Is It Okay to Run Barefoot on Concrete?

Running barefoot with a forefoot strike on concrete is not only safe, but it dramatically improves the spring energy properties of the arch and Achilles tendon and makes these structures more energy efficient for when you actually run in shoes!
Original article - Running Barefoot On Concrete Turns Your Feet Into Energy-Saving Springs - runforefoot.com...
Here are my other videos on the benefits of running barefoot on concrete:
End Runner’s Knee by Running Barefoot on Pavement - • End Runner’s Knee by R...
How Running Barefoot on Concrete Helps Improve Form (part 1) - • How Running Barefoot o...
Barefoot Running on PAVEMENT May Improve Running Form (Part 2) - • Barefoot Running on PA...
We Are Born to Run Barefoot, But Not on Pavement. WRONG! - • We Are Born to Run Bar...
More Benefits to Running Barefoot on Concrete - • Video
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[@cowokuk]

I certainly prefer running barefoot on pavements, concrete and smooth tarmac for efficiency rather than softer surfaces like grass. Gravel and ‘chip & seal’ tarmac is a bit ‘ouchy’ so if I can I reduce my time on these surfaces to maybe transition zones between smooth surfaces in urban areas. Soft springy turf is a delight but can make you switch off good form; a wide variety of surfaces is ideal for gaining experience, but smooth & hard ground for good form, higher speed and distance, rules.

[@runforefoot]

Thanks for the really helpful input, especially on how different surfaces are ideal for gaining experience. Reminds me of Herb Elliot - he ran barefoot on sand, and that would probably be great resistance training for the feet and legs! Thanks again for sharing that, and for the wonderful reminder how excellent harder grounds are for form correction🙌

[@Tazer_BLACC]

Thank you for this. I was beginning to doubt things even though I understood I needed to keep going. To just be assured that others have an adjustment period and that it’s just hard because I haven’t done it for years helps⚡️⚡️

[@DavidThorpe]

Your videos are really great! You have a lot of knowledge and it’s refreshing to see that shared so succinctly instead of just aesthetically pleasing images and videography ! Keep it up 🎉

[@jonahfleming1355]

Great quality video. I'm at the point where I can run barefoot on cement without cutting up my toes and I feel good

[@Terror1Void]

My cadence goes way up barefoot, even though I run in zero drop shoes. It tears my feet up though, can't do it every day.

[@runforefoot]

That's great on the cadence! Understandable on the under-foot skin sensativity. Mine can only handle a certain distance, too. Its too bad we all didnt run barefoot from day one! Our barefeet could tolerate so much more! Thank God for barefoot shoes! Its even better that more and more brands are emerging😍!

[@endo9902]

I have about 1 mm of padding under my feet ..concrete would really do a medieval job on me.

[@runforefoot]

1 mm is perfect!

[@osasumweneweka2183]

Hi Hi Bretta cool video barefoot on grass has the good strides

[@runforefoot]

Thanks! Barefoot on grass is really good for strengthening the ankles and feet! Have you tried running barefoot on pavement?

[@osasumweneweka2183]

@@runforefoot Call me Sasu & on pavement no I'll break some parts of my body! Usually grass on track is possibly

[@maxjordan2625]

What are your thoughts on running barefoot full time on pavement/concrete? I do a lot of barefoot trail running but often it's a few miles to the trail on concrete etc

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

It’s so weird how people wear foot pillows seemingly scared to death of the ground, then slam their feet into it on purpose 😶

[@runforefoot]

That's right😣! And, they never stop to think about the fact that the cushioning is at an all-time thickness, yet injuries don't drop, they continue to increase😣!

[@WHATSAHANDLEIDKIDK]

just not in arizona

[@stephanweaver1960]

unfortunately Dallas concrete is often "combed" patterned (traction for icy conditions?) and is hell on bare feet after a couple of miles ... I don't know how some people run on diet and gravel but I gather loose is better than solid and not smooth...

[@runforefoot]

Thank you!

[@strongindependentblackwoma1887]

i did it and....is like i dunno... is like too much for the "lower parts of my feet" is like something hard hitting on them!. also i found that there are always very small stones where i step on and is bothering me lol.

[@GeebumKwon]

영상을 보고 포장도로에서 맨발로 달렸습니다. 30분정도 달리고 바닥과 마찰로 발바닥 부상을 당했습니다. 다른 분들은 포장도로에서 달릴때 발바닥 부상은 없나요? 어떻게해야 발바닥 부상없이 맨발로 달릴 수 있는 지 궁금합니다

[@IT_Farhan]

Yes I develop blisters too. But then the skin gets thicker over time. Also blisters are a sign that you may not have perfect form and you can learn how to improve based on where the blisters are.

[@runforefoot]

Thats a very great point!☝️

[@hindustani2219]

One question- when i run barefoot i experience posterior shin splints and when i run in shoes i experience knee pain, foot pain, lower back pain, what should i do? Please help🙏

[@BanjoBitty]

I wonder if your shin splints are related to transitioning too quickly? The calves are taking on a lot more work without the extra support and it can feel like being a beginner again in some respects. Taking on the same activity as before with barefoot running might lead to overuse if done too quickly (beginners are more prone to shin splints). sometimes tight calves can also be a problem. Flat footedness can also cause it. There are exercises online that can help with strengthening arches.... Maybe you have to reduce activity and include more mobility/rest while your feet and legs adjust?... I hope you solve the problem and feel better. ❤️🙏

[@hindustani2219]

@@BanjoBitty I think you are right, i over train it, thanks a lot for giving a time on my problem😊🙏

[@runforefoot]

Regarding posterior shin splints, there are many things can you try! If you have a narrow foot, try wearing toe-spacers as much as you can to naturally widen your foot as a narrow foot-shape is linked to the condition. Another thing you can try is to make sure your feet don't land on the midline or across the midline when you run. To avoid this, try widening your stance at landing, meaning get your left foot to land under your left hip, and your right foot to land under your right hip. Doing this aligns the shin more vertically at landing instead of slanted, like it would be with cross-over foot-steps. Hope this helps when you're running barefoot! Let me know how you make out!

[@hindustani2219]

@@runforefoot thanks for the reply maam, i do have a narrow feet but does toe expender really works, and how much time does it take to change the foot anatomy?

[@runforefoot]

As for your issues with running shoes, aim for wearing thin, zero-drop running shoes because it will help keep your forefoot strike where it needs to be. Make sure your underfoot cushioning isn't too soft and compressible because it can make your landings unsteady and may cause you to push off too aggressively with your foot on the ground, which may hyper-extend the tendons/muscles/ligaments in the knee. Also, make sure both knees are slightly bent, especially at landing. In fact, here's a video I did on how to use your knees properly and why when running: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpTPk6Wta7Kjg7c .....This should help with your back-pain too because bending the knee at landing really helps naturally soften your landing, and helps you roll better with the ground.