Yesterday’s purchase of new shoes got me thinking about barefoot running again. I mean, I could save ~$300 a year if I stopped wearing shoes. Seems like a good enough reason to try, so what’s stopping me?
Do you even need running shoes?
There has been a big debate in the running community (and now popular press) about whether going barefoot is better than running in shoes. I know Joe Salter likes running in Vibram 5 fingers which are shoes that simulate barefoot running but protect your feet from glass and rocks.
I haven’t made the switch because I’ve put on thousands of miles and haven’t experience any significant injuries from running. Now, personal experience is not always a good indication of the right course of action but since reducing the chance of injury is the most compelling reason to run barefoot and I don’t really get injured, there isn’t any good reason to switch.
Shoe companies addressing barefoot running research
The latest research now suggests that running barefoot is the way to go. You could understand that the running shoe companies don’t like this one bit. If they had any research to show the opposite (that shoe running is superior) you’d be they would’ve published and crowed about it by now.
But shoe companies are responding to this new barefoot movement. Nike has its own Nike Free shoe which is supposed to simulate the barefoot running experience. And of course, there is the Vibram 5 Fingers. Here is how the other big shoe companies are addressing the barefoot running research.
- Nike is using foam rather than air to help improve stability in their shoe design.
- Brooks introduced a DNA substance that is supposed to provide adjustable cushioning depending on the impact force and weight of the runner.
- Mizuno is making lighter, springier shoes.
- Adidas introduced the new adiStar Solution shoe which is somehow supposed to be superior to “neutral” shoes.
Shoe gimmicks
Try as they might to change their shoes, these new introductions all seem like marketing gimmicks to me. The Nike Air and Vibram 5 fingers are certainly revolutionary shoes but the rest of the introductions are not likely different at all. Really, how does your shoe know your weight and running style?
Joggling barefoot in the city is just a little too much for my feet but I tell you, I just may be inspired to go for one of the true barefoot shoes when I next need new footwear.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post, Perry. Yeah, if you’re blessed with injury free running then I suggest don’t switch. But, even if shod running is a good fit for you, supplementing a little minimalist running or some barefoot running on grass would probably help your running some. There’s some good articles about sports teams using barefoot training to enhance performance in basketball and running.
Also, I agree about the shoe gimmicks. All these fancy high-tech shoes are not making a difference in injury prevention. More is not better here. Barefoot and minimalist are not the cure-all either; but they sure do allow most people’s feet to do what they’ve been doing for 100,000+ years. I wonder if the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico who runs hundreds of miles in sandals get injured often? I’ve heard that they don’t.
By a startling coincidence, I ordered a set of Vibram FiveFingers KSO yesterday evening. All going well, I’m hoping to joggle a marathon in them this fall. I’ll keep you posted.
Nice, Greg
I really like the KSO’s for running! I got two pairs now (one for running and one for everyday outings). Go slow with the transition and have fun. Check out birthdayshoes.com if you want a cool website to post an article on or just read a mountain of info on everything Vibram Five Fingers/Minimalist Running.
I am also interested in going barefoot with VFFs. Not all the time, but one run a week would be good, I think.
The new VFF Bikila’s just came out and SOLD OUT for now Very Quickly. Stores will be stocking them piecemeal, and they’re in very high demand. They’re designed specifically for running, and they’re named after the Ethiopian Runner Abebe Bikila who won the 1960 Marathon while running barefoot in at time of 2:15. Some larger sizes are left, but the smaller men’s sizes are long gone during the first hour of online release.
Check it out:
http://birthdayshoes.com/the-vibram-five-fingers-bikila-is-out