I stumbled upon an old article titled 'Humans Were Born to Run Barefoot'. The obvious question is, as opposed to what? Born to running in Nikes? Now this is NOT news that for millions of years we were walking and running without shoes so to me the whole discussion about if it is natural for us to go barefoot is just silly. What's next, discussions if it is natural not to watch TV?
My experiences with going barefoot have been very positive so far, especially on trails. I love touching the Earth with my feet and I love it that I have to step lighter than if I were wearing shoes. After my two hikes, which true, were not that long, 4-5 miles, I could feel that my feet got some decent workout. I spend most of my days barefoot but on flat, smooth surfaces. Having to balance on tree roots and rocks was a nice change and a very good exercise.
Things I noticed:
- my step is lighter
- my stride is shorter (wonder if people with hip flexor problems wouldn't be helped if they ditched shoes)
- my gait is different even though for the past couple of years I've been hiking in VFF's
- skin on my soles is smoother and a bit shiny (no need for pumice anymore)
- it is interesting to notice how my toes are grabbing the surface they are on (I thought I would reuse this picture but the grip here was totally unintentional)
- I am still very slow when barefoot so if I need a cardio workout I need to put my VFF's on
- it did not take long to condition my soles but tendons are another story
- I still have a long way to go before I can hike as well as I do in VFF's
- hiking barefoot is FUN
- I have to hike barefoot more often to get rid of the tan lines!
