A few months ago, I posted a short clip of myself running hills and skipping rope in boots. In the time since, I’ve received a plethora of questions and comments about the video, so perhaps a short entry is warranted. When I posted the clip, I wasn’t suggesting that everyone abandon their running shoes in place of boots. I was simply demonstrating something that I’ve done on occasion for many years. I didn’t invent the concept though. Many great fighters ran in boots to increase the challenge to the lower body. As for examples, former world champion Marvin Hagler was one of my early inspirations (pictured above).
Running and Skipping Demo
Before I elaborate on why I occasionally train in boots, here’s the brief video that I referenced before. As you’ll see, it’s not much different from many of the conditioning videos that I’ve shared in the past. The only difference are the steel toe boots that I’m wearing.
Benefits
My reasoning for occasionally running and skipping in boots is simple. To put it bluntly, it’s tough and I enjoy the challenge. I don’t need science to confirm that my legs are exhausted after performing the work. The fatigue that my legs experience comes on faster and more significantly when compared to performing the same work in running shoes.
Running in boots also helps to prepare me for the winter. Running in snow is extremely challenging. I’m not only dealing with resistance from the snow, but also the heavier boot. Training in boots during the warmer months helps keep my legs conditioned for the tougher runs that I experience each winter. An example can be seen below.
Running Speed?
A…
