Expensive Running Shoes Aren’t A Necessity

@Kin: If the Mythbusters can do it, so can you! Try this at home folks.

@Micho: So can you. Fire coals anyone can walk on :)

[cool stuff. you have to keep moving, and not jump, but the heat doesn't transfer quickly enough to your feet. High end motivational speakers sometimes incorporate it into their act]

Kin

@ShyamasriCecrops:

I like the idea. But who recommended it? Really, why?

If its just a case of overweak stability muscles I've been doing calf raises ect so I don't think my shin splints come from a weakness like that.

Reasoning?

Kin

@HarcourtArmstrong:

Hey, but knowing how to run also encourages you to run on your balls of your feet.

Heel running mechanically is more efficient, there's a heal run that should be ok.

Running (only) on the balls of your feet is by no means "natural" for long distances, So i wish someone would make more sense of it for how the argument corresponds with the many conclusions drawn. (I don't fully understand)

Kin

@Mike Glass:

But how is that natural at all? We run in woods, maybe compact stuff, but concrete is MUCH harder than even rocky surfaces.

Kin

@Bokusatsu_Tenshi: If we were taught how to survive in the hash conditions (which many people are not), then I think most people - without a medical condition - would survive.

I've been using Nike Free's for about 3 years now, and in the summer I run about 15km a day, winter is about 20km a week. I've gone through 3 pairs of the cross trainers, and use the Nike free gym shoes for badminton. They feel very natural and comfortable to run in, almost like I'm wearing nothing at all. Running on the road feels like running barefoot down a soft trail. This shoe is so flexible, it truly molds to your foot, I have semi-flat feet and they are perfectly comfortable for me along with my 40-yr old uncle with normal feet. Also when I broke my ankle, my Dad insisted I should get running shoes with extra support but instead I bought my first pair of Nike Frees!

I know this is Lifehacker and all, but I'm still surprised to see something like this in a major (yeah, I consider LH to be major) blog like this. Normally this kind of story is regulated to smaller blogs, or blogs that specialize in items like this. This makes me like LH that much more. I know this isn't the first story, but I thought it was time to say that.

@OrlandoCicero: +1, for always taking a second look at some stats just thrown out there.

gman2093

@MightyJoe36: When my knees and/or the soles of my feet start to hurt when I run" - i know you've got something that works for you, but try googling POSE running or barefoot running. It not only makes your joints not hurt, but the output is actually better (once your calve muscles have been worked enough). Seriously, Iit's kind of freaky once you see how inefficient "regular" running is.

coffinmouth

@undefined: There is a method called POSE, which gets you up on your toes and attempts to avoid the slam slam slam that everyone does when running. Basically, we've all gotten conditioned to run that way because the pad protects our feet. Yet a myriad of long term injuries are caused when you slam your body into the ground thousands of times. Running on your toes lets your body absorb everything. Neat.

coffinmouth

@ColtonCorvus: I thought so too, but after looking at the fivefingers site, it seems they have different size suggestions for whether the big or 2nd toe is longer

I've been running barefoot for about a year now, on asphalt. It took me a long time to adapt, but overall I'm quite pleased with it. I had started to use the "pose method" a few years ago, so I was already on sold on thin soled shoes and the forefoot running. The pose website, www.posetech.com, is a great resource, if you're interested. Basically, it's a completely different running style -- you do not push off, but rather kick up your heels behind you, fall forward, and catch yourself at each step. As a result, pose runners tend to have a slightly shorter-looking gait, with faster turnover. After four years, I still haven't fully mastered it, but it feels great. I would recommend a piece that ran in New York Magazine last year entitled "You Walk Wrong": http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/. The scientific research on the topic is limited, but there is a sports science study online that you may find interesting: http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm. I wouldn't say barefoot running is for everyone -- everyone's different, and running in different conditions. I can only talk about my experience: I have found that my feet have gotten much stronger, and I run much better (because I HAVE too! -- there's no room for error!). My skin does hurt, and I hate to land on the stray pebble here and there. But overall I'm really happy with barefoot running, and would like now to build up my miles and toughen up my feet. Gradually, of course. I take exception to the notion that we are "designed" for anything, or that asphalt or concrete are not surfaces that we were "designed" to run on. Over the millenia, we have walked, run, climbed, and jumped on a variety of surfaces -- from rock to clay to packed earth to sand to moss to meadow. (A manicured lawn is NOT a natural condition anymore than asphalt or concrete!) Riding a bicycle is not an activity we were "designed" for either, but no one would tell Lance Armstrong not to ride. I would argue that we are pretty adaptable to all sorts of conditions and activities -- including running barefoot or asphalt and running in shoes. Either way, do what's right for you and be aware of possible risks of whatever route you choose.

BeverlyDawlers

@mrbelv: I think I am missing something here...

