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