http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/30/are-barefoot-shoes-really-better/?scp=1&sq=barefoot%20running&st=cse
So I'm sure most of you have heard of these new running shoes that look like some sort of glove for your feet. And I bet a lot of you have wondered whats the deal with these things. Well, this article from the New York Times explains why more and more people are starting to run in these shoes. The idea is that these lightweight shoes are made to mimic barefoot running. In the article, a study conducted by The American Counsel on Exercise and researchers from the University of Wisconsin is examined with the intent to find out the health benefits of the popular shoe.
The study had a group of young women try out the shoes three times a week and then come in to have their running form analyzed. The results showed that those who used proper form when running with the new shoes experienced lower impact forces in their feet and legs. Those who ran with the wrong technique experienced twice as much stress than with regular shoes. The key to running with these type of shoes is to land on your forefoot instead of your heel. Most people who run land on their heel first which causes much more of an impact shock up the whole lower body and back. While forefoot running, or running on the balls of your feet, allows the lower leg, and arch of the foot to absorb most of the impact forces. Overall, the study shows that barefoot running shoes can help prevent many common injuries associated with heel strike running if used properly. Runners that are looking to try these should start out slow by walking at first to get used to them before moving on to running.
Matt - interesting article as one would believe with all of the hype with this footwear and the 'natural' gait that they would be helpful and this study actually demonstrates the opposite is true.
ReplyDeleteI really liked that someone posted about these new shoes because I have been seeing them everywhere and really wondering if they were helpful or harmful. I was under the impression that these shoes are not necessarily good for distance athletes, but can be used for power and lifting. It is interesting to read that by using a proper running technique with these shoes, injuries can be reduced. I am not surprsied at the fact that if they are not used properly they can cause more harm to the athlete.
ReplyDeleteAs an athletic trainer, with this information I will be sure to caution athletes against using these sneakers unless their running form has been evaluated and deemed correct for this type of shoe. It is important to realize that this shoe will not be for everyone because everyone is different and some may not be meant to use them.
Interesting article Matt...I've been curious about the concept of barefoot running. Until recently I didn't realize that it required a change in running form, I had assumed it was simply a change in footwear. Knowing that runners are instructed to land on their forefoot instead of their heal makes much more sense as to why this may be beneficial. It is pretty clear to see how there would be a decrease in the impact forces acting on the foot and why this would be less damaging.
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