http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Blog/Article.mvc.aspx/b881a5d7-5f3b-4bb1-8b17-93b00681926a
Much Ado About Minimalism
You are fit.
You are active.
You “move” your body almost everyday in some fashion.
But what about your feet? Are your feet as fit as the rest of your body?
If you’ve been walking, hiking, running, biking, climbing, jumping, and otherwise moving regularly in conventional, active-footwear, there’s a good chance that your feet may be lagging somewhat in the fitness department. Why? Because form follows function. We - and our various parts - are largely products of our environment and we tend to be very good at adapting to our circumstances. Our footwear choices provide an “environment” for our feet and that environment doesn’t always contribute to us functioning at our best.
Consider this:
If you took any body part other than your foot (your hand, lower leg, thigh, trunk, neck or upper arm) and over a period of many years - for several hours each day - you:
• laced it
• braced it
• cushioned it
• padded it
• supported it
• restricted it’s range of motion and otherwise
• “coddled” it in general…
What would be the affect on that body part?
Would it get stronger? More mobile?
Would it stay the same? Unchanged?
Would it get weaker? Less mobile?
Most people agree that, given the above scenario, there is a good chance that body part would become weaker and less mobile.
In this context, why would your feet adapt in a different manner than the rest of your body? Your feet would probably do the same thing - become weaker; less mobile; less functionally “fit”, right?
It makes you go, “Hmmm…”
So, should we pitch our shoes in the dumpster and start “living barefoot” in order to get “fitter” feet? Not necessarily. There are other, less extreme ways to develop more functional strength, mobility, balance and “feel” for the ground beneath our feet - and for many of us that process can start with a move toward “less shoe”; in other words, a transition to barefoot-wear or minimalist shoes.
There are a few things that we would do best to consider before we go full steam ahead into barefoot/minimalist footwear, however. Not the least of which is, “How functionally fit are my feet (as well as the rest of my body), right now?”
Assessing your current level of overall functional fitness - including your feet - is a great way to start your move toward “less shoe.” Here are some further assessment questions and considerations to ponder:
• How much time do you currently spend “moving barefoot” (walking around your home, up & down stairs, walking/playing/moving outside during warm weather months, etc.)?
If your answer is “very little,” then you may want to take a rather conservative approach to making the leap to barefoot-wear; spend more time “moving barefoot” around the house before going straight away into a pair of minimal shoes for long periods of time. Give your feet and body a chance to adapt a bit and acclimate to functioning with less cushion, less support, less motion control, and less bracing. Take it slow.
• How much support, cushion and motion control do your current shoes provide?
If your answer is, “a lot,” then again, you will probably want to take a slow and deliberate approach to minimalism. Follow the same recommendations as above.
• Do you have musculoskeletal issues that may be related to your posture and/or biomechanics? These issues may include (but are not limited to): plantar fasciitis
(heel pain), shin splints, Achilles tendon/calf pain, knee pain, hip pain or back pain.
If your answer is, “yes,” then consult with your health care provider about making a measured and gradual move to minimal shoes. Consider “barefoot shoes” as a tool that can potentially help you improve your overall body function - from “toe to head.”
• Are you able to perform the four basic assessment exercises included in the Merrell Barefoot movement screen with a reasonable degree of proficiency?
If your answer is “no,” then you will do best to practice these exercises - as well as the Merrell Barefoot Basic Training exercises- as part of your move to Merrell Barefoot.
The takeaway message? Follow a conscious, measured and progressive approach to “moving barefoot” and you will greatly improve your barefoot experience - maximizing the benefits and minimizing your risk.
Now… let your feet lead you.
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