Something to give most runners conniptions

Barefoot running is better?

I'll still be wearing running shoes when I go out, but it did make me chuckle.

Without reading the whole thing, I believe it - if I'm barefoot, I'd run on my toes, but in a shoe, I'm going to strike the ground with the edge of my heel - which can't be how we evolved to run.

I have heard that before, but can you imagine running barefoot unless you were on the beach or something. OUCH.

Well, we didn't evolve for pavement, either.

I admit that now that it's sunk in a bit, I'm rather fascinated. I always go barefoot when I can, but I just can't imagine doing it in the city where I live.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

Well, we didn't evolve for pavement, either.

Ha! true

I'm going to have to test this out.  I bet running on a Tucson sidewalk while barefoot would indeed make me run faster. 

definitely not conniptions :-)   Most people learn to run the way they walk...  heel to toe.  This has the unintended side effect of putting on the brakes every step.  The shoe people put tons of gel in the heel too, and who doesn't want to land on the softest part of the shoe?  I'm having to relearn my running stride, and even after two years, I am not yet done.

I've raced against barefoot runners here in Atlanta.  They wear socks in the winter.  Beat the pants off of me :-)

Hmmm, I saw this on another site and saw some criticisms.  Most importantly, that they are saying that runners with the more expensive shoes get the most injuries. 

But isn't it true that the dedicated (or even fanatical) runner will get the most expensive shoes, but he also runs a lot farther, faster, etc.  While lots of people buy cheap(er) shoes for fashion, or for the occasional light jog and never run seriously. 

The "dedicated" runner is probably more liekly to have injuries than the casual runner though, so it's a little misleading.

Original Post by mrsdagle:

I'm going to have to test this out. I bet running on a Tucson sidewalk while barefoot would indeed make me run faster.

mmm I bet I'd get a similar result here in Fort Worth! Especially in August!

Well, the Vibram 5-finger is based on some of the same thinking - I must admit I near choked trying to suppress a giggle when my friend showed up with a pair, but they're surprisingly comfortable and useful according to him.

 Interesting perspective though. Maybe we should stop telling people to go get a really good shoe adapted for their individual needs and tell them to get a pair of Converses and a running clinic to learn proper running form instead?

Ethiopian runners.....need I say more?

I know someone who tried out barefoot running last semester in college - he couldn't walk properly because of the blisters and such that he got on his feet. I would wince every time I saw him walk.

HOWEVER! It's still a fascinating idea (I like my shoes too much to try it).

Didn't anyone grow up playing barefoot outside in the summer?  I did, and so did every other kid in my neighborhood - burning your feet on the streets/driveways/sidewalks was how they got calloused and tuff.

I've never thought about how I run until reading what Wesmckean wrote in this thread - I use my toes and the balls right under them, can't even imagine landing on the heel??   I'm not a runner though, not unless you count chasing the kids.

Original Post by melkor:

Well, the Vibram 5-finger is based on some of the same thinking - I must admit I near choked trying to suppress a giggle when my friend showed up with a pair, but they're surprisingly comfortable and useful according to him.

Dan John is a fan as well.