About twenty-five years ago I was new to running. A running-shoe expert sold me a pair of top-of-the-line Saucony shoes. It didn't take long for my left knee to nail me good. I didn't buy any more shoes from that guy.

Dai Tryon

@ettelocin: I'm curious about why you say we weren't designed for long distances, and we were designed for short distances. To the contrary, most credible arguments I've read posit that we evolved to be better endurance runners than any other animal.
Bernd Heinrich's "Why We Run" examines this specifically. He was both a runner and a biologist, and finds that many human traits (standing upright, sweating, etc) are found in various other endurance animals. I don't believe I've ever heard an argument about us being built to be sprinters.

calculusrunner

Adidas Marathon 88's - best pair of running shoes you will buy.

JonnyBase

Everyone's feet are different. If you have high-arched feet, you absolutely must wear shoes that can support you. My feet have very high arches and I could get hurt even by standing bare foot.

KendraDawls

@Smiling_Gandalf: How many miles a week do you run?

agree! Proper form and function are critical. Most salesmen don't have a clue! Anyone who is serious about running more than a mile should find what store local runners go to. You can usually spot these by finding out what local store supports things like 5k races. Our local store has workshops at nights for proper technique and some sports med trainers/doctors even come to give advice (And I'm sure refer patients to their practices but, hey, nothing wrong with that)

Eric Schauberger

If you don't want to look like a tool with the Vibram shoes, you may want to check out Terra Plana's line of shoes at [www.vivobarefoot.com]

Oscar Feliciano

@FrancesLeto: They are great! Some of the the guys at my local running store wear these on the floor while they work. It turns out that Vibram pitched this idea to a couple companies and were turned down so they decided to make them themselves.

Eric Schauberger

Hmm. Aren't the statements "McDougall draws from... evolutionary study," and "McDougall argues, the human body was designed for," contradictory?

Is it a design feature (implying a designer) or an evolved trait (implying mindless, impersonal change due to random genetic variations)? Unless, of course, the evolutionary study points to design rather than evolution, this guy needs to rethink something.

Saibot

My knee problems disappeared when I went to a local sporty shoe store and got a decent pair. I paid less than a hundred bucks and haven't had an injury since.

If running barefoot works for you, do it. But I'm afraid of bees, broken glass, snakes and syringes. I like my shoes just fine

Erin Cummins

I find shoes like converse all stars the best for running. there very thin soled and have quite a soft inner. the design is only 92 years old!! still going strong!!

Smiling_Gandalf

And what this Dr Daniel Lieberman fails to mention or consider is that before the advent of running shoes, long-distance running was a rarity, not widespread like it is today, and only for the genetically gifted. The advent of running shoes brought the running craze and opened it up for everyone. These shoes are a blessing, not a curse.

cliffordthered

I've been in the Army for 8 years. This means I've run many many miles. In order to drive my experience home, I've also participated in quite a few half-marathons and so on. On this, let me point out that I flat feet. This was an effect of my genetics, not fallen arches. Upon joining the military, it was insisted upon me that I purchase 'Motion Control' Shoes which provided heavier material in the arch area to prevent over-pronation. Very Expensive. For months, this caused an incredible amount of pain and resulted in many twisted ankles. Finally, I went with common sense and purchased what was essentially a big block of heavy foam topped with shoe material. Anyone who knows shoes can quickly identify the make and model I am referring to. Here's a hint: for years they have cost only $20. What was the consequence of this action? Pure comfort, an end to twisted ankles, and the capability to run many more miles comfortably. Further, I can purchase new shoes without breaking the bank!

SasmitaCoates

While it is good to ensure your feet remain strong and flexible, serious running without very good shoes is just begging for injury. These "natural" people talk a good game, and there is a small bit of truth in it, but you don't run in Africa and you don't want your feet to look like the wooden blocks their feet look like anyway. And when you injure yourself from not having protection for your feet, these "natural" people will be nowhere around to help you.

cliffordthered

My father is 220 lbs. and runs all the time. He wears the expensive running shoes and then puts padded inserts in his.

So why don't I see most marathon runners going barefoot? Is it just because they "don't know any better"?

I tend to believe the "professionals" know best (not just in running, but in most subjects). So until I see a major change in their behaviors, I'm not buying the "you don't need shoes" argument.

abonet

@ArtisanFitness: You have some very strong points. But looking evolutionarily, the body wasn't really designed to do the long distances that marathon and ultra-marathon runners do each week. Our bodies were created for shorter distances and sprints. Therefore, if we want to do something beyond what our bodies are created for, it makes sense we'll need help from technology.

