Barefoot Rowing

[[old] nkoffler]

I haven't tried rowed without shoes but I have adding padding to the heel cups on the erg. I've simply taken the cutouts from the cheap C2 seat pad and attached them to the heel cups with duct tape. Without this, the heel cups were eating up the heels of my shoes.<br><br>As for barefoot rowing, energy dissipation and the advantage of shoes, I would think that shoes provide some protection for the soles of the feet. Paul Flack mentions that it help his arch (I can relate). I also think you could injure your foot by pressing so hard and directly on an uneven surface. I know that long distance runners (Zola Budd et. al.) have eschewed shoes but they are the rare breed. If you want to avoid the energy dissipation, avoid running shoes and get something thin soled.<br><br>Finally, the benefits of rowing strapless can be attained with or without shoes.<br><br>Neil

[[old] engage]

Thanks for all the replies and information.<br><br>I'm fairly new to this form of exercise - I have about 650K meters on my model D - so what's confusing to me is rowing strapless. I use the straps to pull my body back up. I take it there is another, perhaps, preferred way to do this that only requires the use of a heel strap.

[[old] seat5]

Canoeist,<br><br>I wonder if it would feel good to your feet if you mounted a pair of good shoe inner soles with arch supports on your foot stretchers. Then you could row barefoot (which is so much cooler) but still have arch support.<br><br>Carla

[[old] gorow9]

Just btw, the harder u drive with u'r legs, the less but pain. Also but pads don't help they hurt!!!!<br><br>I know that it's not fun.<br><br>~Sara