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UFO · 02-13-2011, 06:11 PM

The barefoot running 'movement' is certainly a very interesting one. While I think that there is some merit to its claims, we need to remember that everybody's foot mechanics, running styles, and preferences are very different. We can't all follow the example of a certain Mexican or African tribe and hope that with enough time and training, we can attain those levels. Genetics play a large role in your foot structure and mechanics, the surfaces you are running on will also largely determine your ability to run in minimalist footwear.

Runners like Raybot who know/feel like they need support, likely do. I have seen enough runners with those type of feet who have moved exclusively to a minimalist shoe (even the Nike Free's) only to injure themselves and set their training back. I like to promote the Free's and other minimalist shoes as a good training tool, to be used once or twice a week in a regular rotation with your primary running shoes. I will never recommend these shoes for exclusive use, especially if the user is not willing to learn how to properly run and use these shoes.

There is a LOT of marketing out there regarding toning shoes, minimalist shoes, etc etc so one really needs to educate themselves to the appropriateness of each type of shoe and not rely solely on what the salesguy at Sport Chek is telling/selling you. Wearing a Reebok toning shoe 8 hours a day for work will not tone your butt to make it look like those claimed in the marketting campaigns. A lot of runners, especially beginners, will underestimate the role and importance of their shoes. Think about it like any sport or activity, there is the right tool for the right job and the right user. Your runners are really the primary piece of sports equipment required for running and should be treated as such.

02-13-2011, 06:11 PM	#37
UFO I heart Revscene.net very Muchie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Van, BC Posts: 3,666 Thanked 728 Times in 435 Posts Failed 33 Times in 19 Posts	The barefoot running 'movement' is certainly a very interesting one. While I think that there is some merit to its claims, we need to remember that everybody's foot mechanics, running styles, and preferences are very different. We can't all follow the example of a certain Mexican or African tribe and hope that with enough time and training, we can attain those levels. Genetics play a large role in your foot structure and mechanics, the surfaces you are running on will also largely determine your ability to run in minimalist footwear. Runners like Raybot who know/feel like they need support, likely do. I have seen enough runners with those type of feet who have moved exclusively to a minimalist shoe (even the Nike Free's) only to injure themselves and set their training back. I like to promote the Free's and other minimalist shoes as a good training tool, to be used once or twice a week in a regular rotation with your primary running shoes. I will never recommend these shoes for exclusive use, especially if the user is not willing to learn how to properly run and use these shoes. There is a LOT of marketing out there regarding toning shoes, minimalist shoes, etc etc so one really needs to educate themselves to the appropriateness of each type of shoe and not rely solely on what the salesguy at Sport Chek is telling/selling you. Wearing a Reebok toning shoe 8 hours a day for work will not tone your butt to make it look like those claimed in the marketting campaigns. A lot of runners, especially beginners, will underestimate the role and importance of their shoes. Think about it like any sport or activity, there is the right tool for the right job and the right user. Your runners are really the primary piece of sports equipment required for running and should be treated as such.