So I think you're right if we're talking about short distances. Otherwise, get a gait analysis and a great running shoe (note: great doesn't equal expensive). I also would never even think of running shorter distances in my current neighborhood barefoot due to broken glass & other man-made mess.

ettelocin

The fivefingers shoes look fine if you have feet/toes in the exact proportions they are made. They won't work for people with "flintstone" feet or those with long toes - especially those whose longest toe is the second, not the first. There is also this thing called "survival of the fittest". Just because some people were born to run, doesn't mean we all were. The reason we have high tech shoes is because there are people who are not naturally suited for running. This is what humans excel at, overcoming natural deficiencies.

ColtonCorvus

Maybe if you have ideal feet, mine are flat as a board and overpronate (roll in). Running barefoot for any length of time would suck.

Peleus

@SunetraNange: why did you do this?

@orlo: Nope. Traits like sweating, loads of slow twitch muscle fibers, and the geometry of our anatomy are common to all people and predate humans splitting into racial groups. Sure, some groups might have evolved a bit after that, but people from around the world have found success in marathons, from the U.S. to Europe to South American to Asia to yes, East Africa but the rest of Africa, too.

@Pasha: I'm a huge FiveFingers fan. It's totally changed the way I think about running - before it was such a chore and I hated doing it. Now, it really does feel like running barefoot. However, you will have to DRASTICALLY change your running mechanics to run in them. I used to plod along really slamming my feet into the ground in my running shoes - now, it would just tear up my feet, so I've switched to running much more upright on my toes and the forward part of the foot. I got faster immediately stopped having shin splints.

youngheart80

@Pasha: I also have the KSO's and I have to say I wear them as often as possible. When I got them I only wore them for walking and casual wear around the house and eased into running. Even when used only for walking, your feet may feel tired for the first couple of weeks due to the unused muscles being worked - but they'll be stronger in no time with regular usage.

Mike Ouellette

@Wally East: Maybe Kenyans or Ethiopians were born to run. Most other races are specialized for other purposes--scavenging maybe?

orlo

I was plagued by foot and lower leg pain in my New Balance cross-trainers... I do a lot of triathlon training and participation so this was definitely not helping with my run times. I recently heard of a company called Newton Running ([www.newtonrunning.com]) and their shoes intrigued me.

At Ironman California 70.3 I talked to one of their reps at the pre-event vendor fair and he let me try out a set of the shoes for a quick run around and they felt pretty nice. Very light, very obvious where and how my foot should be hitting the ground. Ended up buying a pair and after my first outing in them had absolutely zero pain (which has never happened before, regardless of stretching before or after the jog).

If anyone's interested in more information, I'm still breaking them in this week but will have a review up at the beginning or middle of next week on my blog: [psyrixx.psyjnir.org] .

Robert Sogomonian

I've been running for over twenty years and started running exclusively in the Nike Free about a year ago. It's a great shoe and modestly priced. I haven't been as injury free in probably ten years.

ShrilekhaCato

Well, you know, we were "designed" to withstand lots of things... but there's a reason why we created "tools", such as clothing and shoes to get around.

Also, the problem with running barefoot isn't because our feet was or was not designed for it... the problem is that the roads, public walkways, parks, etc were designed to be walked on with shoes.

And since we all grew used to walking and running around with shoes, our feet skin got more sensitive and thinner.

There's also the natural selection part. Lots of us would all be dead if we were thrown into harsh conditions without some of the modern tools we have available today.

But I do understand that lots of tennis shoes makers put absurd prices on their shoes justifying it with research and technological innovations that probably don't affect our daily use as much as they claim.

I tend to pay a good price for shoes the fits my feet comfortably and if it has durable materials, even though I ignore most of the "innovation" stuff.

I do have flat feet, so I tend to spend a little more on shoes. But for instance, my last pair of tennis shoes were used for a good 5+ yrs before replacement, and I had no problems with that. I only replaced it because it was kinda falling apart, and I found a tennis shoe that felt as comfortable as my old one (without the need to loosen it up).

Payed almost 200 bucks, but was worth every penny.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

@Capone: Great contribution - Thanks.

m.c.cookie

@MightyJoe36: Good contribution - Thanks.

m.c.cookie

@EnergyNanomaterials: Running on grass won't help you learn to run barefoot as much as running on something mean and nasty. Your feet can do all of the things they do in cushy sneakers on grass. Try to land all of your weight on your heal on concrete: Not gonna happen.

Mike Glass

One word: MBT Get MBT shoes, they're ugly as heck, but they work!!! I have hallux limitus and paid $400 for custom orthotics with no success. I found out about MBT shoes from a writer at the NY Times and absolutely love them. I plan to buy several styles and never wear another type again.

