My mom recently forwarded me an article from ABC News about the ever growing barefoot movement called "Barefoot Running: Is Going Shoe-Free for You?" (Personally, it's the only way I can run without pain.) The article talks about the same issues as all the other articles, like how running barefoot is a growing trend, how there are new shoes companies like Vibram Five Fingers, Vivo Barefoot, and Feelmax that are catering to the alternative runners, how there have been no true scientific studies but how there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that barefoot running is a healthier way to run. I highly recommend reading the article for yourself, but allow me to quote a couple of the more important passages.
Barefoot Ted McDonald, one of the unofficial spokesmen of barefoot running, said, "Once you take off your shoe, you no longer pound the ground," said McDonald. "My way of approaching it is getting people to run more like dancers move across the stage -- with form and grace and strength."
Detractors of barefoot running, like shoe store owners, like Michael Gotfredson, founder and "chief runner" of Road Runner Sports, are calling barefooters crazy, saying, "The barefoot running thing is an injury waiting to happen. Ever walked on the beach or a sidewalk and seen shards by the dozens? Don't step on those if you plan on running in your future." It is definitely possible to step on glass and get a cut, especially if your run with your eyes closed. To minimize the risk, barefoot runners must be aware of their surroundings and look for dangerous materials on the ground. And honestly, the guy makes it seem that the roads are paved with broken glass, which isn't even close to the truth. I think it's hilarious how he can't even speak of the benefits of barefoot or minimalist running, as that would put him out of business. If he was smart, he'd hedge his shoe store by selling minimalist shoes like VFF's, to get on the train before it passes him by. Instead, like many stubborn running store owners, he'll probably stick his fingers in his ears and hope the whole thing goes away. Good luck with that.
Barefoot Ted McDonald, one of the unofficial spokesmen of barefoot running, said, "Once you take off your shoe, you no longer pound the ground," said McDonald. "My way of approaching it is getting people to run more like dancers move across the stage -- with form and grace and strength."
Detractors of barefoot running, like shoe store owners, like Michael Gotfredson, founder and "chief runner" of Road Runner Sports, are calling barefooters crazy, saying, "The barefoot running thing is an injury waiting to happen. Ever walked on the beach or a sidewalk and seen shards by the dozens? Don't step on those if you plan on running in your future." It is definitely possible to step on glass and get a cut, especially if your run with your eyes closed. To minimize the risk, barefoot runners must be aware of their surroundings and look for dangerous materials on the ground. And honestly, the guy makes it seem that the roads are paved with broken glass, which isn't even close to the truth. I think it's hilarious how he can't even speak of the benefits of barefoot or minimalist running, as that would put him out of business. If he was smart, he'd hedge his shoe store by selling minimalist shoes like VFF's, to get on the train before it passes him by. Instead, like many stubborn running store owners, he'll probably stick his fingers in his ears and hope the whole thing goes away. Good luck with that.
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