Barefoot exercising is becoming more popular. A recent posting on Outdoor Magazine’s blog talks about the popularity of barefoot running. (or close to it)

 

The athletic shoe industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. All of this money is spent on the best looking shoe or the new cushioning technology or the latest arch support techniques.

 

 

About a month ago I picked up a pair of Vibram’s Five Finger Shoes off the clearance rack at Scheels All Sports. (just by looking at them, no wonder why they were on the clearance rack… not the best looking shoe!)

 

Imagine water socks with toes, that’s pretty much these shoes.

 

So I’ve been experimenting with barefoot exercising and the preliminary results are looking good. I definitely notice a big difference in my balance as well as my flexibility in my ankles, legs and hips. After the first few workouts I was VERY sore in my ankles and shins, but that subsided quickly. Jogging was a little hard to get used to at first but once I got the hang of it, it felt pretty good to run.

 

The one thing I have to point out in my brief jogging with these is the unbelievable amount of control I have with my feet. Now agility isn’t the first thing you think of when your jogging, but it is when you are jogging barefoot. You have to do to see what I mean!

 

As for strength training, I absolutely love it! I felt like my heels were lower to the ground (which they are) and I was much more balanced throughout my exercises. All my kettlebell work felt great! I definitely notice a big difference in balance and control of my feet.

 

I’m not a big runner, so I can’t tell you the type of impact barefoot running has, but I can tell you strength training has been great!