feet from sensing and sending vital information to the brain. The
more the foot is covered with thick, insulating materials, the more
interference with the body’s natural mechanisms. The result is a
diminished ability by the foot and the rest of the body to adapt to nor-
mal activity, with potential damage to the ligaments, fascia, cartilage
or bones in the foot. Because your feet are your foundation, any insta-
bility there could have dire consequences in the legs, knees, pelvis,
low back or other areas.
The issue of impact is important, and shoe companies often infer
their products protect you against this problem. But impact is normal;
it occurs in the foot during walking or training whether a shoe is
worn or not. Without a shoe, the body can adapt naturally to impact.
With a shoe, there may be interference in that adaptation process.
Barefoot is best because there is no interference with the nerves
that sense contact with the ground. Overall, those who are often, or
always, barefoot have much fewer foot problems. For example, ath-
letes who run barefoot are injured much less often than those who
wear shoes. Unfortunately, this is not practical for most people,
though you can still be barefoot whenever possible, such as in your
home or backyard. And if you live near a beach or a grassy area you
can also do some barefoot walking or running on these surfaces.
What to Wear?
The reality is that most people will have to wear shoes when going
outside. When buying shoes, there are some things to consider. Look
for shoes that are relatively flat and natural, ones that don’t oversup-
port your foot or raise it off the ground too much. Many companies
make these shoes, but in lesser numbers than the oversupported ones.
In addition, a few running shoes called “racing flats” are built with
less sole to come between your foot and the ground. Above all, forget
the hype you hear about shoes. Consider the fact that one study of
5,000 runners showed that those using more-expensive running shoes
with more shock-absorbing materials had a higher incidence of injury.
It seems there is less chance of developing problems in less-expensive
shoes. The main reason for wearing them is not support, but rather to
protect the bottoms of your feet.
228 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH