If I trained barefoot would racing in flats have a negative effect?

Question

I'm thinking of training barefoot. (Starting small of course to avoid injury since I'm not sued to this).

I've read that running barefoot decreases lower leg injury risk and promotes better form. Running shoes tend to have a fairly high heel which causes less motion and things such as overstriding. I have problems with my form so I thought this could be quite beneficial.

But I'd be racing in flats since there's a lot of animal poo (ha) in some of the courses because it's in the forest and I don't want to step in that. But will racing in flats after training barefoot hurt me in the race or will barefoot improve my running even in shoes?

If you're going to tell me to not run barefoot then don't waste time posting up an answer please. Thank you.

Answer 1

What about those hiking/sports sandals, like Tevos?  Maybe you could train in those.

Answer 2

No it wouldn't matter.  Once you start running more you may even stop caring about the animal poo and just go for it without shoes altogether. Barefoot running will improve your running in shoes too, but you will feel HORRIBLY uncomfortable. Eh, run normal practices without shoes too, don't succumb to the gym bias...

Answer 3

flats would be bad for you. they have no foot support at all.

Answer 4

You can run in flats in barefoot, a couple of the guys on my Cross Country team, run w/o socks when racing in flats, its usually easier and faster for them. Good Luck :)

Answer 5

You would need to do some of your training with the shoes you race in just to make sure you don't blister or chafe on race day.  Other than that I see nothing wrong with training barefoot, just watch your step.

Answer 6

try it and find out