Interesting articles around a barefoot lifestyle.
It was around four to six million years ago when humans first evolved to walk upright. We continued to evolve into superb long-distance walkers and runners, made possible by our arched feet, long achilles tendon, and ability to cool through sweating. And surprisingly, for most of human history this long distance travel was done barefoot. Some evidence suggests footwear emerged around 30,000 years ago. But it wasn’t until about 100 years ago that fashionable footwear was reported to be altering the shape of the foot. Since the 1970s, cushioned running shoes have become synonymous with exercise. But a growing body of evidence shows running shoes might actually be doing us more harm than good. Our latest review suggests that wearing shoes changes the way we run and weakens the foot in a way that can contribute to many common sports injuries. Previously, our team revealed that we can still run barefoot, especially if we start young. We found that not only could children in New Zealand aged 12-19 run sprint and middle-distance races barefoot, we also found the prevalence of pain in the lower limbs (knees, ankles, and feet) was relatively low compared with children of similar ages from other countries. Other research has also shown differences in foot structure and function in barefoot and shoe-wearing populations. These findings prompted us to conduct a global review of running injuries in men and women. We found that between 35 and 50% of runners were injured at any one time. These numbers could be considered high – especially for a species adapted to long-distance running. The most common injuries were to the knees, shins, ankles and feet. Most of these injuries were mainly to bone or connective tissue, whose primary function is to help transmit force from the muscles to allow movement. 
Our latest review explored how humans ran before using shoes, and how shoes change the way we run. We found that when the foot comes into contact with the ground, the skin, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the foot feed a rich source of information to the brain and spinal cord about the exact position of our foot, including tension, stretch and pressure. The quality of this information allows the precise control of muscles to move our joints into a position that absorbs impact and limits damage. Enter footwearThe first mass-marketed cushioned running shoe was manufactured in the 1970s and advertised as footwear that could prevent running injuries. Surprisingly, this narrative even found its way into the scientific literature. In the 1980s, “better running shoes” were suggested as a reason for the reduced incidence of Achilles tendinopathy in one study and “poor shoes” were suggested as a risk factor for stress fractures in another study. Our review suggests that footwear reduces the quality of information being sent to the brain and spinal cord, leading to more blunt running mechanics. Shoes allow runners to land with a more upright body position and an extended leg, leading to excessive braking forces. These running mechanics seem to play a role in some of the most common running injuries. Long-term everyday use of footwear also leads to a weaker foot and often, a collapsed arch. When we start running in shoes, our foot isn’t adapted to cope with these mechanics. But this damage might be reversible. Interestingly, one study found that foot muscle size and strength were found to increase after eight weeks of walking in a minimalist shoe. This is because removing the cushioned heel and arch support made the foot’s muscle work harder. 
Balance activities are also recommended to improve proprioception, which is our awareness of our body’s position and movements. This type of training aims to prevent or repair injuries. Using equipment like a wobble board will create more unstable or less predictable conditions under foot, which builds lower limb stability and foot strength. But the simplest and perhaps most specific form of proprioceptive training for runners is to take off their shoes and walk or run. In fact, barefoot runners appear to report fewer knee injuries and less heel pain compared to runners who use shoes. However, barefoot runners do report more calf and achilles tendon injuries. This suggests that people who transition too quickly to barefoot activities may overload their muscles and tendons. This might be because barefoot runners usually have a shorter stride and more flexed hip, knee and ankle. They also tend to run more on the tip of their toes. Read more: Children should spend more time barefoot to encourage a healthier foot structure Although ditching your running shoes might not work for everyone, if you want to give barefoot running a try, the best advice is to walk before you run. A minimalist shoe might be a good first step if walking or running in extreme temperatures or where sharp objects may be common. Although minimalist shoes aren’t the same as being barefoot, the mechanics runners and walkers use in them are very similar to when barefoot – and dramatically different to when in shoes. Running injuries are caused by many factors, such as age, previous injuries, body mass index, and sudden changes in training volume – so shoes might not be wholly to blame. And while shoes are relatively new to our species, so are our sedentary lifestyles. It’s likely that these factors might also make humans less conditioned to move how they did millions of years ago. This suggests a combination of getting more active, walking or running barefoot more often, and other conditioning exercises may help prevent further injuries in the future. Peter Francis, Lecturer in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, Leeds Beckett University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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 Civilisation diseases are very common in industrialised countries. Back pain is a classic example. They often result from foot problems. These can be avoided by running barefoot regularly. Our feet carry us every day and we treat them very badly. What many do not know: The complete musculoskeletal system is affected by disregard for our foundations. As a result, there are knee, hip and back problems. Pastor Kneipp knew it over a hundred years ago: walking barefoot on a suitable surface strengthens the whole organism. Especially for back pain and intervertebral disc problems, but also for knee or hip problems, it is a wonderful