Is running barefoot really more efficient?

[clan_NEt]

Barefoot running is becoming more popular, there is no doubt about it. But the exact reasons why any one person may choose to take up this style of running is highly variable. Some people gravitate to barefoot or minimalist running as a way to prevent or heal running injuries.

From the 2001 Sport Science journal:

Burkett et al. (1985) found that oxygen consumption during running increased as the amount of mass they added to the foot increased; shoes and orthotics representing 1% of body mass increased oxygen consumption by 3.1%. Flaherty (1994) found that oxygen consumption during running at 12 km/h was 4.7% higher in shoes of mass ~700 g per pair than in bare feet. An increase in oxygen consumption of ~4% is of little importance to the recreational runner, but the competitive athlete would notice a major effect on running speed.

Read the full article: Barefoot Running is More Efficient | Naturally Engineered

 

[msnangersme]

I would say N O. It's better to protect your feet from the pounding by wearing well cushioned shoes. Plus a proper shoe cAn take care or correct any pronation problems in your feet

 

[shutupandplay]

It's actually good once in a while if you can run barefoot on pavements that are smooth or in school halls but not outside where you risk injury. I remember the CCA taekwondo in my school used to train by running barefoot.

 

[Xfit]

Maybe you might want to try on treadmill first, since there the surface is not so rough and at least there is suspension on the treadmill itself.