Activity Focus: Barefoot Running

The sport of barefoot running is growing in popularity, with groups starting up across Canada. We spoke with Vanessa Rodriguez, a dedicated runner who first started running (with shoes on) back in 2007, but has in the last year become a barefoot runner, and asked her to explain the appeal.

What is it that makes people want to run barefoot?

I really like the mind-body connection. I find that when I’m running in shoes on concrete, its really easy with the longer distances to zone out where you’re not really thinking about what you are doing. Its like you are almost in a trance and not paying attention to what is going on, but when I’m running barefoot, I find that my mind is very engaged because I’m receiving so much stimulation from the nerves in my feet and also because I’m constantly scanning the ground to check where I’m stepping for safety reasons.

I also love running trails, and when I’m doing that I like feeling the earth between my toes and the different textures beneath my feet. It is so much more stimulating, and a very enjoyable experience.

Some runners do barefoot running because it strengthens their feet, or is easier on their feet if they suffer from some typical running injuries, or other complaints. My feet feel much stronger since I started running without shoes, but I’m fine with shoes too and ran my first marathon in shoes. For me it’s the connection between my mind and body that I enjoy.

Don’t you get hurt running without shoes?

I haven’t. I think that the key to not getting hurt is to transition slowly from wearing shoes to not wearing shoes. I think some people tend to do it too fast, and its almost like learning to run again. You need to build up the muscles in your feet but also your mental awareness to know where you are stepping, because you’re not used to having to look where you are going.

A lot of people have a built in fear of going barefoot, because we’ve constantly been taught that we need to wear shoes throughout our childhood and later lives. I think there’s also the association that going barefoot is low-class or poor – I get the odd dirty look when people see me run by. It isn’t for everyone.

What are those shoes you wear?

I use Vibram Five Fingers, but there are various brands of barefoot running shoes, which some purists dislike, as they think you should only run completely barefoot. They are often referred to as minimalist shoes, and simulate running barefoot, and while it isn’t the same as running barefoot it does help people transition and get over the fear of running without shoes because there is something actually between your foot and the ground.

Are there special barefoot races?

There are, although there haven’t been any in my city (Toronto). There is a barefoot runners society, you can find them at www.barefootrunners.org, and they organize lots of events in their various chapters in various parts of the world. What they tend to do is take a race that already exists and then get a bunch of people together that are either going to run barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes. It is a fun group, and very welcoming.