Should we ditch running shoes?

[Toadman]

And run on the balls of our feet naturally?

Quote:

In his recent book, Born to Run, author Christopher McDougall explores the broader notion of what "natural" running would entail. Taking aim at shoe companies, he argues that modern running shoes promote a heel-first stride that makes us more vulnerable to injuries. (He's a convert; since running in Vibram FiveFingers, a neoprene socklike foot covering, and changing his stride, he's seen his problems disappear.) McDougall cites studies showing that more expensive running shoes don't necessarily lead to fewer injuries. Other research suggests that heavily cushioned shoes actually prevent your foot from sensing the ground and can make you stomp down harder than if you didn't have all that padding and lateral support.

Barefoot?

[ShyguyXPC]

Don't know how accurate that is, I've been wearing athletic shoes/running shoes for as long as I can remember (15-20 years), and when I have them off I always walk more on the balls of my feet unlike my dad that tends to walk heel first (you can hear/feel him a mile away if the house floors were that long LOL), I walk the same way with the shoes on... but then again I don't wear $150 pairs of shoes either, usually the most I'll spend is $80 tops, usually closer to $40-60 when on sale, and another $20 at most of insoles with replacement warranty, etc.

I'm one of those people that can't stand wearing formal like shoes, don't provide enough comfort and "support" in the arch and other parts of the foot like the ball of the foot and heel. so even for work I wear running/athletic shoes, despite it looking a bit off with White dress shirt, tie, and khaki pants that we're required to wear LOL.

[Black*Dragon]

You are way off base.

Over the years I have had people accuse me of deliberately tiring to sneak up on them..

A human is a predator, yet we as a rule make noise as we walk.

It is the very fact that people do not walk right that is the problem, let alone running.

I do not slam my foot against the ground. Listen to people walk to understand where I am coming from.

It was my trained way of walking

[ShyguyXPC]

Me, or Toads post?

[Black*Dragon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Me, or Toads post?

Toads

[Toadman]

No doubt movement on the balls of our feet is more stealthy but I was looking at it from an anatomical angle, how we roll our feet from heel to toe when we run with supportive shoes. Landing on your heels is jarring and hard on the joints, if you can even see anything. In summary do athletic running shoes alter our natural stride when running? Not necessarily sprinting where we come up on our toes.

Glad you brought up sprinting TRB below. A whole different motion dynamic.

[The Real Bingo]

This is why, for exercise, I prefer sprints over distance running. If you run right, you won't let your heels touch the ground; distance runners tend to do the heel-toe thing.

[Black*Dragon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real Bingo

This is why, for exercise, I prefer sprints over distance running. If you run right, you won't let your heels touch the ground; distance runners tend to do the heel-toe thing.

If you learn the natural movement of your footies it will not matter your footwear.

I am a 5th calvary Scout/Sniper.........

[surreal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toadman

And run on the balls of our feet naturally?



Barefoot?

I heard the guy on NPR a few months ago, I think what he said made a lot of sense.

I was intrigued by the runners he talked about meeting in Mexico.

[Gomer]

I've got to take a picture of what I do to court shoes... I shred them. I get maybe 20 hours of hard sprinting and cutting out of them before portions of the bottom are worn clean through. They're gum rubber.

On another note. I walk quietly without slamming my feet against the ground... and I required no special training to do so =)