Barefoot Training

With offseason just around the corner, I think it’s beneficial to talk about techniques that can add variation and productivity to summer training programs.
One being... ditching the shoes and training barefoot.
By simply changing this one thing, you will see an improvement in mobility and relief in joint problems.

The modern shoe is responsible for many ankle, knee, and hip ailments. The amount of padding and arch support put into today’s shoes promotes improper movement (heel to toe walking) and poor stability. If you are suffering from joint pain, consider wearing a minimalist training shoe or simply make the choice to be barefoot more often. By doing so, your body will adapt and re-learn how to properly function.

Hockey players by nature are prone to poor range of motion in their feet and ankles. Skates are incredibly limiting in this way. The human foot and ankle contain 26 bones, 36 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. That is a lot to be constricted inside of a skate. Therefore, barefoot training as much as possible will help counteract those effects.

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Dr. Joel Seedman has over 13 years of training, strength coaching, and nutritional counseling experience. In 2015 T-Nation article, he highlights the following points:

"Faulty foot and ankle mechanics impact muscle function, mechanics, and joint health throughout the entire body.
Most shoes act as a crutch, thus contributing to foot and ankle dysfunction.
Barefoot and minimalist training is the ideal way to train and move, but your body must be properly prepared first.
If you're unable to perform a majority of your activities in barefoot or minimalist conditions, then you have foot and ankle deficiencies.”

Barefoot after a workout with EXOS Human Performance Manager and brother-in-law, Anthony Morando

Goaltenders that maintain joint health [specifically ankle, knees, and hips] will have longer careers and see fewer injuries. This translates into more games played per season and more seasons per career. I have implemented barefoot training into my daily routine and can speak first-hand that it has significantly improved my mobility, stability, and strength. I am 33 years old and have better mobility and range of motion than ever before. When I first started to train without shoes, I noticed an immediate improvement in my form and muscle activation with the most basic of exercises.

Off ice training methods have always been a big interest of mine and although I am not a certified specialist, I have devoted a lot of time and trial towards expanding my knowledge and skills, and plan to continue learning after my professional playing career ends.