Is it better to run in running shoes, or barefoot?

A lot of the literature I've read says that running barefoot, especially on a cement floor as I have, can cause shin splints, which worries me...however, the sharp, shooting pains I get through the arch of my feet about 10-12 minutes into my run, only when wearing shoes, worries me more. I've tried running on a mat, but that doesn't work (it slips and slides all over the place, even with non-slip material laid down underneath).

Any suggestions/knowledge you can offer? I would really like to not damage my legs by running, but I hate running with the shoes.

(I'm a 21yo female, averaging about 21 BMI trying to tone/get fit rather than lose weight, if that makes any difference.)

Well, personally I always exercise barefoot indoors.

The risk of fractures and so on is to do with the heel strike. If you don't slam your heel into the ground, but land lightly on the balls of you feet then you will be fine. Your leg is designed to take the weight on the front of the foot, and the muscles and tendons that make up the foot and leg.

It's quite a contentious subject at the moment, but there seems to be more and more evidence that the way people run these days is actually a result of the structure of shoes they wear, rather than the other way round.

It's why those Vibram Barefoot shoes are becoming more popular, and why if you look carefully, many athletes are running in very slim shoes, rather than big clunky ones with massive soles.

I'lll try and look up some articles on the subject at the weekend, I've read several but I can't find them now

I bought the kit for the Wii that came with the silicone cover for the board and a yoga mat. I use the yoga mat for running, etc because is provides just a bit of cushion but it stays where I put it. Also it makes it a bit less cold on the feet here in chilly Canada.

Heh, I'm up in Canada too, so I know all about the cold feet. If it does legitimately stay where its laid though maybe I need to look into buying one of those mats...

Good to see other Canadians here. With -35 windchill we REALLY enjoy our Wii fits. Where is everyone, I'm in NS

I use a little trampoline (also known as a rebounder). It takes all the shock, which is important to me as I have knee problems.

Little trampolines aren't expensive and you can do other exercises on them. The little booklet that came with mine, as I recall, because I don't know where it is at the moment, gave some suggestions for balance exercises and the like.

I was wondering about those trampolines. It doesn't seem to quite make sense in my head that one could run on them, but it definitely would be an idea. Where did you buy yours, if you don't mind my asking? And are there different brands that are better/worse than others?

As for location, I'm in AB. ^^ If I didn't have the Fit I doubt I'd ever exercise...lol.

I'm near St Catharines, Ontario. Not as cold here as most places but I'm still ready for spring.

Tseecka wrote:I was wondering about those trampolines. It doesn't seem to quite make sense in my head that one could run on them, but it definitely would be an idea. Where did you buy yours, if you don't mind my asking? And are there different brands that are better/worse than others?

There are indeed different brands and some are better than others. The main problem lies with the springs. If the springs aren't up to the job, they will snap. It's not dangerous when they snap because for every point, there are two springs. It's just annoying. Ideally, the springs should be wider in the middle and a bit tapered at the ends.

I'm on my third rebounder. The first, I bought from a high street shop in the UK, and the springs snapped within about a month or so of use. The second, I bought from some on-line shop in the UK - I can't remember where - and it was OK, although some springs did snap after about three month's use, the company making it sent out replacement springs. I know it wasn't my weight because all of them were rated for 150 kgs and I have never weighed anywhere close to that.

The third, I bought in France and it is terrific. No problems whatsoever. The brand name is 'Domyos' - well, that's what is on the trampoline, anyway. It has really good springs.

None of the rebounders were very expensive. I think they cost 20 to 30 pounds in the UK and the one in France cost about 30 euros, if I recall correctly.

If I recall correctly, there are some expensive rebounders out there, used for medical therapy. I don't know how good they are or whether they are worth the money just for home use.

As for running on them, I know it seems odd, but it works. It's also a great way of keeping down the noise if you live, as I do, in an apartment. Aside from the occasional squeak of a spring, there is no noise. So it means I can exercise at any time of the morning or evening I like without disturbing the neighbours.