ShamaClio

Reminds me of [en.wikipedia.org]

Marius Piedallu van Wyk

I love Vivobarefoot shoes. Its like walking barefoot without hurting your feet.They will do barefoot running shoe next season i guess. check at www.vivobarefoot.com

Christoph Dahn

@Capone: I think you hit on it exactly. Humans were never built to run on concrete. Shoes or no, we will always get into injury-risk territory on concrete. With some creativity you might be able to find a place to run on a natural surface that is safe and free of glass, debris, syringes, dog stool, etc. If not, don't run outdoors. I mean, if you're that concerned about running-related injuries, stick with the elliptical machine or swimming laps at the local gym, remove the impact on your body completely. Otherwise you aren't solving anything, whether you run in $250 specialty shoes or barefoot, if you're on concrete you're going to develop problems in the long run. Maybe it'll take 35 years, maybe 2 months, but it will happen.

@MartinaNareen: That's the thing. In a scenario where it's possible to run barefoot, this is all great...but nobody runs barefoot on grass, and most gyms/treadmills aren't gonna let you run barefoot on them.

Hence, you go to the next-best solution: gait analysis.

http://vibramfivefingers.com/ is all I have to say. Once you try them you will never go back

FredaVinton

@Jordan Buller: Hi Jordan, I think what Ruby is inferring that if you run with Gold Toes and some Tims, it is much more challenging workout, you really work out your glutes bigtime. I like to workout with Gold Toes, Tims, no pants, a shirt, tie, and yellow rain jacket. Boy do I get some stares! It really works out the necks of the people checkin my fine self out.

mrbelv

@RubyCabelin: so running with boots is like running barefoot, as long as you have good socks?

@HalenAglaea:

What the hell kind of club would let you in with those abominations on your feet?

ChromeSishi

I have trouble just running, come to find out that if I were barefoot, I could very well run better? FML!

Zach W. R. Mollett

As long as you're buying the right type of expensive running shoe for what you individually need then I think it makes sense to spend the money. If you're just buying a brand for the brand name sake then I guess I'd agree with the article.

Personally, I only run in Asics because they've proven to be the best running shoe for me. This is probably not true for everyone.

st4tkeric

@agent888: When I got my KSO, the dealer said that it would take time to get used to them, and to running on pavement, but they'd hold up. Being a martial arts student, and training and running barefoot in class, I didn't have any problem running on pavement with them.

rattis

@Pasha: I've got a pair of the KSO as well. I love them. They're great for working out and running. Way more comfortable that most shoes I wear.

rattis

I've been running for a few months iin Vibram Five Fingers, which is essentially like barefoot running with some pavement protection. It's been great exercise for all the little muscles in my feet, and I have to say, my calves are looking super-crazy toned. Also, they're far lighter than running shoes, and they take up very little space in my bag. They DO take some getting used to (they rub a little differently than my sneakers) and you really have to start VERY slowly. I found it best to start from zero and increase my "barefoot" distance by about a half to a quarter mile per week.

LesterImbeciliot

@Navin R Johnson: Sorry. We were born to run. It's one of our few evolutionary advantages compared to other mammals. Only dogs and horses are as suited to cover long distances. While early humans couldn't catch much sprinting, they could run prey to exhaustion over the course of a few hours.

With some training the average person can easily run a marathon. Dogs also need training to go that far at an equivalent pace.

@Capone: Silly generalizations is dead right!

You're not going to find two people with identical needs in terms of running gear; some people have a natural build that suits barefoot running, others are risking serious injury without proper support. I started running in cheap racing flats, just enough shoe to protect the soles of my feet from road crap, and even with a carefully graduated plan of starting slow and short and working up to faster and longer, I ended up with chronic injuries to my feet and knees.

After switching to medium-quality Sauconys, the problems all went away and I've clocked a lot of miles in the last 20 years without recurrence, including five marathons.

And finally @ Jack Dedert, if cave men didn't suffer running injuries as frequently, it may have had something to do with never running on pavement, and having a life span of less than thirty years...

drmaybe

@PaintTheSkyGrey: Ah, beat me to it.

@Navin R Johnson: http://seedmagazine.com/content/print/the_running_man_revisited/

LazarusDampie

Silly generalizations. What kind of running? What kind of surface? Sprinters have always worn light shoes. Running in a straight line or around gentle curves won't cause any knee injuries except through wear of the joints. Tennis and basketball players make a lot of quick turns. Nature didn't make concrete and broken glass for us to run on, so running barefoot on these items is hardly natural.

When I get a nice, fenced in (i.e., no dogs), manicured running track of soft, carpet-like grass like creeping bent, then I'll certainly take this wonderful advice.

Capone

Oh for god's sake....

Look at a timeline of evolution vs. civilization vs. the advent of 'running' shoes. Of course the human body was designed for running...and climbing and lots of other things. I seriously doubt that cave men suffered shin splints or any of the other maladies that are common in runners who wear overpriced, over engineered 'runnig' shoes.

My dog gets tired walking around the block, but then he spends most of his time lying on the couch. So what if he can't climb a ladder? Ladders were designed for humans. Can you climb up the side of a wall? Many animals can....

