Have you tried running barefoot? © Shutterstock
Barefoot running as the word suggests is running without any shoes. You will see a barefoot runner in almost any major running event. In the running community, a book called Born to Run became hugely popular and started the trend of running barefoot. According to the book, there is a tribe in Mexico called Tarahumara. People of Tarahumara are called the best ultra runners in the world and they mostly run barefoot or use very low cushioned sandals. Barefoot runner and fitness expert Mukul Nagpaul, owner, PMF Training lists out the advantages and disadvantages of barefoot running.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Precautions
If you are not used to barefoot running then you need to progress really gradually as most of us are used to running in shoes and all of a sudden switching to barefoot running can give your feet a shock causing damage to the tendons. So it is advisable to first switch to shoes with less cushioning, then to a minimalistic shoe and then barefoot. It is very important to gradually increase the distance with barefoot running otherwise there are chances of injuries and a lot of painful blisters. If you don t have any pains, heel strike or injuries while running with shoes, there is no need to switch to barefoot running.
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