Naturally, Barefoot

You've seen them on the street, in the magazines, and even on the red carpet; yes, the barefoot shoe craze has started and gone full force within the last couple years. We are happy to endorse barefoot running, and we have plenty of shoes that will allow you the benefits - but, they aren't for everyone (right away). 

Barefoot shoes are the closest thing to being in your natural state of "barefoot" while still having protection on your feet. The most popular of the barefoot craze - Vibram Five Fingers. The idea behind barefoot shoes is to minimalize the drop from the heel to the toe (which is normally 1.5" to 2" of padding under the heel) leading the wearer to walk more naturally, on the midfoot or forefoot while allowing your feet to splay giving you a wider platform for landing. 

You'll notice when looking at the barefoot shoes that they tend to be a bit wider in the forefoot - this (specifically in the VFF) is to allow for the toes to separate and have the foot become wider near your toes, giving you a better balance. In barefoot shoes like Merrell that has non separated toes, you'll notice that the toe box is generally wider.

It is not uncommon for people to heel strike, in fact is about 97% of the population - before the introduction of barefoot shoes were/are heel strikers. By heel striking, you are taking your hips knees and back out of alignment, whereas when you are midfoot striking on your run, everything lines up a bit better, making your run less stressful on your joints and muscles. Read more about the physiology of running barefoot here!

What we love right now the the "Barefoot" line from Merrell. If you want to go for a trail run, there's a shoe for it; a road run, there's a shoe; barefoot at the office, no sweat! The line is so accessible there is a shoe for everyone.

Earlier in the post, we mentioned that barefoot running isn't for everyone, initially. The benefits are so great, that everyone could go barefoot but it might take some folks a bit longer than others to become used to the shoes. If you have flat feet, or you are a pronator (ankles roll inwards) barefoot shoes will help you out by strengthening the tendons and other muscles, but we can't stress it enough that you need to take your time getting used to the shoes! Even if you feel that you are already a midfoot runner, but you've never run in a minimalist shoe, take your time!! Merrell has set up a great barefoot website that gives training tips that everyone can follow. Running in a midfoot strike will do wonders for your posture, balance and alignment; it will even open up your chest for more efficient breathing! These shoes are created to allow your feet to move freely and strengthen the muscles that are otherwise guarded by traditional, stiffer running shoes. Let them flex!

For those of you who are having issues with knees or have back problems come on into the shop and try out some barefoot shoes from Merrell. Yes, they will feel different from anything you've ever had before but we can assure you that they will do wonders! Say goodbye to that torturous plantar fascitis, stretch it out and let your feet lead you!