Jack Dedert

95% of the answers I am seeing are ridiculous. People who have attempted to run barefoot or in minimal shoes and have seen negative effects from it are jumping into it too quickly. The transition into minimalist running takes time! Sure you might feel good now running in your expensive built up shoes, but wait until you're older. This is not true for everyone...some people may need orthodics and some may be ok training in built-up shoes. But video tape yourself running candidly with and without shoes and see how bad your form looks with your fat shoes on. By the way, I have been running the majority of my life (originally in expensive, built-up shoes), log 2500-3000 miles per year, and run primarily in cheap road-racing flats and Vibram Five Fingers. I go through 4 pairs a year max.

rnevius

Even when weightlifting, barefoot has always been the way to go as shoes tend to put your feet into improper positioning.

I dont do barefoot at the gym, but I do use old school Converse Chucks instead because of the flat soles. Wresting shoes work just as well as special flat sole lifting shoes. Or barefoot if your gym wont have issues with it.

Jim Topoleski

@Nollie: "I believe that barefoot running/walking is fine so long as it's on fairly short distances, but we're just not built to withstand the punishment of half-marathon+ distances without some kind of support." The article, and several others, suggest otherwise. A half marathon+ is only punishing because you are stepping incorrectly. This is a behavior reinforced by your running shoes.

HarcourtArmstrong

Cushioning = Less joint pain. If you are prone to knee pain from impact, you most certainly start to know when it's time to get new shoes. Moreover, if you are someone who needs support for your arch, running without shoes is not an option. Maybe running barefoot is an option for some, but it's not going to be for the majority. The shoe industry obviously wants you to buy as many shoes as possible, but their technology and products are not a scam, so put away those conspiracy theories.

BaileyNimrat

@agent888: I too purchased some Saucony's a while back. They were custom fitted and I felt great running in them. However, now I notice that I feel pain when I walk or run in anything other than those shoes.

This anecdotal evidence seems to back up the article. When you buy more supportive shoes, you become dependent on them, and your muscles atrophy.

HarcourtArmstrong

i've been running for the last 10 years in flip flops. no joke. i've done 2 triathalons, hiked in the sierras (including mt. whitney), and run my dog daily.... with the crocs slippers, it's even better since it's light and sticks to the feet without having to grip it with the toes like others.

SunetraNange

@ospreyguy: Apparently, it doesn't hurt if you do it correctly. Modern shoes encourage you to land on your heel, which causes injury. Running barefoot encourages you to run on the ball of your foot, which reduces chances of injury. Running on the ball of your foot doesn't hurt, while running on your heel does.

HarcourtArmstrong

Anyone who thinks running is what humans are "born to do" has never gone running with their dog.

Here's a little experiment:

Take you dog on a long run and see who fairs better. The average dog could complete a marathon with no training. The average person, not even close.

Now take you dog up a ladder. What's that? Your dog can't climb a ladder? The average person can and most dogs can't. That should tell you something about what we were "Born to do".

Bottom line, if you want to do what you were born to do and get great exercise doing it, join a rock climbing gym.

Navin R Johnson

I weigh 200 pounds and have very high arches. For me, $90 for a pair of running shoes is a lot cheaper then thousands of dollars on a podiatrist, chiropractor, orthopedist, etc.

As far as changing your shoes every 300 miles, I think that's some kind of arbitrary benchmark made up by the shoe industry or the running mags, or both.

When my knees and/or the soles of my feet start to hurt when I run, I know it's time for a new pair of shoes. A pair usually lasts me about 3-4 months. My wife, on the other hand, can get 6-9 months out of a pair of running shoes before she needs new ones.

Bottom line: If you don't run much, or have no foot or leg problems, you could probably get away with getting your shoes from Payless. Otherwise, you need a good pair of running shoes.

MightyJoe36

@EnergyNanomaterials: Around here, I'd be to worried about stepping on a syringe...

I highly recommend a pair of Vibram Five Fingers (www.vibramfivefingers.com) for those who want to consider being barefoot, but still have that niggling, "what if I step on glass"). I haven't tried them running, but they are most certainly the best festival shoes ever. And there's NOTHING better to wear on your feet to go dancing at a club!

HalenAglaea

@loudcox:

Actually the more you run barefoot, the more callous your feet become, thus resistant to small spikes, stones, etc. on the road. You have to look at the kids in underdeveloped countries: they could walk on fire coals! (sadly though).

