Skepticism is a good thing. In the above blog, I didn’t claim or say in any way that there is evidence that shoes prevent running injuries. My point is that no one solution fits all. George Sheehan was quoted as saying “we are all an experiment of one”. That is a true statement. I still try to add up the ones, read the literature, learn from experience, and put everything into the context of reality and try to determine what is likely to work for specific problems, with specific conditions, and what does finally work for each person as an individual.

I’ve read recent studies that conclude that an incremental running program is no better than a rapid increase in running in military recruits.

So there are many interesting studies, and there is a distinct lack of evidence for many statements being made.

My point is to go with what works. And not change things that are working. If barefoot is working for you, why should anyone say otherwise.

That said, I think we all agree that running is a good thing. Exercise is healthy, reduces chronic disease, is beneficial for depression, Alzheimers and other types of dementia, certain types of cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and a host of other things. For many of us running is absolutely essential, it is a part of our inner being. It brought us to where we are now. It is good, and many of us absolutely love it. That’s what should be bringing us together.

I’m glad to hear you are running comfortably and discovered that barefoot worked well for you.

I’d recommend that those curious about barefoot running and those barefoot runners looking for a community visit the Runner’s World Barefoot Forum. There is a good discussion and links to other sites.

For a detailed, meaty article, with footnotes and a thorough bibliography visit “Lose Your Shoes – at the Neuroanthropology Blog”

I was told for most of my adult life that I had feet that needed “antipronation shoes” and orthotics. I’ve had plantar fasciitis 5 times since I was 23! I *must* have “biomechanically incorrect feet”, right?

Wrong. I’ve been running barefoot for 4 years now, and my feet are healthy and strong, and I’m quite sure I’ll never get plantar fasciitis again.

I don’t tell anybody else that they should run barefoot–if what they are doing works, why change it? But running shoes weren’t working for me, and I’m glad I found out about the benefits of barefoot running.

I have no objections to barefoot, and it may help many. Shoes suck in many ways, especially ones that don’t fit right or have too much “stuff” of one kind or another. But I don’t think one solution is correct for everyone.

Yes, I feel that it does strengthen the intrinsic muscles, but I don’t have a study that says how much. There is a lot to barefoot, and it can’t all be covered in one blog. Barefoot and minimilist shoes are certainly good for feeling the ground, balance, and joint position sense. Barefoot though, can’t be summed up by saying it is all good or that it is awful. And those of you who like it or try it and enjoy it – I wouldn’t want it any other way. Shortly I’ll be adding a bit more about starting up barefoot. Whatever helps you run well and stay out of the doctors office is good.

Shoes with a lot of motion control are good for very few people. Shoes with too much cushioning are not good for anyone.

Whatever works for you and keeps you moving works for me too. The goal is to keep moving and to do so without injury.

(I can hardly wait till I tackle the cardio vs. weight lifting/strength training debate )

Run long, run strong and stay healthy!

You might find some other recent blog posts interesting:

comments on Chris McDougall’s fine book at http://www.drpribut.com/blog/?p=325

Bipedal Beginnings: http://www.drpribut.com/blog/?p=331

Evolution and Exercise: What Made the Brain Get Bigger: http://www.drpribut.com/blog/?p=331

Along with the barefoot movement is the minimalist movement. Shoes are not the problem, protective covering are a good thing. However, big motion control shoes are a problem. You missed something about Bikila running faster in shoes. He was running faster in flats. Shoes with no motion control. Flats vs Motion Control Shoes are a huge difference.

Of course the media does not care so much about the minimalist runners, since they are still wearing shoes, and that is not quite as crazy as running barefoot.

Agreed about the lady who thought running without shoes burns more calories. TMTO for her.

In response to Dr. Lewis Maharam, who said “In 95 percent of the population or higher, running barefoot will land you in my office.” I think he should refrain from throwing wild guesses out to the public, when it is a fact that over half of all runners will be injured every year.

I myself have been running for just over 1.5 years and have taken over 3 months off during this time because of injury. Last time I ran it was a three miler and I had to quit early, and get a ride home because I could not walk from the Plantar Fasciitis. I took two months off and now I am back running in Vibram FiveFingers for about 33 days and have pumped out 180 some miles, and I am doing great

A hammer is a very useful tool for a carpenter, but would carpenters still be using hammers if they caused hand injuries for 70% of them? How many surgeons would use a scalpel if more than two thirds of the time they were unable to operate due to injuries?

The #1 goal of any athlete is to remain injury free. Your speed, technique or conditioning is totally useless if you are injured.

Tools are great and shoes are tools that can be of great benefit. However, in the world of modern running 30 years and billions of dollars have failed to provide runners with shoes that prevent injuries. Since almost everyone runs in shoes, and the injury rates amongst those runners are so high, doesn’t it make sense to at least explore other possibilities?

As a medical professional who is supposed to be helping people keep their feet healthy is it possible that you may be looking at this all wrong?