Tag: barefoot running

What are the benefits and downfalls of barefoot running?

What are the benefits and downfalls of barefoot running? Years ago, a book called Born to Run convinced an entire generation of runners that barefoot running was better than running with shoes. Africa has produced many Kenyan NYC marathon winners who grew up running barefoot to school and culturally spent most of their time without shoes.   The book suggested that they were better runners because of this and as a result, they ran faster and it was better for them.   The book failed to mention that years of adaptation were also built into their boy mechanics. The truth is that Read More »

Is running barefoot actually better than running with shoes? Here’s what another major study shows.

Is running barefoot actually better than running with shoes? Here’s what another major study shows. A number of years ago, the barefoot and near barefoot running craze was alive and well.   The craze started after the book, Born to Run explored why the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. The secret according to the author had to do with running barefoot.  As many of us remember, there were Vibram shoes, minimalist running shoes, and of course, a lot of injuries from people trying to run in a different way and Read More »

Vibram running shoes, a passing fad with class action status. Were their claims of barefoot running false or just over over-exuberant marketing?

    Vibram running shoes, a passing fad with class action status. Were their claims of barefoot running false or just over-exuberant marketing? If you are a runner, there is no doubt you have heard about Vibram barefoot running shoes. Of course, to market such a product, you must spin it so people begin to want it. College campuses and high schools were filled with people who wore these cool-looking shoes with 5 toes that fit like a glove. We even did a report on near barefoot running (read it here) Vibram is now being sued for their claims on Read More »

The Tarahumara – A Hidden Tribe of Superathletes Born to Run. Should we all run barefoot?

The Tarahumara – A Hidden Tribe of Superathletes Born to Run Someone sent me this video about a tribe called the Tarahumara who are known to have run for hundreds of miles. The video discusses the science behind running long distances, the theories behind running with shoes and this tribe who are known to run for great distances, with a minimal shoe or sandal or barefoot. The barefoot fad is alive and well with groups such as the Barefoot Runners Society who see this as the future of running. On the other hand, the running world is still trying to Read More »