Micho

As some one who has experienced plantar fasciitis, my podiatrist said I was pushing off with my little toe instead of my big one. He told me to get the Brooks Beast ($120) shoe. I got a pair and never looked back. Within 2 weeks I had no pain and it hasn't come back. I get a new pair every 8 months or so. They have a stiff soul that doesn't let your foot rotate in the wrong way.

tyep

So what happens in Africa? Most kids learn to run without shoes. We use to live without shoes. Most pebbles, small pointy rocks hurt our bare foot because we are not use to it any more. Poop does not hurt it is just disgusting, smelly and squishy (unless it is hard). I run with heavy boots to make it more challenging. It is my socks that I take good care of. It's not about the shoes, it's the socks!

RubyCabelin

@EnergyNanomaterials: A nice barefoot run on a beautiful beach! ;o)

pale_blue_eyes

I've been running barefoot for a couple years now (I'm 32). I run barefoot exclusively on the beach. It works pretty well. I had to ease into it--for a week or so I ran only a mile or two. There were rest days. As the small blisters turned to calluses I could run without skin pain. The hardest part wasn't the blisters it was the sore muscles deep within and all around the foot. You find muscles you never knew you had. This soreness took about 6 months to work through.

Brandon Phelps

@crabbygeek: for shin splints, try running on just your toes. it does look goofy, but it works and makes you stronger too

ShyamasriCecrops

@alphagojo: There is some truth to changing out your shoes every so often. The question is, how often is "every so often" for you?

For me, it tends to be about 500-600 miles, or the point where I can feel that my shoes are worn out. After being a runner for almost 20 years now, my body has developed a sense for when I'm not getting as much cushioning as I should, and at that point, I know it's time to replace my shoes.

I think replacement every 300 miles is a bit excessive... but listen to your body, and watch the wear pattern on the shoes, and you'll have a pretty good idea.

fritzk3

All Stars for the win!

@EnergyNanomaterials: Great idea, until someone steps on a sharp twig or other object. Probably won't do too much running after that for a while.

jc364

@alphagojo: I agree, my favorite shoes are the $50/$60 Asics I can get on sale at Kohl's.

@ospreyguy:
Here's a though. Get shoes meant to mimic barefoot walking. Yes, they do exist.

@Pasha: I bought a pair of vibram shoes and I tried to run in them and got shin splints very quickly (but I'm prone to shin splints anyway). Now I use them when I travel to walk down to the workout room, they take up a lot less room than normal shoes. Bottom line I like them, but I'm not giving up my shoes anytime in the near future.

crabbygeek

It's a lot easier to clean dog poop from you barefoot than it is to try to dig it out of the tread of your running shoes... yuck!

www.nikefree.com

[nymag.com]

Coqui!

@Pasha: I have a pair of the KSOs and they do indeed feel like you're walking barefoot. It does take me a bit longer to get each toe in their correct pockets though. You also turn heads everywhere you go XD

SiPhuYoda

The barefoot track sessions that some college teams are PART of their training.... a specific tool used for a specific reason. When Nike came out with the Free, our local running store had signs up explaining that they were for a particular type of training session, and were not for everyday training., They ended up just dropping the shoe. I've run with cheap sneakers, and with higher-end shoes, and when doing distance, ( 10k+ ), I'll take the higher-end shoes every time. Doing a 20 mile+ run in old ( 500+ miles ) good shoes, or newer cheapos, means I'll be hobbling for a few days.

JamieTydeus

@Pasha: I have a pair of these shoes, and they are absolutely terrific for running and everyday use.

SawyerDana?

@EnergyNanomaterials: If I wasn't deathly afraid of worms and slugs I'd love it.

Typical this article gets posted the day after I buy a new pair of running shoes!

That said my first 2 pairs of running shoes had a very small heel compared to others (Nike Free's) but decided to get a pair of Pegasus 25+ for more cushioning on the longer distance (10 Mile+) runs.

I have also been thinking about how we have recently been recommended to run barefoot. I believe that barefoot running/walking is fine so long as it's on fairly short distances, but we're just not built to withstand the punishment of half-marathon+ distances without some kind of support.

Nollie

I clock in about 25 miles a week with roughly 1/3rd of that on road and the rest on treadmill.

I have some Vibra Five Finger shoes, that are probably the closet to bare feet you can get. They just dont seem practical to pavement running, even the dealer said they wouldnt last long. They just feel weird too. They are great water shoes though.

I just bought some expensive (120$) shoes, Saucony's. These are the first 'expensive' running shoe I've ever owned. Everyone else I've bought at some big box shoe retailer on my own accord. This time I went to a specialty shop, got fitted, and was viewed running on a treadmill. It was well worth it.

I'll take the Saucony's any day. I feel less knee strain and can put in 2 straight days of good long running (6+ miles) before feeling I need a rest.

agent888

I used to run barefoot during both track sessions and also through a country park near me, though mainly on grass. Got up to about 10M distance, and the worst that ever happened was a spike through the bottom of my foot. Kinda painful, especially on the first day of a two week training camp!

