Skip to main content

Barefoot research

I spotted this on Drew Baye's Facebook:
THE WONDER OF THE BARE FOOT ON NATURALLY DEPOSITED GROUND and BETTER SHOES FOR MAN MADE CONDITIONS

A fascinating overview of research about the benefits of barefoot training.

Incidentally, the barefoot / minimalist shoe movement that the doctor complains about:

Running in both minimalist shoes and racing flats does not resemble barefoot running. If used on naturally deposited ground, the ideal condition for barefoot locomotion, these shoes essentially eliminate plantar surface (bottom of foot) localized deformations and shear stress, mechanical forces applied to the plantar surface which produce sensory feedback. These sensations are responsible for the mechanics of barefoot running. If used on outdoor man made surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt,, that allow minimal localized plantar deformation, these shoes will minimize shear stress thereby reducing sensory feedback to levels seen in any shoe.

....continues. I saw today that Merrell are bringing out a new line to cash in:

Merrell Goes Barefoot For 2011

We've saved the most interesting development till last, Merrell is launching a range of minimalist outdoor shoes called 'Barefoot' which they've developed in partnership with Vibram.

There are six models in the range – priced between £80 and £90 – all of which use the same Vibram sole unit with minimal support and cushioning. The theory, based on bare-foot running, is that removing cushioning and stiffening allows the foot to move more naturally and encourages forefoot striking rather than heel landing, which is only possible because of mid-sole cushioning.

Merrell says that the result is lower impact and a more efficient and aligned gait plus stimulated muscles increasing core strength, improving ability and building 'the body's ability to burn more calories'.

It's interesting stuff and the first barefoot shoes we've seen designed for general outdoors walking rather running. Intriguingly, the other advocate of minimal, barefoot footwear at the show was inov-8, arguably about as far away from Merrell as you can get.

Maybe I'm being cynical about cashing in. I like inov8 shoes though - a really nice fit that I use for the hills.
Labels:

Comments

Methuselah said…
Innov8 are doing some quite forward-thinking stuff around barefoot. I've not got any links, but they are due to release a shoe that's very minimalist soon and I've even seen photos of a prototype that looks like basically a condom for a foot!
August 2, 2010 at 1:03 PM
Chris said…
foot as in 12 inches?


(sorry, couldn't resist)
August 2, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Chris said…
I do virtually all my hillwalking in innov8s now. When I do wear boots it feels like my feet are in plaster casts.
August 2, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Raymond said…
Gee I run a lot and haven't seen this before in Australia I hope I can find the Merrell Barefoot out here.
Cool Info
Thanks
Raymond
August 2, 2010 at 1:56 PM
Methuselah said…
No - for the thing at the end of your leg :-)

The new minimal barefoot shoe is called the Bare-Grip™ 200.

I've forwarded the photo of the 'condom' shoes to your email!
August 2, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Ian Simon said…
The new issue of 220 triathlon magazine has an article on barefoot running, including details of the Inov-8 show to be released for Xmas. I'm very tempted - at £40, its a realistic price to give it a try.

Unfortunately, the article isn't on the website - you'll need to read it in WHSmith!
August 3, 2010 at 2:06 AM
Chris G said…
I'm another inov8 user, 330s for everyday use and terroc 295s for hill walking. I havent used them in the winter yet but did go 5 hours over boggy wet ground last week with some seal skinz socks with them. The shoes let in water but my feet were still dry when I got back to the car. Havent tried them on scree or snow yet though. The last time I looked at their website they were bringing out what was going to be the worlds lightest leather walking boot. How do you find the 315s Chris?
August 3, 2010 at 7:40 AM
Anonymous said…
I am interested in the Inov's Recolite 190 Light model (http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973083) for general use, walking, shorts sprints and exercise - wondering if anyone has tried them and would recommend them for those activities.

Thanks, Chris
August 4, 2010 at 10:20 AM
Chris said…
@Chris G

I actually use Roclite 295's

I really enjoy them. Great grip, light and really flexible. Most of my walking is in the Scottish Hills and most is in these shoes. I used to use terrocs but found they were a bit slippy on wet rock whereas the grip in the Roclites is superb.

This and this were done in Roclites and in the winter - like you - I've use sealskinz
August 4, 2010 at 3:13 PM
ladyheart said…
Appropriate footwear are the most important element against pain. Choosing the right shoes avoids your feet to become overused, overstretched, or inflamed.
nike running shoes
March 10, 2011 at 12:41 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dry January

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was taking part in "Dry January".  I didn't make a big song and dance about it, but I decided to go for a calendar month or so with no alcohol.  A few people have asked me about my experience, so here are a few points. Why take a break from drinking? Alcohol is an interesting topic.  As a drug it is widely accepted in society, central to so much of our socialising and leisure.  There seem to be lots of health benefits - so we are told - yet there are also a lot of problems in terms of health, relationships and lifestyle that come from drinking. Over a few years I'd begun to become aware and then concerned that I was drinking too much and too regularly.  I am in a busy and stressful job and sometimes a glass of wine after work to relax is really helpful.  But over time, one glass became two.  Two glasses became ....I might as well finish the bottle.  A habit got established....and was starting to get too e...
7 comments
Read more

So where have I been?

You will have noticed that this blog has been quiet for a while....  There are a few reasons for that, reasons that I thought I'd list here: WORK -  my day job has been incredibly busy and stressful this year. Working 10-14 hour days the last thing on my mind when I got home was putting something on here.  FACEBOOK/TWITTER - I suppose I've been using other channels to do some of what I used to do here. Quick fire posts pointing to interesting studies or news etc tend to get posted to Twitter (@chrishighcock) or to the Facebook Hillfit group http://www.facebook.com/groups/263083947097000/  REASSESSMENT - I've found myself less comfortable with some of the positions I've taken in the past. Sometimes I'm embarrassed by some of the things I've promoted. I'm not Paleo or low carb. I think Tabata and intervals are misunderstood and misapplied. I cannot really claim to be HIT.   I find myselfunable  honestly to post things on here and pretend that I am some sort o...
12 comments
Read more

Taking up space for a brief update

I've a couple of posts in draft that I will get up soon -  an update / reflection on Dry January and some thoughts on the scheduling benefits of short workouts if your life is busy.  Before that though, I am pointing to something else. However, I wanted to highlight something that is coming this weekend that I've been involved in.   Amber Rogers (Gokaleo and author of Taking Up Space ) has been pulling together a bundle of books from various authors with a common theme, one that I've been pushing here recently.   Keep it simple, avoid the hype, be patient, be consistent and flee the gurus.   I've talked before about how we get obsessed with pushing for more and more, when enough is OK.  I've given my view that so much of the health and fitness internet world is more like a gnostic religion than something that will benefit your life. There are other voices out there saying similar things and I'll be pointing to a bundle of books later this week ...
1 comment
Read more