you have any foot-related or ankle-related problems, you should seek professional advice. One of our physicians or medical professionals can help before you start barefoot running.
Please read this article on how to choose the correct shoe for you.
Image of a Hairline Fracture of the leg
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
By: Drew Heideman, MPT, ATC, PES
