The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [5]
At the same time, barefoot running has an interesting perception within the medical community. Critics of barefoot running often point out that most podiatrists and other such doctors often recommend highly corrective shoes and orthotics as a means of preventing and treating running injuries. While I do not recommend ignoring the advice of your doctor, it is prudent to exercise some skepticism when dealing with common knowledge rather than solid research. There is a tendency to blindly trust medical professionals without considering the possibility that their opinions may be wrong.
During a recent conversation with orthopedic surgeon and blogger Dr. Joseph Froncioni, he compared the medical community’s belief in the medical necessity of shoes to the past belief that baby formula was superior to breast milk.
In an attempt to sell more baby formula, manufacturers aggressively marketed their product. They created a market for their formula by convincing the public that it was a necessity. To further validate their message they handed out samples through hospitals and doctor’s offices leading to the perception that formula use was supported by the medical community (Baer, 1982). This resulted in many within the medical community recommending baby formula. The result was a huge increase in formula sales and corresponding sharp decline in breastfeeding.
Subsequent research, conducted in the 1980s, proved the the assumptions about baby formula were not only incorrect but potentially dangerous. Research now shows breast milk is vastly superior to baby formula. The proof is on the label of baby formula, which, by law requires formula manufacturers to make a statement about breast milk being recommended over formula.
How does this relate to running shoes? Through clever marketing, shoe manufacturers have convinced the general public that highly-cushioned, supportive shoes are necessary to allow humans to run. Just like the baby formula claims of the past, the medical community is allowing marketing to influence their opinions.
Does this mean shoe companies are evil entities bent on producing legions of injured runners? Absolutely not. Like all manufacturers, shoe companies produce shoes in order to make a profit while meeting consumer demand. For many years this meant producing shoes that sold well. Because there was high consumer demand for cushioned shoes with built-up heels, this is what they manufactured and sold. Today, due to new research, we are beginning to see a gradual shift in shoe design. As more convincing bio-mechanical research is conducted and consumers begin demanding more minimal shoes, the shoe manufacturers will respond with more offerings.
Note, these current studies supporting barefoot running are of a bio-mechanical nature. Essentially, the studies make an assumption that the improved biomechanics of barefoot running will reduce injuries. While anecdotal evidence seems to support this, until research is conducted comparing shod running to barefoot running, those assumptions should be made with an understanding that actual injury rates have not been measured.
Researchers such as Dr. Daniel Lieberman of Harvard University and Dr. Irene Davis of the University of Delaware are investigating injury rates of barefoot versus shod runners. While this research is ongoing, the current peer-reviewed empirical research supports the adaptation of minimalist shoes and/or barefoot running to help improve form and reduce the incidence of injuries.
The following essay was written by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Froncioni, and reprinted with his permission. In my opinion, this is the single best summation of the rationale behind the barefoot and minimalist shoe running movement.
This essay can also be found online at:
http://www.quickswood.com/my_weblog/2006/08/athletic_footwe.html
Athletic Footwear and Running Injuries:
Essay on the harmful effects of modern