ARE BAREFOOT-STYLE SHOES BETTER?

Have you seen people wearing sock-like shoes with toe compartments such as Vibram FiveFingers? Researchers have recently examined whether running injuries could be prevented by switching to these shoes from typical running shoes. They found decreased injuries only if the runner was able to change their running style to focus on short strides while landing lightly on the forefoot, unlike the traditional heel-strike running which has been implicated in knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries.

So it's the running style, not just wearing the shoe, that is beneficial. In fact, continuing to land on the heel in this shoe can produce even more serious injuries due to the lack of cushioning.

If you'd like to give barefoot type shoes a try, be sure to give your body a chance to acclimate by walking in them initially (again, focusing on not landing heavily on your heels). Ease in to running using the new shoes for about 25% of your weekly running miles and slowly increasing the percentage, being very conscious of adopting a forefoot running style and addressing any pain or other symptoms immediately.
Sources: American Council on Exercise, University of Wisconsin




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