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C’est mon petit rituel de fin de séance : Dès qu’il y a une pelouse ou du sable à …more

original sound — @runningaddict

what it claims

Run barefoot on a soft surface for 2 to 10 minutes at the end of a session, very progressively, to strengthen foot and ankle muscles weakened by modern footwear.

holds up

The idea of stimulating our feet once freed from their shoes is scientifically compelling. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Ridge et al.

noli's read

The idea of stimulating our feet once freed from their shoes is scientifically compelling. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Ridge et al. effectively shows that reducing shoe support increases the strength and size of small foot muscles. Similarly, a systematic review by Fuller et al. (meta-analysis) fully validates the creator’s warning: a transition to barefoot running that is too abrupt exposes one to tendon overload. However, the direct link between this practice and the specific prevention of ankle sprains relies on more limited observational evidence and expert opinion. Ultimately, this progressive micro-ritual is an excellent strategy for awakening foot sensitivity and strength on a daily basis.

the sources

  1. 1Ridge ST, Olsen MT, Bruening DA, et al. 2018

Claimed by Running Addict. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 14, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence
B
Effect
foot muscle size and strength after minimalist-shoe walking vs targeted foot exercise vs control — 8-week RCT (n=57 runners): minimalist-shoe walking increased foot muscle size and strength significantly and comparably to a dedicated foot-strengthening program; no change in controls
Measured on
healthy adult runners

What’s uncertain

Evidence comes from a single well-controlled trial in runners. The strengthening effect is real, but a rushed transition can cause overload injuries, so progress gradually.

Running Addict in the Register102 claims graded · solidity 95/100See their record →

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