Introduction To Minimalist Running Shoes

　　For decades people have been accustomed to running and doing heavy walking with a great deal of padding on their feet. It has been instilled in the minds of the people that thick padding will prevent any injury to the feet and legs. Recently however, this belief has been challenged by the emergence of growing proofs on the benefits of minimalist running shoes. The fascination of people on this particular subject matter was perchance been amplified by the Best Selling novel of Runner McDougall’s Born to Run. In his book, he was able to vividly picture the culture of Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians who are able to cover hundreds of miles running swiftly wearing only thin sandals.
Minimalist Running: an overview
Since the world began our ancestors had walked and ran either barefooted or clad only with thin sandals made from dead animal’s skin. Even when they hunted and ran after their prey they practically wore nothing on the soles of their feet. Yet they were as quick and agile as the Tarahumara Indians are. With the advent of sneakers however, people have stopped running with barely clad feet. Running and walking now requires encasing our feet in heavily padded shoes which are supposed to prevent injury. With the wearing of stiff sneakers however, people’s gait had also changed. This new gait that people developed from wearing inflexible shoes makes them prone to injury when it comes to running.
The concept behind minimalist running rests on the revolutionary idea that “less shoe is better” as manifested perhaps by the Tarahumara Indians. It is the belief of the enthusiasts of minimalist running shoes that running practically barefoot or with just minimal feet covering actually benefits our feet, as well as our bodies health-wise.
Benefits of using Minimalist Running Shoes
You may wonder how would be your wearing shoes that have very thin soles that you would seem to be practically walking barefoot, would benefit your well-being? More so when you opt to wear those bizarre-looking toe shoes that would definitely make heads turn? Specifically minimalist running will yield the following:
1. Since minimalist running shoes have diminutive top covering, a smaller amount of arch support and little to no heel-to-toe drop, it facilitates the shift to a fore or mid-foot landing, instead of the heel which is most often than not very painful.
2. Minimalist running shoes are lightweight, flexible and have a roomy toe box which permits your toes to spread upon landing thus developing a more effective step and shorter running pace which reduces the effect of impact.
3. By running on minimalist running shoes, your feet’s muscles are actually strengthened and your figure is enhanced through as your body get used to it.
Wearing minimalist running shoes has actually its perks which are scientifically proven. Studies revealed that by aiding you to imitate the gait of a barefooted runner who lightly lands on his mid or forefoot, minimalist running shoes will help you enhanced your physical running form, hypothetically diminish injuries and makes you run effectively and quicker.