Barefoot running for Forefoot Strikers

Ankle Pain From Forefoot Running

01/04/2024 Bretta Riches 1

Ankle pain in a new forefoot runner is adaptive pain as the ankle, which is used more functionally in forefoot running thanin heel strike running, is just gaining more developmental strength to the new running condition. The pain will vanish once the ankle has adapted to forefoot running. Why does this pain arise in the first place? Its because the ankle has a bigger role to play in balancing the body, which significantly eases mechanical strain off the knee. In contrast, in heel strike running, the ankle is not used in this functional way but the knee is, which is why over-use knee injuries are higher in heel strike runners, since the additional mechanics engaged by landing heel-first was found to mis-use the knee in ways that causes loss of cartledge to the joint!

Is Barefoot Running Better for Your Hips?

18/03/2024 Bretta Riches 6

When compared to thick cushioned running shoes, barefoot running was found to engage widespread mechanical improvements that did a better job at reducing net impact loads and mechanical demands on the hips that accounted for stark reductions in hip pain.

Are Nike Frees Barefoot Shoes?

17/06/2023 Bretta Riches 1

The Nike Free is not a barefoot shoe because the heel is too thickly cushioned and stiff which was found to impair forefoot strike adaption as compared with barefoot running.

Are Minimalist Shoes Good for Your Feet?

26/06/2020 Bretta Riches 0

Minimalist running shoes prevent injury by encouraging mechanical engagements, such as increased arch mobility and compression, which makes the foot better at holding your stride mechanics more stable and prevents increases in impacts from spreading out onto the rest of the leg!

Are Minimalist Shoes Bad for Your Feet?

22/06/2020 Bretta Riches 0

One of the many functional assets of minimalist running shoes is a wide toe-box because it enables the toes to spread, flex, bend, extend and relax which is incredibly effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, but also helps disperse the little shock that’s produced in forefoot running as compared with narrow running shoes.