I’ll Foot My Shoes
“Practice makes a man perfect.” If that’s true, then practicing evidence-based ways to strengthen your feet will make them last a lifetime.
Those who walk barefoot and train in thin, flexible “functional” shoes - toes and heel in one plane, wide toe box, minimal interference - develop stronger muscles, ligaments and tendons. External forces are not blocked; they are absorbed, interpreted and adapted to. The foot learns. It becomes resilient.
On the other hand, aggressive high-cushioned shoes with added inserts - worn to “protect” a weak foot - may not serve you long term. Protection without preparation creates dependence.
Instead, do specific foot exercises. Walk barefoot when you can. Train in thin, flexible shoes for short durations. Gradually increase exposure, just like progressive strength training. The tissues adapt. Strength builds. Capacity improves.
Running on concrete or asphalt? Choose a flexible yet cushioned shoe. Racing? That’s different. Super shoes with toe spring, ZoomX foam and carbon plates - like the Streakfly or Dragonfly - are built for speed and energy return. But train in them daily and your feet never truly work.
What to do?
Spend most of your training time in simple functional shoes. Reserve super shoes for race day. Build a strong foot first. Then put it in a premium shoe. You’ve won your race.
Zareer Patell - Black Belt, One-on-One Personal Trainer, Wellness Columnist (since 1972)
#FootStrength #BarefootTraining #FunctionalFootwear #RunSmart #InjuryPrevention #StrengthTraining #EvidenceBasedFitness
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