Runners embrace barefoot craze

Look down at the feet of runners at just about any race, and you'll see evidence of the newest running trend.

There likely will be athletes wearing shoes that look more like slippers, or footwear with individual toes. You might even see a runner or two in bare feet.

Barefoot running, or using minimalist shoes that have little cushioning in them, has taken hold in the running community, thanks largely to a best-selling 2009 book, "Born to Run," by Christopher McDougall.

The book is an in-depth tale about ultramarathoning, and one of the themes McDougall explores in the book was how he was able to become a healthier, better runner by turning his back on modern shoes with their thick soles and stiff uppers. McDougall argues that going barefoot naturally leads to a more efficient, softer stride.

Perry Dau, 49, of Rothschild has run for decades, and he has incorporated the use of minimalist shoes into some of his workouts. The owner of an online store www.RevelSports.com that sells running, cross-country ski and other silent sports accessories, shoes and equipment, Dau likes wearing Vibram FiveFingers shoes, the ones with the distinctive toes.

He uses them mostly for running on trails. He said they give him a better feel for the ground underneath his feet, and he thinks they have helped him build strength in his feet and ankles.

"First and foremost, they simply feel good," Dau said. "I don't do my big mileage on it."

Kristine Williams, 41, of Weston said the minimalist shoes she wears helped her conquer knee problems. She thinks the shoes change her stride and stance to take pressure off her knees, so she can run two to three miles a day pain-free.

"It's great. It makes you want to do more activity," Williams said.

Dennis DeNuccio, 59, of Wausau, a long-time runner and physical therapist for Marshfield Clinic Stettin Center, said the barefoot running-style "is really about running mechanics and how our foot strikes the ground when we run."

Runners who go barefoot or use minimal shoes are more likely to strike the ground with the ball or middle of the foot, reducing the stress of impact. Runners using traditional, thick-soled shoes are likely to strike the ground on their heels, a more jarring stride.

Barefoot runners also typically have shorter, quicker strides.

All that can make for healthier running, DeNuccio said. But a runner can "use conventional shoes and train yourself to do those things," he said.

If a runner wants to go barefoot or use minimalist shoes, DeNuccio councils caution, because the body needs to adapt to the change.

"I think the biggest problem would be the tendency for people to do too much, too soon. You will get at least muscle soreness. You have to go at it slow, and have to go at it on a forgiving surface," DeNuccio said.

Dr. Gary Zimbric, 59, of Rib Mountain learned the hard way. The medical director for Marshfield Clinic-Eastern Division, Zimbric used minimalist shoes to train for cross country skiing last fall. He ended up injuring his foot.

"Don't make it too fast a transition, or you'll pay," Zimbric said.

Despite the injury, Zimbric believes barefoot running can be beneficial.

"I think if you got good feet, are young and strong, and if you don't have bad running habits, it's a good thing," Zimbric said.

Written by

Keith Uhlig For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com