Is it Bad to Run Barefoot on Concrete?

Is it Bad to Run Barefoot on Concrete?

Running barefoot on concrete may actually weaponize your forefoot running stride, making you run better in shoes. For instance, good running efficiency, to some degree, depends on how well the elastic structures of the lower leg acts like energy-saving springs whereby running barefoot on concrete may promote the natural re-building of these structures, namely the arch of the foot. Even better, the more you run barefoot on harder surfaces, the more your arches grow taller and functionally stronger, the more they can become more spring-loaded with richer spring energy which may help you become a more economical shod (shoe) runner. Read more here on why running barefoot on concrete may help you make more efficient use of the arch and Achilles tendon for the betterment of running economy.

Bretta Riches

"I believe the forefoot strike is the engine of endurance running..."

BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
Bretta Riches