Remember Abebe Bikila? Won the 1960 Olympic marathon barefoot, through the darkening streets of Rome. Beautiful to watch!

loudcox

I've always thought the running shoe industry had a scam-like element to it. Not to say that I believe everything in that article (I run in a pair of $60 Asics), but all this nonsense that you have to replace shoes every 300 miles or whatever is a bunch of crap.

alphagojo

I love how people thought they were so advanced that they could improve what God (or nature - your choice) had already done properly.

The human foot contains tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones like every other part of the body; yet podiatrists treat it in a completely different manner.

If I put your arm in a cast, the entire muscular system atrophies over time, the ligaments shorten etc. Anyone who's broken an arm can see this plainly. But somehow putting your foot into what is essentially an expensive "cast" is promoted as beneficial for "strengthening" your feet.

It's a freakin' joke.

When I first ditched my supportive footwear - yeah my feet hurt a bit, so I started out walking only. Within a few weeks, I could run without, knee, shin, or foot pain for the first time in my life. Now I run sprints with my athletes, on my forefoot (the way you're supposed to) and don't have an ounce of pain.

The medical community needs to treat the human body with more reverence and humility.

ArtisanFitness

I keep seeing barefoot running pop up these past few days. I wonder what started it?
Anyway, i stumbled across this page a few days ago, and it seems like it's a good alternative to barefoot running
[www.vibramfivefingers.com]
I like being barefoot, but the thought of stepping of tiny rocks and dog poop is preventing me from running without shoes. The "Five Fingers" looks like it will still give you that barefoot feel, while protecting one from the above mentioned hazards.

Pasha

While I agree that running barefoot is fun and probably good for you, I think that it would be stupid to just throw out your running shoes because people in the 1970s had fewer knee injuries. There were also fewer recreational runners in the 1970s, and they were overall in better shape. People had a lower average weight, which would also help prevent knee injuries.

OrlandoCicero

Had a thought. What if you did run barefoot on a track. Problem is it would hurt... What if there was a stick on plastic coating thing kind of like those blister patches. It could be segmented into a sole and toe pieces. Foot protection yet the benefits of running bare foot... Interesting.

ospreyguy

as a distance/marathon runner, I can say shoes ABSOLUTELY make a difference. Of course, barefoot on grass is great, but...let's face it, no one runs barefoot on grass. I was having crazy IT Band syndrome when I first started running, thinking, "aw a gait analysis isn't necessary, i'll just buy some good shoes" negatory. I went and got a gait test and fitted for shoes (which ended up cheaper than my initial shoes) and BYE BYE IT Band Syndrome. I recommend, and strongly at that, that EVERYONE who runs get a gait analysis and fitted for the type of shoes they should be running in.

MartinaNareen

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ These are great

FrancesLeto

damn! they actually don't tell you that in the footwear store... In any case, it make sense.

fred

Many track coaches like to take their team to a nice, grassy field to have them run barefoot. Try adding this to your exercise routine. What could be more fun than a nice barefoot run through a green field?

My over pronating flat feet disagree with this guy.

Jason Rouse

I'll stick with my ugly (but light) New balance running shoes. As someone who wears orthotics every day, I need them in my shoes when I run. I tried running barefoot for a while, but my knees did not like it.

Try trail running without the proper footwear, See how far you can get without shredding your feet.

toolverine

I was never able to run for any period of time, regardless of being a very fit athlete, because of 'shoe dummy' syndrome. After a very simple gait analysis, and the pairing with a neither cheap nor super expensive pair of shoes, I was able to run half-marathons without knee pain. It was amazing. And, yes, some of those 'fancy' terms are things I seek now. Well, it's not the fancy terms, but it's the motion controlling features they represent. Sure, there's lots of 'cool kid at the gym' shoes out there, but there's also some really good tools that keep injury down.

Bottom line: Don't buy running shoes at a department store unless your knees are military spec. Go to an expert, one that actually is a running nut, and get good advice. They'll make more money with repeat business than with an expensive shoe. And, they know that.

Evan Kruse

Running is murder to my knees on any footwear anyway. Humans aren't meant to run. If they were, God wouldn't have invented bicycles.

I think a key piece of information to consider is that this is health information being reported by the DAILY MAIL, therefore take with a huge pinch of salt.

SpaceAgeRobot

Running long distances barefoot isn't for everyone (I crap out at about a 5k), but if you really want to learn good running *form* fast, there's absolutely nothing I've found that beats barefoot running. Preferably on as hard a surface as you can find (that you've swept clear of debris). You learn to avoid landing on your heel -- with all that injury-producing jarring -- and letting your mid-foot hit under your center of gravity real fast Once you've got good form, find a shoe (or lack thereof) that works well for you to maintain it. Running shoes don't injure people, running with bad form (heavy heel strikes) is what injures people.

