When I hear, “Further research is needed” before barefoot running can be endorsed by the scientific, medical, health and fitness communities, my faith in the objective interpretation of available evidence flags again. Where has this protective caution been for the last fifty years with regard to the sales and use of modern running shoes? These willy-nilly, over the counter orthotic devices that materially alter natural gait are somehow accepted as normal, and even defended by these same “conservatives” while the self-evident, bare-footed facility human beings have developed and enjoyed over millions of years is offhandedly dismissed, or ignored. Even as current scientific evidence points to inherent problems with running shoes, and even with touted advances in shoe design, treatment and training protocols it’s a fact that recreational and competitive runners are still going to be injured, in epidemic proportions, in any given year, just by running. Still, few are willing to entertain the glaringly obvious reality that running shoes themselves could very well be the sole injurious agent.
Why?
Perhaps it’s human nature.
For starters, the renowned family therapist Salvador Minuchin once commented, “In response to new knowledge, there is always the question of how to maintain oneself doing the things one was trained in.”
Of course, some people are fascinated by bling. Flashy, shiny things. Visible technology and slick marketing. It’s similar to computer manufacturers learning that just placing a couple of LEDs on the front side of their boxes boosts sales. Or fishermen realizing that tuna would snap up anything— like a bare hook— thrown into their feeding frenzy.
Others think bare feet are indicative of primitive, unsophisticated societies, rather than being a characteristic of healthy, able bodies, and peoples. By uncovering the weak, disfigured feet of the habitually shod and comparing them with the strong, supple feet of those who have never worn shoes the ideas of basic cultural health and intelligence beg for reconsideration.
And then there’s the influence of industry. It sure seems that if there’s a dollar to be made, solutions will be created even for problems that don’t exist. As per Mark Twain, “Civilization is a limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.”
Barefoot— no further research is needed.
I think we also need more research on whether or not smoking attributes to lung cancer. I’m not convinced. Let me introduce myself. I am Jeff and I own a running shoe store. Yes, I said shoe store.
I can tell that the only reason I can not overly endorse actual barefoot running is if I did and someone were to cut themselves on something I would be in a bit of trouble. But, that is the only reason. Obviously there are people who have major foot deformities that perhaps should not be barefoot unless they have to be. that is not the norm though.
Forget the research and give me practice, practical and personal experience. Barefoot running when done correctly is safe and beneficial for most people that I have come to meet. Yes, you have to be a bit more aware of where your stepping. Yes, you might need to slow down your pace for a while tell you get the skill down. Yes, you may decide you don’t want to feel every possible little rock under your foot.
I decided I did not like feeling every little rock under my foot. So, I got what is called a “barefoot” shoe (no shoe is barefoot), but you know they have to call it something.
What we need is more people welling to try barefoot running (even if its in a barefoot shoe) so we can have more people provide us with real life research that it works!
Running shouldn’t be in a lab anyway.
Thank you
Jeff R
Runnergy/Trinetic Sports Training