Do Minimalist Shoes Really Simulate Barefoot Running?
- Thread starter Barefoot TJ
- Start date
I agree with Sid. I haven't done enough shod running with my Aqua Lites yet to be totally sure, but so far my Moc3s, with a 2mm sole, are the only footwear in which I'm pretty sure my gait mechanics are close to the same as barefoot. But even there, I don't think I'm able to completely adopt bare form without consciously thinking about it, which I have a hard time doing. That said, I don't feel awkward in either the Moc3s or the Aqua Lites--they both feel pretty comfortable. But with my Bare Access shoes, with a stack height of 13 mm, I definitely feel like my gait is altered, and I even heel strike with them once in a while, which I never do bare or with the Aqua Lites or Moc3s.
I think any barrier between the soles and the running surface completely eliminates any semblance to barefoot. Full Stop.
Sensory input is what it's all about. 'Minimal' shoes might help to 'engage the muscles' in ways similar to BF, and they might promote good biomechanical function, but they're not barefoot.
Sensory input is what it's all about. 'Minimal' shoes might help to 'engage the muscles' in ways similar to BF, and they might promote good biomechanical function, but they're not barefoot.
I read the article... my major beef would be that they took 22 shod runners, put them in minimalist shoes, and expected them to suddenly run differently. Seems to me they should have tested barefoot runners with and without. *shrug*
NickW
Guest
I can't even take this seriously. Nike Free's.... Really.... Those are only a lighter version of a normal trainer... So many better and real minshoes and they choose the Free's, quite possibly some of the worst minshoes... They are narrow with a lot of cushion, although they are lighter'ish with more flexibility. Of course they are not going to mimic barefoot running. Get some real minshoes and I might take this study a little more serious.
NickW
Guest
Just found the stats on the Nike Free 3.0. 4mm offset (heel-toe difference) with a whopping 17mm sole in the heel and 13 in the forefoot. From what I can find, that is just the sole, not counting insole or anything. Weight is 8.4 ozs for a mens size 11.
