Do you think barefoot running is BS?

[Anonymous]

I'm just wondering what the average person thinks of it. (and by bs I mean bull sh*t in case you were napping there)

Yes

No

Maybe

I don't know

[aMuse]

What are the claims that you are questioning? I like running with shoes because it protects my feet from the harsh temperatures and abrasion my feet would receive from asphalt or punctures I could receive from debris like broken glass, stray nails, or anything else. Also shoes do give impact resistance which helps cushion your ankles, knees, and feet in general. I've run side by side with a barefoot runner in a marathon before. He kept good enough pace, but that's not for me. =P My metatarsals hurt enough the day after a long run with shoes from the extension of the tendons from continuous impact. I could only imagine how much they would hurt if I had no protection on feet.

[aMuse]

*on my feet

[Asker]

The claims are pretty much just that its harder to get an injury with barefoot running. And that those cushions are really making your feet weak and making you run with heel impact is supposedly bad.

[aMuse]

Well your tendons will definitely catch a lot more impact running barefoot and as a result strengthen your tendons... So I can see where your feet would get stronger. Probably not that big of a deal if you are running a mile or two. It's a little more of a concern in my eyes if you are running 10+ miles upwards to 26 miles. =D

[WeaponZero]

I voted yes because my definition of running is more of sprinting than jogging, and you can't safely do that barefoot as the stride when sprinting forces a heel strike which is what barefoot running is specifically trying to prevent.

[Asker]

How fast would you have to run for you to consider it a sprint?

[WeaponZero]

pretty much balls-out, run-for-your-life type running.

[MyThoughts]

When the human civilization started out we walked miles barefoot. When we were born we was barefoot, we didn't come out with a fresh pair of $1000 yeezy or $400 lebrons or jordans.

[Shameneyes]

um,not really considering we weren't born with shoes to our feet (>.>)

[TheUglyOne]

I don't think it confers any special benefit. And in fact, running barefoot in urban environments can be risky; sharp debris, dog poop, leaking sewage, etc. And if you're not used to going around outside barefoot, during the summer the sidewalks and asphalt can get quite hot.

I know proponents insist humans went barefoot before civilization. I agree, but humans also use go always go naked too but I doubt we'd go back to that.

[Asker]

we might not be going back to being naked but I've actually heard that nudity would be best for the genital area...at least for women. I don't know about men.

(and anyone who would run barefoot where they could be glass is nuts. as for the dog poop, I think its probably easier to wash it off of your foot than out of all the little cracks and creases of shoes)

[TheUglyOne]

haha maybe but still very gross to get poop on your skin.

I bet few men would argue your point about nudity hahaha

[RedThread]

Bullsh*t as in nobody partakes in it or bullsh*t that it is healthier than running with shoes? I assume you mean the latter. Anyway it has been proven that the way we run in shoes isn't natural and that it actually can cause problems. I wouldn't recommend barefoot running unless you have tough feet though... I suppose you could build up tolerance...

[just_tired]

How do you even mean bullsh*t..? What are the statements about barefoot running that are supposed to be bs or not?

[Asker]

Like you'll be less prone to injury.

[just_tired]

I wouldn't put my bets on it. Possible bruises and cuts to the foot, more pressure to the joints and tendons.. I usually support anything natural when it comes to working out but I'm not sure about that. Walking barefoot or with sock like shoes is another story. It helps keep ankles strong. Too much support on a joint weakens them.

[VALEN_tine_ANGEL]

barefoot running makes your feet stronger and harder. I am usually barefoot when I am jogging and playing football (soccer).

[baliguy11]

I run barefoot on the beach only. there shoes are actually a problem. there it works great but if you are not used to it you will blister badly.

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

BS? no, I think people do it. Do I think it's a good idea? Nah.

[Anonymous]

I love running without shoes. It feels really good. But I HATE getting cut, stung, slipping, pricked with thorns, etc. So I choose shoes.

[Anonymous]

I think I'll stick to running with shoes, barefoot running sounds like it hurts and could cause problems

[Xx_DRE_xX]

Its way better because its natural.