Barefoot Running Benefits

Barefoot Running Benefits

When you walk or run barefoot, especially on harder surfaces, the ground puts deformation pressure on the underfoot which prompts stronger activation of the underfoot nerves (pressure and mechanoreceptors). This specific type of ongoing sensory engagement and nerve activation is directly linked to enhanced intrinsic muscle activity throughout the foot which was found to be one of the best ways to get immediate improvements in foot functional strength. From this, when your feet are strong, your stability is strong and when your stability is strong, your chances of injury decreases! Read more here on how the foot can also develop its own motion control protections and improve pronatonary abnormalities through barefoot running and walking.

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