Some research suggests that it’s more healthy for you to run barefoot. Though I know a couple people who just that, I don’t know if I could ever make the switch. But it is interesting to check out the research and question just how effective modern running shoes are when it comes to injury prevention.
“People have been running barefoot for millions of years and it has only been since 1972 that people have been wearing shoes with thick, synthetic heels,” said Daniel Lieberman, a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University.
Strong evidence shows that thickly cushioned running shoes have done nothing to prevent injury in the 30-odd years since Nike founder Bill Bowerman invented them, researchers say. Some smaller, earlier studies suggest that running in shoes may increase the risk of ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis and other injuries. Runners who wear cheap running shoes have fewer injuries than those wearing expensive trainers. Meanwhile, injuries plague 20 to 80 percent of regular runners every year.
Making the switch would definitely get rid of the Oh, I forgot to pack my running shoes excuse.
