Cushioning Balances Out Economy Benefit Of Barefoot Running

[Barefoot TJ]

Cushioning Balances Out Economy Benefit Of Barefoot Running
Runner's World Newswire


Who's buying it? And I don't mean...money.

Discuss...

 

[Sid]

Bah! Another useless treadmill study. Let's see what's most efficient in a wide variety of natural environments.

 

[halfhazzard]

If I were an academic and in charge of anything, I would not grant funding for "running economy" studies. Go study cancer or Alzheimer's or something.

 

[TD Moose]

Running "in only thin socks, for hygienic reasons." Hahaha. Let me stop laughing and pick myself off the floor, and then I may be ready to "discuss" the rest.

 

[Neil_D]

I can see how difficult it can be to set up a study to test things like this and besides I can't see the point, in the end who cares.
The only reason I run without shoes is that I don't get shin pain any more and I get less injuries (Note! I did say less injuries and not none) and I save money by not buying expensive shoes that hog resources and get thrown away when they get slightly worn.
It seems we are looking all the time for black and white outcomes when in reality we should not expect anything like that. The truth is, we are in a minority and the majority is quite happy to fork out $150 for shoes that are more fashion items than practical tools.
Barefoot running is a skill that has to be learned and takes patience that the majority of runners don't have.

Neil

 

[Sid]

Barefoot running is a skill that has to be learned

I might suggest that it has to be re-learned. Two year-olds seem to run quite well barefoot. Re-learning might be compared to physical therapy to restore lost functioning after years in shoes, which does take a lot of time, patience, and commitment.

 

[Neil_D]

Yes, Sid, re-learned, good point. I don't know at what point we forget how to run but I think in school, physical education should be more about teaching techniques rather than just seeing who is the fastest runner. I don't recall any theory during P.E. classes.

Neil