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As a podiatrist, my answer is no. While there are barefoot running supporters who will tell you that it is more exhilarating to feel the ground on your feet, I am here to tell you that it not worth the pain that you might be inviting going bare. To prove my point, the oldest shoe was found in Armenia, and it is 5,500 years old, predating the Pyramid of Giza by a thousand years old. Even then, people realize that feet is better off being covered.

Barefoot Argument

Michael Warburton, who is

Running For Beginners

As spring arrives, and summer looms around the corner, you want to start running again. Or you have a new year’s resolution of acing it for the City to Bay Run next year? Perhaps you are looking towards a healthier you, someone who has stamina and energy to deal with stress of daily life.

First thing first

A pair of good shoes may be the most essential item in your new quest. To avoid injuries, it is best to visit a proper shop that offers shoe fitting. In a bind,

Use it or lose it.

It may well be something you’ve heard a million times before. But when it comes to your fitness, it’s well worth remembering.

If instant gratification is your thing, exercise can be a drag. It’s not something you do once, then sit back and reap a lifetime of rewards.

Those rewards only come with hard work, consistency and self-discipline.

“You’re only as good as your last training session,” said sports scientist Tony Boutagy.

“In other words, you only get health benefits from a session for up to about 48 hours afterwards.”

And

Looking after your feet

When you have diabetes you need to take care of your feet every day
Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations
Daily care can prevent serious complications
Check your feet daily for changes or problems
Visit a podiatrist annually for a check up or more frequently if your feet are at high risk

Why?

Your feet are at risk because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves in your feet, blood circulation and infection. Having diabetes can increase your risk of foot ulcers and amputations. This damage is more

If you’ve ever had a sore back, neck or knee, there’s a good chance you sought some kind of treatment for it — most likely from a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.

The distinction between the three can be extremely confusing at the best of times.

Without knowing too much, it can seem these allied health professionals practise much the same thing: non-invasive, drug-free, manual techniques, which aim to improve physical health and wellbeing.

But scratch the surface and you’ll find claims and counter-claims about which method is most likely to work for you.

So