As the nights are beginning to draw in and the weather to lace up your trainers and head out for a run might drop quicker than the temperature. But what if you skipped the footwear step altogether and connected your bare skin to the ground? Already shaking your head? Stick with us! Barefoot running has more benefits than you might realise.
'In the modern world it's easy to opt for physical ease and comfort,' according to yoga teacher Scarlett Woodford. 'But one of the downsides is that we've pushed our feet into overly cushioned and padded shoes [think trainers] causing your toes to cramp up together over time. Most of the shoes you wear also have a heel, which means your body tilts forward over time, and this can have a profound effect on your posture.'
So, what happens when you walk barefoot? 'Your toes can properly spread,' says Scarlett. 'Like fingers, the toes are appendages designed to splay out and have strength. Recruiting toes properly by going barefoot increases their strength and grip as they take more of the body's load.'
Alex Ward, co-founder of barefoot running brand Bahé (bahe.co), agrees. 'Fundamentally, if you're used to wearing "traditional shoes", then your feet will have adapted to them, meaning your toes will be held more tightly and won't function as naturally. Traditional shoes have a "toe spring" (upward curve at the toe) meaning your toes don't hinge as much in particular your big toe, which should act as a hinge, but can't in traditional shoes. And, because regular shoes have padded heels, they modify your posture somewhat.
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Women's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Women's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Five ways to...Ease PMS symptoms
Five ways to...Ease PMS symptoms
Wrist Candy
Sarah Sellens tries the new Apple Watch Series 9, and discovers it has some really cool new features for cyclists
Ask the experts
Stay fit and well with this top advice from the Women's Fitness experts
Beat it!
We all know exercise makes us feel good, but listen to music as you work out and you'll double the mental health benefits
'YOGA IS VERY HELPFUL FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH LIFE'
Sadie Frost talks to Eve Boggenpoel about her love of Jivamukti, becoming a yoga teacher and hosting her first retreat on the Mediterranean island of Gozo
layer up!
A great top layer for the springtime, gilets will keep your core warm without the risk of overheating
LET'S GET STRONG TO RUN!
Athlete, personal trainer and co-founder of New Levels Coaching, Gemma Hillier-Moses shares her top moves for building strength to enhance running performance and prevent injuries
The latest ROAD RUNNERS
Find your fast feet on the roads with the newest supercushioned, speed-run and racing trainers
MY FIRST Marathon
Running coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm explores the mental and physical journey he experienced during his first marathon - and why it changed the course of his life forever
Ace A FITNESS RACE!
HYROX is the functional fitness event that's taking over the workout world. We reveal why its so popular and how to get started