

How can this be? Not only were these participants wrong about the foot strike they perceived themselves to have, but heel striking runs counter to the belief that minimalist shoes force forefoot striking. However, after analyzing footstrike patterns with a slow-motion camera, 33% of the runners were actually heel strikers. When researchers interviewed 35 runners who wore minimalist shoes and asked them whether they were heel or forefoot strikers, all 35 responded that they were forefoot strikers. But, it’s not that simple.Ĭonsider a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina. Many runners mistakenly believe that slipping on a pair of minimalist shoes will “force” them to run on their forefoot. Minimalist shoes will automatically turn you into a forefoot striker Here are three common misconceptions about the role of footwear when it comes to changing running form and a more thoughtful approach to how they can help. Footwear is simply one of the many tools in your repertoire to improving mechanics and reducing injury. That’s not to say footwear plays no role in your current running mechanics or how you approach improving your form but, they are not a panacea. Minimalist footwear has become the one-size-fits-all “hack” to running with better form. Specifically, many runners have been lead to believe that switching to a minimalist shoe will automatically improve their form, reduce injury and make them a more efficient runner. This tendency has now made its way into how many runners view running shoes. I think it might be ingrained in our DNA. Even the most knowledgeable of athletes can’t resist headlines that claim to have found the “hack” or the “secret” to better training.

This post is about the best barefoot shoes in 2023.It’s a natural tendency in our society to try and simplify complex training ideas and topics into one-size-fits-all recommendations. On top of that, elderly patients noted that walking barefoot or wearing barefoot shoes reduces both hip and knee joint loads. While barefoot footwear has many benefits, helping with knee pain is one of the most important.Īccording to a study on the effectiveness of a long-term use of a minimalist footwear , wearing the best barefoot shoes for everyday use causes a reduction in knee adduction while also reducing pain. Most importantly, they are great for your keens. Are barefoot shoes good for knees?Ĭhances are that you’ve already heard plenty of rumors surrounding barefoot shoes. Additionally, Corban University proved that barefoot running reduces pronation, which is common among people with flat feet. The University of Delaware and Harvard Medical School mentioned that barefoot activities can make arches stronger and higher. You are less likely to experience pain while walking or running if you have flat but strong feet. Many studies suggest that what matters the most is the arch strength and not the height. In reality, whether you walk or run, landing on the heel of your shoes can cause up to three times more force than landing on the forefoot – which is common in barefoot walking or running! Are barefoot shoes good for flat feet? While the extra cushioning can seem very comfy initially, it prevents your feet from functioning normally in the long run. The most prominent issue with traditional shoes vs barefoot shoes is the poor fit and heel elevation. Traditional shoes are much too narrow for our feet and cause out toes to squish together – instead of spreading apart for balance.

There are so many benefits to barefoot shoes – one of the biggest being that barefoot shoes are made to fit your feet (and not the other way around). Take a look at the best barefoot shoes for everyday use below. Spoiler alert: they will perfectly match the best sustainable socks from our previous article! Our selection includes tried and true heroes like the beloved Vibram Five Fingers footwear, some noteworthy all-occasions-appropriate, custom-size barefoot shoes, and work-approved loafers for all your future office wear ensembles. However, the city-approved options rival the best affordable barefoot running shoe collections in terms of variety, price, and style. When you think of the best barefoot shoes, chic slip-ons aren’t the first barefoot footwear that comes to mind. 2023 is the year of innovation, and luckily for us, our favorite barefoot shoe brands are here to give a utilitarian spin to our modern flats, sneakers, mules, and sandals.