way to bring the musculoskeletal system back into balance. Walking barefoot can avoid surgery The causes of the complaints are often not recognised correctly, unnecessary operations on the knees, hips and back are carried out. The explanation is quite simple: the most common cause is walking in shoes with a relatively stiff sole. This ensures that we cultural people practice a walking style that has hardly anything to do with natural movement. Due to its inflexibility, the sole of the shoe acts like a plaster splint, which means that almost the entire foot muscles are "out of order". As a result, the muscles can no longer hold the foot in its original, three-dimensional shape, which is why the foot collapses. The consequences are flat, flat, kinked or spreading feet, hallux valgus to heel spurs and Achilles tendon problems. Get out of sturdy shoes as often as possible In addition, our feet and back form a functional unit. The position of the feet affects our entire posture through tendons and muscles. Walking barefoot can release blockages and thus "relieve" the back. So get out of the inflexible shoes! Treat your feet to something good, walk barefoot as often as possible and train your entire musculoskeletal system. Because foot problems - and consequential complications such as knee, hip and back problems - can often be alleviated and even eliminated by walking barefoot regularly. Tip: start slowly. The feet first have to get used to the freedom that has been regained. A few minutes are enough to get you started. Sand, forest and meadows are particularly suitable. Later you can walk on asphalt and other smooth and hard surfaces.  Here is a great article from FitnessVolt Lower Back Pain: Common Causes and Prevention For Athletes. Here’s some valuable information if you suffer from back pain. Read More Here  The experiment, designed by lead researcher Dr. Ross Alloway, undertaken with Dr. Tracy Alloway, associate professor, both from the Department of Psychology at UNF, and Dr. Peter Magyari, associate professor in the Department of Clinical and Applied Movement Sciences at UNF, is the first to show that running barefoot leads to better cognitive performance than running with shoes.
Working memory, our ability to recall and process information, is used throughout our lifespan. By improving it, we may be able to realize gains in key areas, from school to work to retirement. "Working memory is increasingly recognized as a crucial cognitive skill, and these findings are great news for people looking for a fun way to boost their working memory," said Tracy Alloway. The UNF researchers enlisted 72 participants between the ages of 18 and 44, who ran both barefoot and wore shoes at a comfortable, self-selected pace for approximately 16 minutes. Working memory was measured before and after running. The results of this research, just published in Perceptual and Motor Skills, found a significant increase -- approximately16 percent -- in working memory performance in the barefoot-running condition. There was no significant increase in working memory when running with shoes. Additionally, the speed and heart rate of the participants was measured but neither was found to have any impact on working memory performance. "The little things often have the greatest impact. This research shows us that we can realize our cognitive potential and enjoy ourselves at the same time," said Ross Alloway. "If we take off our shoes and go for a run, we can finish smarter than when we started." When running barefoot, one often has to avoid stepping on potentially hurtful objects by using precise foot placement. As a result, study participants were required to step on flat objects to simulate running barefoot in an outdoors context. Though participants stepped on the flat objects with shoes and barefoot, only the barefoot condition saw improvements in working memory. According to Ross Alloway, it's possible that the barefoot condition required a more intensive use of working memory because of the extra tactile and proprioceptive demands associated with barefoot running, which may account for the working memory gains. Story Source: Materials provided by University of North Florida. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference:
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June 2020
CategoriesAktiv black
€139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Aktiv Yellow
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktivs – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv Blue
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Actives – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv White
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktiv – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Gift Card
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Aktiv Pink
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Introducing the sporty Actives – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv Magma Orange
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktivs – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv Winter - Black
€149.99
Equipped with a microfibre lining for that extra warm and ultra-comfortable feeling, the Aktiv black Winter will add warmth and a cosy feeling to those cooler times. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. As all leguanos the Aktiv black Winter is machine-washable, fully recyclable and comes with leguano’s patented LIFOLIT barefoot sole. And depending on the weather and your own personal preference, the Aktiv black Winter can be worn with or without socks. Aktiv lava black
€139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Aktiv Plus - Black
€159.00
The leguano aktiv plus in lava black: Our all-rounder high-cut model. The leguano aktiv plus offers plenty of freedom to the feet, is ultra comfortable and wearable all year round. The upper part of the fabric provides airy comfort, the leguano-typical sole allows a feather-light feeling on any terrain. The leguano aktiv plus is just as suitable for leisure and outdoor activities as it is for various indoor sports. Wash Bag
€9.95
The leguano laundry net bag protects your leguano's when washing and rinsing. Easy handling thanks to the practical zip. The large-mesh network is permeable to water and mild detergents. Aktiv Red
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktiv Red – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! |
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