Health Risks of Running Shoes

Running shoes are ubiquitous in the fitness world. They provide comfort, support, and protection to our feet while exercising. However, Steven Sashen, a Masters All American Sprinter and entrepreneur, begs to differ. According to him, running shoes actually mean BIG trouble for our health.

Steven introduces us to Xero Shoes, a shoe that mimics going barefoot. The premise of these shoes is to allow for natural movement of our feet, which helps strengthen muscles and prevent injuries.

The Problem with Traditional Running Shoes

Steven raised a crucial point – running shoes alter our natural gait cycle by creating a cushioned environment for our feet. While this is great for comfort, it can cause the muscles in our feet to weaken over time. This weakness then leads to a host of problems such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, which can result in extreme pain and discomfort.

In addition to this, running shoes tend to encourage us to land on our heels while running. This landing puts a lot of stress on the joints in our legs and spine, leading to knee pain and even lower back problems in severe cases.

Xero Shoes as a Solution

Xero Shoes take a minimalist approach to shoe design. They consist of a thin sole and a strap system that wraps around the foot to hold it in place. This design allows for the foot to move naturally, as it would without shoes.

Wearing Xero Shoes strengthens the muscles in our feet and legs, improves our posture, and reduces the risk of injury. In fact, Steven claims that wearing Xero Shoes can reduce the impact on our knees and spine by up to 70 percent. This is an astounding number and one that people interested in fitness and health should pay attention to.

Regaining Your Form and Connecting to Your Roots

Steven suggests that to regain our form and connect to our roots, we should try walking or running barefoot on various surfaces – grass, sand, and gravel, for example. By doing this, we can stimulate the muscles in our feet and help them adapt to different terrains.

Doing exercises that focus on our core and leg muscles can also help us maintain good posture and form while running. Steven recommends incorporating exercises such as squats, lunges, and planks into our routine.

The Final Word on Xero Shoes

If you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level and reduce your risk of injury, Xero Shoes may be worth a try. They may take some getting used to, but the benefits they offer are hard to ignore. Remember, the health of our feet is crucial to our overall well-being, and by wearing Xero Shoes, we can take a step in the right direction.

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