From the article in Runner's World, Is less more?, Runner's World takes a balanced approach to barefoot, minimalist trend. I have looked at this trend in detail from reading Born to Run and also looking at the research. There is still no conclusive evidence that barefoot/minimalist running approaches are better than in traditional shoes. There was one study that raised my eyebrows a bit was a study that shows that runner's in shoes $95 or more had an increased chance of injury than someone in a cheaper pair of shoes. There is also no conclusive evidence that traditional shoes prevent injury. But, their are stats that show 70% or more runners get injured during their running lifetimes.
So, what does one do? First of all, you should not go to barefoot/minimalist running cold turkey. Our feet are not strong enough to go right into the barefoot/minimalist shoe without some transition period which can be anywhere from 6 months to a year or longer. Also, you need to look at the different ways that you foot can strike the ground. Barefoot/minimalist runners strike with their mid or forefoot versus their heel. Also, their stride is smaller than a heel foot striker. Some experts suggest that heel foot strikers put a lot of stress on the shins and knees and that the forefoot style is better for you in the long run. So, if you wanted to transition into minimalist shoes than I would also suggest that you change your stride and your form to gain the benefits of forefoot striking.
I have found that in traditional running shoes I heel strike but in a minimalist shoe I forefoot strike. I am always very sore after a race because of this. You use different muscles when you forefoot strike versus heel foot strike. I have decided to transition to minimalist shoes and change my form. I use the Saucony Kinvara. I love this shoe. I was using it as a racing shoe and I now use it as a trainer also. This shoe does have more support if you are looking to transition. I will talk about my transition to minimalist shoes in this blog. I will also share some of the latest research and new running methods with you. I will also look at the different minimalist shoes out there plus my thoughts on running barefoot.
So, what does one do? First of all, you should not go to barefoot/minimalist running cold turkey. Our feet are not strong enough to go right into the barefoot/minimalist shoe without some transition period which can be anywhere from 6 months to a year or longer. Also, you need to look at the different ways that you foot can strike the ground. Barefoot/minimalist runners strike with their mid or forefoot versus their heel. Also, their stride is smaller than a heel foot striker. Some experts suggest that heel foot strikers put a lot of stress on the shins and knees and that the forefoot style is better for you in the long run. So, if you wanted to transition into minimalist shoes than I would also suggest that you change your stride and your form to gain the benefits of forefoot striking.
I have found that in traditional running shoes I heel strike but in a minimalist shoe I forefoot strike. I am always very sore after a race because of this. You use different muscles when you forefoot strike versus heel foot strike. I have decided to transition to minimalist shoes and change my form. I use the Saucony Kinvara. I love this shoe. I was using it as a racing shoe and I now use it as a trainer also. This shoe does have more support if you are looking to transition. I will talk about my transition to minimalist shoes in this blog. I will also share some of the latest research and new running methods with you. I will also look at the different minimalist shoes out there plus my thoughts on running barefoot.
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