The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [12]
3. Runners may want to consider switching to a lightweight shoe that provides less cushioning and no arch support. The only shoes on the market that come close to these characteristics are racing flats. I use the 6.5 oz. ASICS Gel-Magic Racer. For you diehard NIKE fans, consider the Air Streak II, Air Streak Spectrum Plus or the Air Streak Vapor IV. But most shoe manufacturers make a flat. A shoe that Nike has just introduced this year, the NIKE FREE also looks like a step in the right direction (I have not actually seen this shoe myself yet). Moreover, a look at the NIKE FREE web page gives me a bit of hope that this company may finally have seen the light. If you do change to flats, I recommend you wean into them slowly. Remember that you live in a developed country and that your feet have been shielded from natural stresses your entire life, i.e. you’ve got wimpy feet, buddy. The intrinsic muscles of your feet are asleep and need to wake up slowly. The first thing that will strike you in a racing flat is the lightness of the shoe (Most runners today run in shoes that weigh as much as 14 oz.) Then, you will quickly realize that for the first time, you start to feel the ground you are walking on. Oh—and one more thing: don’t listen to the guy at the running store. He’s there to sell shoes and is under the spell of the powerful shoe industry advertising machine. He has become well and truly brainwashed with the traditional concepts that we all need cushioning and arch support. He will try to dissuade you from buying a racing flat and he may even go as far as telling you that they are for elite runners and are meant to be used for one marathon only. Don’t believe him. I keep my flats for at least 400–500 miles with no problem.
Finally, some radicals among you may wish to become full-time barefoot runners. Barefoot running clubs are springing-up all over America and Europe. Point your search engine to ‘barefoot running’ or go to www.runningbarefoot.org to get more information. I also welcome anyone who wishes more information on any of the quoted materials to contact me and it would be my pleasure to provide you with copies (josephfroncioni@logic.bm).
Joseph Froncioni
© Copyright 2006 Joseph Froncioni. All rights reserved.
Understanding Basic Barefoot Running Terminology
Just to make sure there is an understanding of the various terms used in this book, here are some helpful tips on basic barefoot running terminology.
The term barefoot running is sometimes misused. Within the barefoot running community, barefoot running refers to running without any sort of shoe, sock, tape, or other foot covering.
On the other hand, minimalist shoe running refers to running with a shoe that provides little or no support, a very thin extremely flexible heel, and more or less allows the foot to operate in a natural way.
Reduced shoe running refers to running in shoes that have some support, a thicker sole, and a heel that may be slightly higher than the midfoot area.
Shod running refers to running in traditional running shoes that contain thick soles, lots of cushioning, and may provide a good deal of support for the foot and ankle.
The Barefoot Running Movement
The barefoot and minimalist shoe movement can be divided into various categories or factions. These divisions are predominantly based on perspective and theoretical differences. It is common for barefoot and minimalist shoe runners to shift from one group to another based on their own experiences or conditions.
The “barefoot purist” group: This group of barefoot runners will run exclusively barefoot and will shun shoes whenever possible—even minimal shoes. The theory is based on the idea that any shoe will interfere with the body’s ability to run effectively.
The “shoes as tools” group: This group has the same theoretical perspective as the purists but will accept the use of minimalist shoes when conditions warrant—such as extreme weather to terrain.
The “minimalist shoe” group: This group generally agrees with