Joseph Michael Kai-Tsu Liu Roqueni has been running barefoot across North America for about a year now. He started in Montreal, Canada with the goal of making it to “the end of the world,” a nickname for the city of Ushuaia, Argentina. He’s currently just south of the Mexican city of Oaxaca.

According to Liu Roqueni, he never would have made it as far as he has without help from many of the people he’s met since beginning his journey. Since he started his quest he’s had to switch from running completely barefoot to running in a pair of thin sandals to avoid damage to his feet.

Running barefoot has its drawbacks, but it can be very beneficial to a runners’ performance if he or she is experienced enough. To learn more about barefoot running, talk to podiatrist Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff, DPM of Lake Worth Podiatry. Dr. Lapoff will explain what precautions you should take before running without shoes on and provide you with practical advice and insights.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
-Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

-When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

-No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Lake Worth, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

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