LaneCerberus

From the article: "Despite pillowy-sounding names such as 'MegaBounce', all that cushioning does nothing to reduce impact. Logically, that should be obvious - the impact on your legs from running can be up to 12 times your weight, so it's preposterous to believe a half-inch of rubber is going to make a difference." If you believe this you could probably wash down the rest of the BS this article has to offer. I'm not saying it's written out of bad intentions, but it seems fairly wishy-washy throughout.

JustinGalolahere

I don't know about the "most of us" comment Mr. Purdy. Anyone who grew up in the country (or even the suburbs) spent most of the day barefoot, running or not. When I was a kid, the bottoms of my feet were almost leather. Also, I don't quite understand why the linked article says running shoes encourage heel-striking. I ran long-distance in high school, and my coach (a pro runner) strongly discouraged running on heels. It was his pet peeve. If he was saying it, then I'm sure many other trainers were as well.

@FrancesLeto:
Fivefingers are fantastic!! I wear them everywhere, really confortable, just as barefooting.

@ettelocin:
@calculusrunner:
Good points, although it seems that humans have adapted to a variety of running distances (depending on the needs of a particular culture).

Puma makes some very flexible thin-soled shoes for running in areas when you need a little extra protection. I'd tell you to get some Vibram Five Fingers, but as much as I love them, I don't think they'd stand up to broken glass so well.

ArtisanFitness

@ettelocin:
@calculusrunner:
Good points, although it seems that humans have adapted to a variety of running distances (depending on the needs of a particular culture).

Puma makes some very flexible thin-soled shoes for running in areas when you need a little extra protection. I'd tell you to get some Vibram Five Fingers, but as much as I love them, I don't think they'd stand up to broken glass so well.

ArtisanFitness

I don't know if expensive running (or walking, or any) shoes are worth it. The only somewhat pricey ones that ever fit me properly were the classic (very old-school, sort of mid-price range) Nike Airs, which I wore one half-size too small for the best fit. But I have a crooked toe, one foot that is slightly larger than the other (not enough to qualify as another half or full size up, just "larger"), weak ankles, and what I believe was a broken leg in junior high that never healed (I was dancing and fell - and there was no way I was ruining Christmas with a trip to the emergency room, so I just limped along for a month or two - literally).

Between the way I walk thanks to that injury (I still turn my right foot slightly inward) and my ankles, almost nothing helps keep my feet exactly where they belong when I walk or run, and the Nikes, for all that they cost, wore out too fast to keep on replacing them.

For those reasons I switched to Olympians years ago (there's just one style that fits) because they're cheap enough to replace every few months and they mimic the Nike fit that my feet crave: a high arch with no slippage.

Running barefoot on grass is fine but do it at your own risk: when you're running you're moving too fast to avoid glass, ant hills, rocks, twigs, etc. Walking barefoot, even briskly, is different; you have more time to see and feel dangers and avoid them. I've walked in my yard, gardens, and around my block in FL barefooted (putting on shoes is a PITA when you're always barefoot at home) and I've encountered no more problems with that than I have walking the same areas with shoes on.

Running barefooted is what I'd avoid. And forget running barefooted on concrete: almost everyone's done it, and almost everyone thinks it's painful.

As to what sort of running we're designed to do, I'm not sure. I think long-distance running doesn't come naturally but only after you build some endurance. I was a good sprinter when I was young; long-distance running killed me, though...it's hard to say.

emnem

@HalenAglaea: You look like you should be going to some hippy get together, not a fancy club.

mrwumasta

As a former track star I feel inclined to comment on this. Obviously running barefoot is better, that is one reason why sprinter shoes are pretty much nothing but an overlay with spikes on it, they don't even have heels.

Where he is absolutely wrong is with normal people. If you are going to do some running in the park or on the road, most likely you are going to be running upon concrete or asphalt. This reason alone justifies a good pair of running shoes and I know this because I run regularly and spend quite a lot on shoes.

The problem most people has is they spend money on shoes that don't fit right or have bad arch and heel support.

Sorry but I don't think we can compare running from a long time ago to modern running. Surfaces have changed and so has the runners.

mrwumasta

@Kin:
Your feet are evolved to absorb the shock of running, and heel strikes are not a part of natural human stride. Indeed, they're hell on your knees and back.

Landing on the ball of your foot before letting your weight roll back towards your heel is how the foot absorbs shock. If you don't believe me, try running barefoot for a few minutes, especially on a hard surface. Landing on your heel - like every shoe-clad person is accustomed to - will be rather jarring, and you'll very quickly start to adjust your stride.

Sure, modern running shoes are made to absorb some shock, but that doesn't solve any problems - it only masks them. The reality stands that most people don't walk or run naturally, and injuried will abound. Best thing you can do - if you're not willing to run barefoot or wear funny shoes meant to mimic it - is get simple, unpadded shoes with very flexible soles.