The increased freedom of natural running can come as a revelation to many athletes, but it can sideline even the best runners if it’s not introduced correctly. To avoid injury and to put your strongest foot forward, follow these four steps for the best natural running experience.
1. Start Out Gently
Your natural running shoes are designed for a more lightweight, flexible and responsive running experience. This means they contain less cushioning and support. Because of this, you may initially feel more strain on the muscles and tendons in your feet.
It’s normal to experience more stress on your calf muscles and Achilles tendons in the first few runs. After a while they’ll adapt and get stronger.
When you begin running naturally, make sure you:
Run shorter distances – Aim for two to three kilometers per session or per week
Do the math – Each half kilometer is biomechanically equivalent to around one kilometer in your usual running shoes
Know your shoes – The lower the heel drop and midsole level of your natural running shoe, the better your training condition needs to be
2. Add Some Variation to Your Running Regimen
Natural running is best seen as one part of a varied training regimen. Some people equate natural running with low heel drop shoes, but we prefer to think it’s much more important to create variation in your training, routes, surfaces and shoes.
Use natural running to create variation in your training, but make sure you also:
Run natural no more than twice a week – Only a third of your weekly running load should be done with minimalist gear
Wear your natural running shoes for everyday wear once in awhile – You’ll enjoy the comfort, and your feet will adapt more easily to the minimalist shoe concept
3. Know Your Limits
Natural running shoes have a lower heel drop to promote midfoot and forefoot running. For some runners, natural shoes may do more harm than good.
You need to take extra care if you have:
Flat feet or are overweight
Orthopaedic inserts
Hallux Rigidus (stiff big toe)
Existing Achilles Tendon issues
4. Get the Right Natural Running Shoe for You
Much like a normal running shoe, it’s important to have one that’s tailored to the way you run. ASICS offers a range of easy-running shoes that are perfect for natural running for everyone from entry-level to more expert models for elite runners.
If you’re a casual runner...
Training load: 1-2 sessions per week, total 16 kilometers
Primary shoe: GEL-NIMBUS
Easy-running shoe: 33-M™
If you’re a serious runner...
Training load: 2-3 sessions per week, total 24 kilometers
Primary shoe: GT-2000
Easy-running: GEL-Kayano
If you’re an elite runner...
Training load: 4-5 sessions per week, total 72 kilometers
Primary shoe: GEL-DS TRAINER
Easy-running: DynaFlyte™
Along with these steps to having the best experience for natural running, come shop our full collection of running gear and running clothing today!