If you were able to take 2 identical barefoot runners what would the effect be of changing the foot size of one of them?
I did a quick search but didn't find anything that answered this although I'd have thought some studies are bound to have been conducted. In absence of this information here's my guess at some pros & cons of foot size barefoot:
Lets consider a longer foot:
:quest:
I did a quick search but didn't find anything that answered this although I'd have thought some studies are bound to have been conducted. In absence of this information here's my guess at some pros & cons of foot size barefoot:
Lets consider a longer foot:
- Arch: Your arch will be weaker as it is closer to a straight line (the height of the arch seems to vary little with foot length IMHO). I'm guessing that this is rarely an issue.
- Weight: The foot will be heavier and moving it will presumably sap energy - not so good for distance and not ideal for speed either?
- Stress: The foot bones are longer so subject to more stress but the forces of moments are lower so less stress on the leg muscles? I'm guessing that in a lifelong barefooter this won't come in to play much.
- Cadence: From school boy physics I am guessing that the optimum cadence will be lower the larger the foot which may affect the muscle group used (remember we are comparing identical runners). Perhaps there is some connection with "standing wave theories" at a given frequency and similar principals?
- Surface: A larger foot area will be better in the soft stuff as you will sink less. It will also spread the load more which may reduce the effect of things like punctures.
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