"You run in those things?" people remark as they see runners in the Vibram FiveFingers.
The shoes may look odd, separating each toe, but Vibrams, along with other ‘barefoot' running
shoes, such as the Nike Free, are growing in popularity. They can be seen everywhere along the
Centennial trail and around the gym this year. But, what is behind this new shoe trend and are
they worth a try?
Running is a great way to stay in shape but is hard on the body. A Runner's World poll revealed
66% of respondents suffered injuries in 2009. Despite advances in sports medicine and the
heavily padded, high tech running shoes runners invest in to protect us, people are still plagued
by shin splints, sprained ankles, tendinitis and other running related injuries. Some research
claims these fancy shoes are to blame. Can throwing them away help rid us of these ailments?
A Harvard study suggests it's possible. The research shows that landing on the fore or mid-
foot, as barefoot runners tend to do, creates less impact on the leg, potentially decreasing injury.
Whereas, in the modern running shoes, runners tend to land first on their heels creating more
impact when they contact the ground.
This study concludes "that the human foot is likely to be well adapted to running long distances
barefoot."
Running barefoot not only lessens the impact as you strike the ground, but can also strengthen
the foot and costs 5% less energy than when running in conventional shoes according to the
research.
Many ‘barefoot' products are hitting the shelves as major shoe companies look for a way to stay
afloat as this research spreads. Vibram FiveFingers sales have boomed with these findings and
Nike says it has taken "a cue from the intricate workings of the bare foot" releasing the Nike
Free with its slogan, "Run Barefoot."
Along with Nike, New Balance created the Minimus, Fila came out with the Skele-toes and
Merrell released an entire barefoot collection, including the Trail Glove and Tough Glove, to
keep up with this newest running trend.
Cross Country coach, Pat Tyson, doesn't want his team to jump onto this trend before all the
research is done. He says he's cautious about injury when runners opt for bare feet but he is open
to the idea.
Tyson believes the recent increase in running injuries may be due to kids playing outside
barefoot less when they are young. This lack of barefoot activity in childhood may result in
weaker feet as adults. Therefore, barefoot running "has a place" in his program. He has athletes
stride barefoot on the grass to strengthen their feet once or twice a week after a work out.
Tyson is right to be concerned of injury when having athletes run without shoes. Slipping
off your shoes is not a cure-all and may come with a set of injuries of its own. In its position
statement on barefoot running, the American Podiatric Medical Association warns about
puncture wounds from lack of protection and increased stress on the legs as a few possible
injuries. According to the statement, the ADMA strongly encourages individuals interested in
barefoot running to consult a doctor of sports medicine before throwing out their shoes as the
immediate and long term effects have not been researched.
If you are interested in trying out this running trend be careful to do it properly and take the time
to learn about the technique before jumping right in. Seattle runner, Barefoot Ted McDonald,
a master of the barefoot technique advises runners to start out slow, listen to their bodies and
attempt to follow three main goals: quiet forefoot landings, quick cadence and steady posture
while running.
Barefoot Ted believes, "barefooting itself is all about mindfulness and presence" the most
important thing is to listen to your body and "adjust accordingly. Advance accordingly."
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