Submitted by: Dennis Robeson

Sometimes I hear remarks like I m going to try minimalist running-shoes , like this type of adjustment were a straightforward procedure comparable to changing socks. Unless those who create these types of remarks change their expectations, I m afraid they’re going to be unsatisfied due to their brand new running-footwear. Minimalist running-shoes undoubtedly are for those who use a forefoot landing as part of their running method. Those who make use of a heel strike landing including nearly all people who are changing from the standard running-shoe are going to consider running in a minimalist running-shoe uncomfortable. Their heel landing is likely to be jarring, since heel of their shoe just isn’t as padded. Because their soles tend to be relatively flat, many minimalist-running-shoes will probably tend to slap the ground as they transition from heel to toe. Prior to making the decision whether to wear minimalist running-shoes or not, a sports athlete should first decide whether he or she is prepared to change to a forefoot landing way of running.

Injury Prevention-Two Approaches

The chance of injury while running is significant. One reason for this is consistently beating your somewhat rigid heel gets each time your foot lands. Seeing that injuries, brought about by this recurring impact, can be long term if not permanent, runners need to have a technique for limiting this risk.

1. Heel Cushioning

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFHRCjH_zvo[/youtube]

Manufacturers historically have integrated cushioning to the soles of their athletic shoes especially in the heel in order to reduce this risk. This differential cushioning leads to a condition termed heel-to-toe-drop or “offset”. Your heel will be on the level with the ball of your foot if you are without shoes. You have no offset. While standing on the floor in traditional running-shoes, that have a well cushioned heel, your heel normally is quite a few millimeters greater than your forefoot. The difference in height is referred to as offset. While, high-offset shoes make the heel strike comfortable, they also make the forefoot-landing difficult to do.

2. Forefoot Landing

The additional means by which folks have diminished this risk of injury is to go back to the natural barefoot method for running because of its forefoot landing. By landing with your forefoot instead of your heel, your toes, tendons and muscles, employing their natural springiness, absorb the impact. Running with out footwear would be the only technique to employ the forefoot landing if ever the only running-footwear offered had a high offset. The risks of other kinds of injuries, though minor, are introduced by running without shoes.

Muscle strains – Switching from heel strike to forefoot landing isn’t going to eliminate the impact forces that create injuries. It merely moves the impact to portions of the body, that can better absorb it, particularly your Achilles tendons and calves. That transfer is complete and immediate when you switch running styles. The calf muscle particularly must be strengthened to cope with the added load, irrespective of your physical conditioning as a heel striker. The calf muscle in particular should be strengthened to handle the extra load, irrespective of your physical fitness as a heel striker. Get started with a few minutes the first day then you work your way up. If you don t, cramping and muscle strains are highly probable; and that means you might need to begin anew following a rather long convalescence.

Abrasions, Lacerations and Contusions – Running without running-shoes increases the likelihood of scrapes, cuts and bruises to the soles of one’s feet. If you run barefoot anyway, nature will eventually respond by providing natural soles of toughened skin on the bottoms of you feet. You’ll be able to decrease the risk still further by wearing athletic shoes developed for the forefoot landing that is minimalist running-shoes.

As we discussed, the choice to wear minimalist running-shoes could be a difficult one. Before you buy, question yourself.

The reasons you wish to change.

Should i retain any component of conventional shoes?

Am I willing to change to a forefoot-landing procedure for running?

About the Author: Dennis Robeson loves running and race walking and has recently become seriously interested in minimalist footwear. Please visit

minimalist-running-shoes.com

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=1248832&ca=Sports