Treadmills offer plenty of benefits. As we covered in our Introduction to Cardio, treadmills offer a way to perform cardio exercises such as walking and running while indoors. However, some walkers and runners have opted to use treadmills without shoes, simulating a barefoot walking and running environment. Walking or running without shoes is a more natural approach to cardio because it focuses on using our body as it has evolved over time.
However, as with all trends in the fitness world, we need to investigate both the pros and cons to understand if using a treadmill while barefoot is a good idea for the individual.
Below, we’ll explain how moving barefoot is more suitable to the average human body, the pros and cons, and precautions to take.
Barefoot on a Treadmill: Benefits Guide
Running Barefoot and the Human Body
Back in the hunter-gatherer days, the most they could hope for is a rough animal hide to cover their feet.
While this may seem inferior to our options today, running barefoot may actually be the preferred option.
Let’s look at some of the connections between running barefoot and the human body.
Foot Muscles
The human foot is a myriad of bones and muscles. All these bones and muscles help maintain proper foot strength and stability. However, when running with shoes, some of these muscles go idle, meaning the runner is using a less natural form.
Also, by running with shoes, the runner is at a higher risk of injury. Because the supporting muscles in his or her feet are not as strong, they can’t provide the proper support they need to.
Foot Strike and Impact
When running with shoes, runners tend to hit the surface with their heels first. Barefoot runners, on the other hand, tend to strike the running surfaces with their forefoot or midfoot first.
With this subtle difference, the barefoot runner uses foot’s arch act as a kind of shock absorber, reducing the impact on the runner’s joints.
Running Form
Running barefoot also impacts how the runner maintains the rest of the body’s posture while running.
Because barefoot running uses the fore and midfoot, it also encourages keeping an upright posture and shorter stride length, both essential keys to running form.
Pros and Cons of Running Barefoot
As with everything, running barefoot comes with its own pros and cons. These will will help determine if running barefoot is something worth trying on your own.
Pros of Running Barefoot on a Treadmill
As we covered above, running barefoot is the more natural option, helps maintain the supporting muscles in your feet, and promotes an overall improved running form. These benefits alone show that running barefoot is definitely worth considering.
Another side benefit, unrelated to your feet and more to your wallet, is running barefoot means you can save on expensive running shoes!
Cons of Running Barefoot on a Treadmill
Barefoot running, despite the benefits, is not without its own downsides as well.
The most obvious downside is that running barefoot exposes the feet to potential cuts and bruises when running outdoors. Even when running on a treadmill, your feet could experience friction burns as you begin transitioning to running barefoot. Therefore, transition slowly and listen to your body to avoid severe friction burns.
Another obvious concern is hygiene. A treadmill’s belt can collect bacteria over time whether you run with shoes or barefoot. But when running barefoot, you no longer your running shoes protecting your feet from said bacteria. So, it’s important to keep your treadmill belt clean if you decide to run barefoot.
One downside that may be overlooked is the additional wear on the treadmill belt. One would think running shoes with the rubber soles would wear the treadmill belt quicker, but treadmills are designed for that. What treadmills are not designed for, however, is the oils and sweat from bare feet. These substances could potentially wear on the belt over time.
Precautions Before Using a Treadmill Barefoot
Considering the pros and cons, running barefoot is a more natural approach to running that strengthens your feet and improves your overall form. However, transitioning from running with shoes to without shoes is not something you should jump 100% into.
Here are a few precautions to consider when starting to try running barefoot on a treadmill:
- Transition Gradually: Start running barefoot gradually, only a few minutes at a time and increase the time with each session.
- Listen to Your Body: Take care of discomfort on your feet and rest as needed.
- Keep It Clean: Keep your treadmill surface clean after every session.
Benefits of Using a Treadmill While Barefoot: Summary
Overall, barefoot running is the more natural approach to running. Barefoot running promotes muscle strength in your feet, lower impact on your joints, and an overall improvement in your running form.
However, running barefoot also exposes your feet to various risks, such as cuts, bruises, or bacteria. Also, running barefoot is something treadmills are not typically designed for.
At the end of the day, running barefoot is a personal choice. Pros and cons aside, overcoming the mental hurdle of running barefoot is enough of an obstacle. So, be sure to take the necessary precautions if running barefoot on a treadmill is something you want to try.
We hope this guide helps shed some light on running barefoot on a treadmill if that is something you’re considering adding to your cardio routine. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to Contact Us so we can continue to help!