The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [13]
Each of these groups will identify themselves as barefoot runners. Though the groups sometime disagree, all three groups share the common goal of helping people run in a more efficient manner with fewer injuries.
Is Barefoot Running a Fad?
A fad is defined as a temporary fashion, notion, or manner of conduct that is enthusiastically followed by a group. Until recently, barefoot running was an obscure practice followed by a tiny group of dedicated individuals—often labeled “crazy hippies” by our running brethren. This is now changing due to several events.
First, the peer-reviewed research began to make headlines as it became increasingly clear that the modern running shoe was not meeting the needs of all runners. Some advances in shoe technology may even have had a negative impact on the health of runners leading some members of the medical and running community to question the logic of the modern running shoe. So far this skepticism has had a relatively small impact on the running community.
The second major event was the release of the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. In his book, McDougall presents a convincing argument in support of minimalist shoes and barefoot running. The popularity of the book has spawned an enthusiasm that creates the perception for some that this movement is a fad or temporary craze.
Personally, I do not believe it. Certainly not a fad like leg warmers or river-dancing. Neither of which were supported by research. That said, I do not think barefoot running will ever surpass the popularity of shod running. Rather, I believe the movement will pressure shoe manufacturers to examine the research and development of their current shoes more critically resulting in moving away from the supportive and cushioned technology so prevalent today.
While some will choose to run barefoot a majority of the time—the “fun factor” alone will assure that—instead I believe the majority of runners will opt for a more conservative approach and make the switch to more minimal shoes. Barefoot running is a movement that will eventually help all of us to become healthier runners.
There will always be skeptics that question the logic of the barefoot/minimalist movement and many runners that have no history of injury caused by using cushioned, supportive shoes. Those runners should continue running as they have previously with occasional barefoot running as a healthy supplement to their normal training routine.
Personally, I believe the true benefits of barefoot running are the result of a more conservative training plan coupled with improved form. When beginning barefoot running, most runners will start at very low mileage and gradually build to longer and faster distances. This helps prevent “too much too soon” or over-use injuries. Barefoot running requires good form. The better your form, the less stress on your body resulting in fewer injuries.
Fear not, unless you are interested in barefoot running for the enjoyment factor, there is no need to completely abandon your shoes. Runners will receive some benefits of barefoot running even from a single unshod mile each week. If you are one of these runners, this book will provide tools that will be useful to you, even if you decide to forego barefoot or minimalist shoe running.
Do I Have to Run Barefoot?
While I would recommend barefoot running for all runners, it is not necessary to run barefoot full-time. In fact, running in minimalist or even reduced running shoes will provide many of the same benefits of barefoot running. There is research being conducted to determine exactly what causes the benefits of barefoot running though many speculate the relaxed, midfoot gait is primarily responsible for its positive effects.
Based on anecdotal evidence, minimalist shoe running is a healthier alternative