Jogging barefoot might be better for you than running in jogging shoes. This is the conclusion of new research from scientists at Glasgow University in Scotland. In fact, researchers say running with jogging shoes may actually be harmful to our bodies. The research team found that 75 per cent of the joggers in their study experienced something called ‘heel strike’. This is when our heels hit the ground too hard and shock our skeleton. This happens around 1,000 times for every 1.5km we run. The scientists say running barefoot is more natural. People who run without shoes do not land on their heels and this avoids sending shockwaves throughout their body. Barefoot runners may be at less risk of injury than those who wear running shoes.
The research helps explain why many long-distance runners run so well barefoot. The scientists say jogging shoes actually get in the way of millions of years of evolution: “Humans have engaged in endurance running for millions of years, but the modern running shoe was not invented until the 1970s.” They added: “For most of human history, runners were either barefoot or wore minimal footwear such as sandals…with…little cushioning.” Barefoot running is common in many parts of the world, especially Africa. The most famous barefoot runner is South Africa’s Zola Budd, who ran without shoes in the 1984 Olympics. Dr Daniel Lieberman from Harvard University warns people to start slowly if they take up running barefoot to avoid injury.
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