You have been listening to the argument in favour of maximum cushioning for years. Now listen to the facts.
It’s better to be barefoot because:
1) It gives you increased running efficiency
Research suggests that running barefoot increases efficiency by 4%. This is likely to be due to the fact the foot can function
more effectively without the restriction of supportive footwear
2) Decreased chance of injury
Running in Vibram FiveFingers® means that you will have a greater awareness of your foot position on the ground and have
increased leverage making you less likely to suffer an ankle sprain.
When running barefoot on hard surfaces, the runner compensates for the lack of cushioning underfoot by plantar-flexing
the foot at contact, thus giving a softer landing. This helps to prevent shin splints.
3) Strengthens foot muscles
When you support a broken limb with a plaster the muscles weaken. Likewise when you support the foot with cushioning it
results in a weakening of muscles. Weak muscles make for greater injury risk, greater dependency on shoes, and impaired
performance.
4) Decreases risk of bunions
Because the traditional shape of feet does not match the shape of our shoes, the big toe is often pushed towards the
middle of the foot and the same is true of the little toe. This along with the heel of the shoe pushing the big toe even further
results in a deviation of the big toe which can lead to bunions.
5) Maximises biomechanical performance
Counter to popular belief that the arches are there to absorb shock- they are in fact designed to store energy and return
that energy to the gait cycle on the next step. Wearing shoes that “support” the arch prevent the arches from performing
their function. Being barefoot ensures that the arches are working as they are designed to.
To view the full range and for more information visit: www.primallifestyle.com
For more information please contact Jenny Scott or Gill McVeigh or Rae Young at Brandnation:
0207 940 7178
jenny@brandnation.co.uk
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