Shoes V's Bare feet

[bajnh]

Just wondering how many people train in bare feet. I personally don't like it.

I just paid $6 at a boot makers to have the foot pads removed from my new Windy shin pads. This allows me to train and spar in runners.

I do a lot of training outdoors, in environments not suited to bare feet, but more so then that, i simply prefer the support from good shoes, this also lessons the chance of shin splints (as in latest edition of IK mag).

At some of the fight gyms i've trained at, the fighters would spar full contact with shoes on to avoid smashing toes into elbows etc.

Anyway, just interested to hear what others think.

Merry Christmas,

Ben Hamilton

[ChrisQ]

Unless im out running, then all my training is done in bare feet.

[humble]

One of the biggest problem we have here and like western countries is footwear.

Footwear has been the reason why so many of us carry ailments well up into our necks.... all because of shoes you may think nothing of.

Training for a sport should be as specific as possible.

You don't fight with shoes on and you shouldn't train with them on unless you have a specific reason.

In MT/KB training, shoes throw your mechanics out unless they're flat non supportive and very flexible shoes.

But like you said, it's personal.

Shoes pull the toes in to each other too much and don't allow the natural spread of the toes which aids in stability and explosiveness and lower leg development.

I recently got very bad blisters on my feet from not training in a while so I had to wear shoes temporarily but I made sure they were the thinest non-supportive shoes I could find and that they has no heel raise etc.

When you wear shoes, your centre of mass shifts and when that shifts, your body mechanics shift. When it comes to fight time, you'll find it less easy to adapt to the non-shoe situation.

[Voice]

quote:I recently got very bad blisters on my feet from not training in a while so I had to wear shoes temporarily but I made sure they were the thinest non-supportive shoes I could find and that they has no heel raise etc.

says Humble...

But really JNI made him wear because of...
foot odour![xx(][xx(][:0];)

[gvmartialarts]

Not the new ones Ben!?!
I always train in bare feet, always have, always will. Tried the shoe thing, but I agree with Humble. I have, however, had some problems with my arches, but after correct strengthening & support, I have no more problems (touches wood.) I also hate, hate, hate smashing my toes, got big feet & long toes that like to break, dislocate etc. Just comes with the territory I guess, but not looking forward to old age!!

[bajnh]

sorry for the bad news Matt, but yes, the new pads have been altered.

I understand people training in bare feet if they are competing, but in contrast to that, in 1997 I lived with Prince Amir (only for a short amount of time). This was during his training for the Chris Allen thai fight in Melb.

Not once did I see the Prince train, run, spar or do bag / pad work in bare feet. Not saying he didn't at all, just I didn't see it.

Ring fighters fight bare feet, i'm more likely to get in a fight on the street then ever get back in the ring.

Definately a personal choice - just nice to get opinions.

P.S Humble - Martial Arts shoes are good, but i'll stick to the Asics or Brooks, something that offers support. I find i get more explosive power with them then without.

[promoboss]

Hi Ben,
Hows Albury mate? Has anyone burnt down murray high yet?

[bajnh]

Hey Scotty,

Murray High still standing strong.

I'm in Shepparton now. Probably here for a couple more years. Hoping to get a "Black Belt Fitness / Kickboxing" program running under the "Police Blue Light" banner.

How's things with you? Been a long time.

All the best for X Mas.

and just to stay on topic - go the shoes!

[promoboss]

Hi Ben,
Things are good mate had a great time in Bangkok with the Aussies and took the youngsters out for and educational night on the town.
You should hook up with Matty Reid he lives in Shepp too.
say hi to the family for me.
cheers mate.

[promoboss]

P.S. barefeet for me I like the feel of the ground under my size 14's

[P-DYNAMO]

I do alot of my training in Bare feet but if my sparring partner doesnt mind i like to wear shoes while sparring..Just avoids those toe and foot injuries a bit more.