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Barefoot Benefits for Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting millions worldwide. Characterised by sharp, stabbing pain—especially in the morning or after prolonged standing—it stems from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

While conventional treatments like orthotics, anti-inflammatories, and supportive footwear are often prescribed, a growing body of research and clinical insight suggests that barefoot walking or minimalist footwear may offer significant benefits for those struggling with plantar fasciitis.

Everyday Barefoot

Minimalist barefoot shoes aren't just for trail runners or fitness enthusiasts—they're becoming a smart, comfortable, and healthy choice for everyday living. From walking the dog to standing at work, these shoes offer a natural and liberating experience that traditional footwear often lacks.

Barefoot Transitioning Exercises

Developed in partnership with DCU High Performance Centre for Barefoot.ie

Most modern shoes over-structure the foot, limiting natural movement and placing unnecessary stress on joints. This 12-week barefoot transition program is designed to improve functional movement through mobilisation and strengthening exercises, preparing you to run 5km barefoot or in minimalist footwear—safely and pain-free.

Barefoot Minimalist Footwear Best Kept Secret

If you’ve been hanging around fitness circles lately, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend: barefoot shoes. Also called minimalist footwear, these sleek, no-frills shoes are designed to move with your feet, not against them. Forget thick soles and arch support — barefoot shoes strip it all back to the essentials, letting your feet flex, grip, and feel the ground naturally.

Curious why so many athletes, yogis, and gym-goers are making the switch? Here’s what barefoot shoes can do for you — and why you might want to kick off your sneakers and give them a try.

Comparing Risk Factors for the Development of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints) on Habitual Barefoot vs Conventional Running Shoe Runners

Are you interested in participating in a research study comparing if the risk factors associated with medial tibial stress syndrome differ between runners who habitually run in minimal footwear and those who wear conventional running shoes? 

Dublin City University are looking for participants for a study investigating whether runners who habitually uses minimalist footwear differ from those using conventional running shoes with regards to:

  1. The amount of pressure under the medial (inside) of the foot when running
  2. The amount of hip internal and external range of motion
  3. The amount of navicular drop (fall in foot arch height)

 

To participate contact Kirsty McIlwaine via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 086 057 5432

 

These measures were chosen because they are recognized risk factors for a number of injuries, including medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as shin splints. If you are interested in participating or reading more about this area of research, we provide background into the topic and study below.

We are seeking barefoot runners as study participants. Your involvement will include tasks such as running on a treadmill at your own pace, allowing us to measure the range of movement available at ankle and hip joints and completing dynamic movements such as a squat. The emphasis will be on your personal adaptation to barefoot running and not fitness levels.

Photo credit: inov-8

Corkman and former hurler, Paul Tierney has summited all 214 peaks featured in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells (1955-66) beating the previous record by a whopping seven hours. The previous record was set in 2014 by Steve Birkenshaw at 6 days 13 hours and 1 minute. The 512 kilometre route over the 214 peaks has Tierney ascent 36,000m, akin to 12 marathons over 4 Everest summits. Paul and his wife Sarah McCormack (herself an international runner) operate a running coaching business in Cumbria, UK. Check them out at Missing Link Running Coaching.

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