Yes. You read it right. NOT running!
The recent trend to hit the running world is minimalist or barefoot running. Many people these days have read “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. If not, I highly recommend reading it. Barefoot running is natural, biomechanically efficient, and has the potential to reduce injury and improve performance when carefully incorporated into a person’s training program.
I am a huge fan of barefoot walking and believe it really helps keep my feet flexible and strong. I also train and race in lightweight running shoes.
It is fantastic to see so many people embrace the barefoot running concept. However it is disheartening to see many people who run barefoot continue to further stress their feet by wearing incorrect street shoes. Especially considering a normal running person will only spend up to 1-2 hours per day in running shoes and 8-10 hours in casual shoes. So what is the best way to strengthen your feet when you are not running?
Terra Plana make a range of minimalist shoes called Vivo Barefoot designed for barefoot walking and or running. For the past month I have been testing out the Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot Dylan. It is a super cute, eco-friendly summer casual canvas shoe which doubles as the perfect “barefoot” shoe. It has a very thin sole that is puncture-resistant and unlike most casual shoes it has a nice WIDE TOE-BOX which is essential for proper foot function. Terra Plana also make several other styles in their Vivo Barefoot range including the Aqua and Lucy which are extremely popular casual shoes in the USA. All styles come in men’s and women’s colours and sizes and can be used for walking. Their latest shoe is the Vivo Barefoot EVO which is a specific running shoe.
Running people really need to pay more attention to what they wear outside of their sport. This can be just as important for injury prevention and performance as the shoes you wear when you are running. Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot are an excellent adjunct to your running regime when worn as a casual shoe during work/walking/leisure activities. It can only benefit your feet (and body) and might just help mend or prevent you from further injury this year!
You can check out the Vivo Barefoot range at:
Happy Bare Footing!
From Karen
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