Barefoot Running

The benefits of natural running

John Woodward has been running barefoot for thirty years and finds that it works for him. Here he describes his philosophy and how you might benefit from ditching your shoes.

I've been running barefoot for 30 years. There's a frothy and a deep answer as to why I started. Frothy: it was the summer of love - 1970s and after a summer of barefootin' my feet spread so much that shoes felt none too comfortable. Deep: at the time I was studying human movement as well as getting interested in body awareness issues and the Alexander Technique. Observing how the body moves and runs in natural conditions became a fascination since then I've taught people some of the design blueprint principles I've discovered on the Natural Running Courses (in their 21^st year).

Barefoot reveals the natural stride - one that has not had to adapt to the restrictions of protective footwear. There are 220,000 nerve endings in each foot so barefoot running sure does give a massive boost to the proprioceptive sense. Giving more information to the brain sparkles up the experience of running. Scientific studies recently have shown that there is significantly less strain in a bare foot stride. This doesn't necessarily mean less injury, because the feet are more vulnerable. People who try it though are usually surprised just how robust the foot is and a glance at our probable evolution would back this up. Similar studies seem to indicate that the cushioning and extra support of top-end shoes seems to degrade, rather than enhance running performance. Put it all together and it makes for a fun, fascinating and rewarding exploration. I reckon happy hormones are a much underused resource. I always feel happier running in bare feet.

Two elderly ladies overheard on a bus while returning from the chiropodist, One says' What did he say then?" The other lady: "Well, they're not much good, as feet that is, but a handy place to hang my shoes!" Anyone (with feet) can learn from the barefoot experience but for a certain group of people it is not a good idea because their feet are not much good any more. There are also people with clinical neuropathy - patients with problems that make the feet numb and insensitive. Since most foot problems relate back to the limitations of shoes most people can learn something of value from the experience, if it's only to become more mindful and careful as they pick 'em up and put 'em down!

John Woodward is a tutor for The Natural Running Course