Jogging barefoot or with barefoot shoes - this is what you need to know!

Barefoot jogging as a running style has become increasingly popular in the last ten years. Either completely barefoot jogging is done, or running is done with barefoot shoes or so-called minimalist shoes. However, barefoot running is by no means an invention of recent years; quite the contrary, in pre-modern times it was common to move either completely barefoot or with primitive shoes made of leather hides. 

Even today, there are indigenous peoples who still run barefoot and do not experience muscle or joint complaints. The Tarahumara tribe from Mexico is an excellent example of this. The tribe is known for its ultra-long-distance runners who cover incredible distances barefoot. The world's best marathon runners also come from African regions where barefoot running is still predominant. 

But why should you even consider jogging barefoot? We want to explore the advantages in more detail in the next section.

Why jog barefoot at all?

Conventional shoes can alter our natural way of moving and our posture. The rigid sole only allows a fraction of the 33 joints in the foot to move, and the foot muscles atrophy. But it's not just the rigid sole; the design of modern shoes also poses a problem because your foot, especially in the toe area, does not have the space it needs to move naturally. Your toes are cramped together in the shoe and cannot naturally spread. 

It is obvious that conventional shoes are disadvantageous for our foot anatomy. Splay feet, flat feet, and hallux valgus are the results. Misalignments in the foot often lead to misloads in other body parts. This can result in pain, injuries, or inefficient training results.

When walking barefoot, the foot can move as nature intended. The foot is fully mobilized, all joints are moved, and the foot muscles are engaged. Walking barefoot also improves balance as well as the elasticity of tendons and ligaments. 

Those who have learned the technique of barefoot running can jog long distances barefoot without more effort than necessary, reducing fatigue and muscle and joint pain. Additionally, jogging barefoot is a great way to recharge with the earth's energy. You can learn more about this topic in our article on Earthing.

Barefoot shoes for jogging: ZAQQ QNIT - click here! 

How to start jogging barefoot

In summary: 

Increase very slowly and piece by piece! The feet and joints must gradually get used to the new strain. It may sound strange, but modern footwear has made us forget how to move naturally. Muscles have atrophied, tendons and ligaments are no longer elastic enough. Anyone who wants too much at the beginning risks injuries. It is important to adjust the running technique. It is not enough to simply leave out the shoes or jog with barefoot shoes. 

Start by running barefoot around the house or jogging on the beach. It is advisable not to run directly by the water, as the slope of the shore can cause back problems. The next step can be a soft meadow or a sandy path. Anyone who has no problem with that can also venture onto asphalt. However, jogging on asphalt should be the exception, as such hard surfaces are extremely rare in nature. Our body is simply not designed for running or jogging on asphalt.

Jogging barefoot or minimally?

To enjoy the benefits of barefoot running, you don't necessarily have to completely forgo shoes. It is important to choose a shoe that allows your feet to move naturally. 

For starting barefoot jogging, our ZAQQ barefoot shoes are perfect, as they offer you sufficient protection and still allow your foot to move naturally. More information below.

Barefoot shoes for jogging: ZAQQ QNIT - click here! 

Barefoot technique in jogging

Basically, barefoot running is always about making the landing of the foot from heel to ball as natural as possible. Those who land too heavily on the heel put too much strain on the lumbar region as well as the hip joint and Achilles tendons. Incorrect loading can quickly lead to pain, which in turn can lead to altered movement patterns that are not beneficial. 

Unfortunately, it is not easy to change the accustomed running style overnight, especially if you have been running for years in shoes with air chambers and heavy cushioning. But as is well known, practice makes perfect - barefoot jogging also needs to be trained. Initially, it is quite normal for the usual training performances or times not to be maintained, as the new running technique must first be learned.

Important for barefoot running is the development of foot muscles with specific exercises. Only those who have strong muscles in the feet and calves can jog barefoot correctly and effectively. It is also helpful to build up the quadriceps to protect knees and ankles.

An interesting video with lots of background information on foot anatomy and exercises for foot muscles is shown in the following video:

Overweight individuals should take extra time to learn the technique, as improper execution could result in too strong an impact and thus also increase the strain on the joints.

Anyone who wants to jog completely barefoot will definitely have scratches, blisters, and wounds on the soles of their feet at first. The sensitive skin on the soles, which was always well protected in shoes, also needs to get used to it and become more resilient. If you do not want to give up the protection of your feet, barefoot shoes or so-called minimal shoes are an alternative. With our ZAQQs, you have running shoes that are crafted in our manufactory with quality craftsmanship and allow your feet natural movement.

Jogging with ZAQQ barefoot shoes

ZAQQ barefoot shoes allow your feet to move naturally and engage all joints and muscles. With the thin and highly flexible sole, the foot can roll naturally as when walking barefoot. However, you also feel the ground and can use the intrinsic feedback from your foot sensors to adjust your movements. Additionally, the wide cut in the forefoot area ensures that your toes can splay.

Compared to conventional shoes, our barefoot shoes are particularly lightweight and do not weigh down your feet. This is a huge advantage, especially on longer jogging tours.

 Barefoot shoes for jogging: ZAQQ SQIP - click here! 

Which ZAQQ barefoot shoes are suitable for jogging?

Ultimately, all our barefoot shoes have the aforementioned properties and can therefore also be used for sports. However, for jogging, we recommend our models that are particularly breathable and that you can perfectly adjust to your needs with the lacing to have optimal support.

 Jogging with ZAQQ sock shoes - Click here for SOQQ!

Just scroll through the list below! There is guaranteed to be a jogging shoe that fits you perfectly. With our ZAQQ barefoot shoes, you will have an incredible feeling of freedom, making jogging twice as much fun.

Feel free, feel ZAQQ.