INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

07/11/2012     

Runners Should be Examined Before Trying Barefoot: NZ Podiatrist

Trainer James Kuegler advises his clients to start with a 1km run in bare feet first, no matter how fit they are. "The muscles are stretching out and doing more work with every step. You're essentially using muscle that hasn't been used before." Bruce Baxter, president of Podiatry New Zealand, agrees people need to be careful. "It's not just a question of taking your shoes off, but whether your running is actually any better without shoes," says Baxter.

Bruce Baxter

In many cases, it is possible to improve posture and technique without removing your shoes entirely. And people with foot problems should be wary of ditching all support. "The most sensible thing to do is to be examined first," says Baxter.

Source: Susan Edmonds, New Zealand Herald