Born to run barefoot? Maybe.  Literally born to run barefoot from birth is the norm in some cultures.  The residents live this way easily.  From birth may be the clue.  Not partaking in marathon running routinely may also be part of the picture. However, adeptation isn’t so easy in those who enjoy running for exercise. Many converts have become inspired by a book which widely sparked the barefoot running craze in the Western world.  The book focuses on an Indian tribe in Mexico whose members run long distances without pain in little more than sandles. I haven’t read this book, so I’m not sure how often the Indian tribe is doing accomplishing long distance running effectively.

Running injuries are quite common with shoes or without.  Between 30 and 70 percent of runners suffer from repetitive stress injuries every year yet experts can’t agree on how to prevent them.  Some runners with chronic problems have gone onto baretfoot running as an antidote, claiming its more natural.  Others just toss the running shoes and go full force on barefoot.

We know that our pre-human ancestors have walked and run in bare foot for millions of years and often on rough surfaces, yet researchers surprisingly know very little about the science of barefoot running.  The well developed running shoe does provide cushion, support and a stiff sole which was not invented until the 1970s.

We wonder then, why are these injuries taking place if our ancestors and other cultures continue to run and live day-to- day barefoot?  Perhaps the immediate transistion from supportive shoes to no shoes at all is the reason why.  My personal theory is that balance changes without shoes in the high activity mode. More reserach is probably underway.

In the last few years the trend to run barefoot has become popular. However, tossing the running shoes for specialized shoes to accomplish this experience is leading to many injuries.  Foot specialists and other doctors are treating every problem from stress factures, pulled calf muscles to Achilles tendinitis as well as metatarsal conditions.  One podiatrist at his Twin Cities Orthopedics practice in Minneapolis now treats between three and four a week. All due to barefoot running.

Barefoot running uses different muscles.  Shod runners tend to have a longer stride and land on their heel compared with barefoot runners, who are more likely to have a shorter stride and land on the midfoot or forefoot.  Injuries can occur when people transition too fast and put too much pressure on their calf and foot muscles, or don’t shorten their stride and end up landing on their heel with no padding.

I will see what else I can find in the research and report back at another time.  Meanwhile, go for supportive footwear.