With the New Year a lot of runners are focused on the next running year and inevitably, the new running gear. When it comes to running shoes there are several schools of thought on structure, function, and form. While there is no one size fits all solution, there are general guidelines for the best fit for runner and gear.
If you’re into running and you’ve been under our care, chances are you’ve heard one of the doctors talk about ankle flexibility, hyper-pronation, or big toe extension. All of these are crucial parts of having a successful pain-free running season; but what are the best ways to foster these movements during your run? The right shoe can help you run farther, faster, and with less chance of injury.
One form of running that’s been gaining popularity is minimal running, also called barefoot running. The theory is that running evolved without shoes, and that we all have the tools necessary to run without extra fancy technology. There are many countries today that barefoot or minimal running is considered the norm, but for the average American it’s only been recently popularized by brands such as Vibram and Asics.
If you’ve ever thought about giving it a try, check out this great article to help determine if minimal running is right for you. If you’ve got some experience with minimal running already you might even pick up a few tips to help improve your stride!
