Pros and cons of barefoot running

Barefoot running was a normal chore ages back when shoes were not invented. Nowadays it is touted as a skill. However, the invention of shoes has largely reduced the scope for barefoot running. Yet it is followed by some athletes. Following are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• A recent research stated that barefoot running improves foot strength, which is very essential for a sport like football. It also rewards you with increased resistance against impact loads.
• Calf muscles gets stronger, minor tear or injuries are less prone to happen.
• Improves the upright posture of the body.
• A foot is a very complicated part of the body with lots of nerves and joints. Most importantly, these nerves, which start from the brain end at our feet. Barefoot running improves blood circulation, which in turn allows the brain to function better.
• Lessens knee pressure for athletes. In fact, it strengthens the knee bones, so much so that chronic pain is reduced. An athlete can train freely without worrying about injury layoffs.
• ‘Pronation’ and ‘Supination’ are words that have trended after the invention of shoes. Before that, these words hardly existed. So, it’s an undeniable fact that barefoot running does not cause these problems.
• Fungus infections usually happen when there is moisture or sweat. By running barefoot, the sweat evaporates and exposing it dry in the open air paves way for “NO” fungal infections.

Cons:

• Hardly gives any resistance against pebbles and rocks, which hampers the underside of the foot.
• Running on a sunny or rainy day is never comfortable.
• Running on a hot pavement will cause “blisters”.
• It is tough to fix your eyes away from the ground due to the pebbles present on your track; a huge distraction on race day.
• A recent research stated that, “Barefoot running is not adapted correctly by all athletes”. So an athlete with wrong foot striking or technique might end up with injuries.