SUPER ANIMAL: Minimalist Footwear

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Minimalist Footwear

So-called “barefoot shoes” offer the closest feel to running truly barefoot. Soles provide the bare minimum in protection from potential hazards on the ground. Many have no cushion in the heel pad and a very thin layer (as little as 3-4mm) of shoe between your skin and the ground. Others offer a bit more cushioning.
Most significantly, all are characterized by a “zero drop” from heel to toe. This encourages a more natural midfoot or forefoot strike. Traditional running shoes, by contrast, feature a 10-12mm drop from the heel to the toe.With any barefoot running shoe, people with high arches tend to have the shortest break-in time and fewest problems. Heavily pronating runners—those whose feet flatten during weight-bearing exercise—may struggle to adjust to the lack of arch support.