Running Tip #2 - How Is Your Foot Health?

I can't emphasise enough the importance that your overall foot health plays in your ability to run at your best and your ability to stay injury free.  Your feet are very easily overlooked and are usually not a priority when runners think of improving their running.  This is one of the first things I look at when taking on a new athlete.  Your entire skeletal system rests upon your feet and there is a lot of force and demand on them throughout the day, but especially when running.

The most important aspect that determines your overall foot health and function is the foot shape.  Ask yourself this: do I have my NATURAL foot shape? What do you mean, I hear you ask? Have a look at a baby or young toddler's (less than 2 years old) feet and note the shape.  If you were to trace an outline around the foot, you would note the widest part of the feet are at the ends of the toes.  Now trace a line around the outside of your feet and note the difference.  The widest part is at the ball of the foot, no longer at the ends of the toes.  What happened along the way? Why is this a big problem? What can you do to correct this? 

Start purchasing footwear that doesn’t constrict your feet and educate yourself by looking at some videos on the official Correct Toes website (https://nwfootankle.com/correct-toes).  Correct Toes can be used by anyone, they are not just designed for runners, they are also popular with people involved in yoga, tai chi, martial arts and for people with common foot problems including plantar fasciosis, neuromas, bunions, recurrent tinea, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, hallux limitus and rigidus.

Here is a really interesting link showing a woman's before and after x-rays of her foot after using Correct Toes for just 4 months: http://naturalfoothealthandwellness.weebly.com/foot-press/my-progress-with-correct-toes-minimal-shoes

If you want to purchase Correct Toes in Australia or New Zealand have a look on the eRun Coach website or our Facebook store where we have free shipping. I became interested in selling Correct Toes in Australia after I personally starting using them and discovered they drastically improved my foot health and running fitness.  They are well worth the investment if used consistently with the right footwear.

Happy Running
Norbert