New research suggests barefoot running may be more beneficial than cushioned running shoes.
“People have been running barefoot for millions of years and it’s only been since 1972 that people have been wearing shoes with thick, synthetic heels,” says Prof. Daniel Lieberman in a recent report. Barefoot allows the foot to flex and absorb shock that otherwise a running shoe would prevent. In running shoes your feet aren’t exposed to the shock of the hard surface and therefore your body’s reaction time is slower.
But this is not to say barefoot running is for everyone. In the same report Dr Reed Ferber says ” it’s six of the one and half a dozen of the other,” explaining that barefoot running can be just as harmful to the body as running with shoes. It makes no sense to run barefoot getting glass and sticks in your feet if you’re not a professional athlete.
The Vibram Fivefingers is the latest craze in shoe enhancement. Branded the “almost barefoot” shoe, this not-so-attractive footwear claims the benefits of running barefoot while offering the comfort of a running shoe. Visit Wired science for more information.
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