Barefoot shoes, also known as minimal shoes or zero-drop shoes, are designed to mimic the natural sensation of walking or running barefoot. These shoes have a number of benefits that can improve overall foot and leg health, as well as enhance athletic performance.
Advantages of barefoot shoes
- Improved Foot Strength and Flexibility Wearing traditional shoes with thick soles and arch support can cause the muscles in the feet to weaken and become less flexible over time. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, promote the use of the foot’s natural muscles, leading to stronger and more flexible feet.
- Better Balance and Proprioception Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense where it is in space. When wearing traditional shoes, the foot is often lifted off the ground, which can make it more difficult to sense the ground beneath you. Barefoot shoes allow for a better connection to the ground, helping to improve balance and proprioception.
- Reduced Risk of Injury By promoting natural foot movement, barefoot shoes can help to reduce the risk of common foot and leg injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures. Additionally, because barefoot shoes do not have a raised heel, there is less stress on the knees and hips, which can lead to fewer injuries in those areas as well.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance Barefoot shoes allow for a more natural and efficient running stride, which can result in improved running times and endurance. Additionally, barefoot shoes can help to improve running form by promoting a midfoot or forefoot strike, which can lead to less impact on the joints and fewer injuries.
Running in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a popular destination for runners, as the island offers a wide variety of running trails, from rugged mountain terrain to flat beach paths. The island’s mild climate also makes it an ideal location for year-round running.
Barefoot shoes can be an excellent choice for running in Gran Canaria, as they allow for a more natural and efficient running stride on the island’s varied terrain. Additionally, the shoes’ improved balance and proprioception can help runners navigate the island’s more rugged trails with greater ease and stability.
Buying barefoot shoes in Las Palmas
Is it possible buy a barefoot shoes, like Vivobarefoot and Feelgrounds in Las Palmas? Shoes that have flat sole and wide shoebox? Yes! Check the recommendations from community members below:
When I was looking for barefoot shoes two years ago (in 2021) the only ones I found were five fingers. They had them at Mandala Climb. Not sure if that’s still the case though.
Go to running stores, like Running Proyect Canarias and look for Altra running shores – they have wide toe box and most of them are 0 drop.
Check Cima Running.
Barefoot shoes offer a wide range of benefits for foot and leg health, as well as athletic performance. From improved foot strength and flexibility to reduced risk of injury, barefoot shoes can help to improve overall foot and leg health. Additionally, barefoot shoes can enhance athletic performance, especially when running on varied terrain like Gran Canaria, making them an excellent choice for runners on the island.
Are you a remote worker in Las Palmas?
Are you, or are you planning to be a digital nomad in Gran Canaria and you’re not a member yet of our community for remote workers? Join here! besides digital nomads and remote workers, we are also welcoming expats, local entrepreneurs and other individuals who are looking to connect with an international community of professionals.
The Live it up, Las Palmas! community is using Slack as a communication tool. The Slack group is split up into different channels and is moderated actively, to keep communication simple and organized. It’s used to share events, find sports buddies, discover new restaurants, rent a car together, find exclusive community discounts and much more! Live it up, Las Palmas! is your starting point for an amazing time in Gran Canaria. See you there!