Bare Feet Absorb Impact Better Than Shoes - Really!

Dr. Daniel Lieberman’s research at Harvard University revealed a mind-blowing insight that impact forces when we run barefoot are similar whether the surface is hard or soft. Our bodies have the incredible kinesthetic ability to figure out the most efficient, least jarring running style. After a few strides running barefoot on a hard surface, we feel the vibration through our bones and soft tissues and make intuitive adjustments on the fly.

Through principles called preactivation and muscle tuning, we calibrate to a hard surface or a lack of cushioned footwear by increasing the stiffness of our muscles and connective tissues, increasing the bend in our ankles and knees during impact, and naturally exhibiting a midfoot landing over a balanced center of gravity. The adjustments happen intuitively because the impact trauma caused by an inefficient landing is immediately obvious and punishing.

How can the human foot be superior to a super-cushioned shoe for impact absorption?! Well, there are 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles and ligaments in each foot, many of them sponge-like and designed for impact absorption and propulsion.

Furthermore, our heels and midfoot contain closely-packed pressure chambers filled with fibro-fatty tissue that are surrounded by elastin and collagen fibers. These chambers act as incredibly efficient shock absorbers and also provide exceptional stability by holding their shape even as you absorb impact forces and distribute bodyweight in the course of running, jumping, or other athletic movement–again better than any space-age material in any shoe!

This amazing adaptability is only possible when we have good proprioception and groundfeel, attributes that are destroyed when we put on elevated cushioned shoes. In Peluvas, you allow your feet to achieve full functionality and range of motion, while providing protection from ground hazards and sufficient cushion to safely navigate hard manmade surfaces.

This doesn’t mean you should take off down the sidewalk running long distances in bare feet or Peluvas, because years and decades in shoes have likely caused atrophy and dysfunction, making you poorly adapted to run even a short distance. But with a devoted effort to transition to more time barefoot or walking in Peluvas, you can return to excellent foot functionality and adaptability to a variety of active lifestyle endeavors.