Is Barefoot Running Dangerous?
Before you leave your running shoes at home, read this important tip about new research on barefoot running and running in minimalist footwear.
by Ben Greenfield
With spring in the air, running has suddenly become a popular mode of fitness. But when it comes to running barefoot, or in minimalist footwear, there are a few things you should know before you leave your shoes at home. Important new research from Brigham Young University shows that runners who transition too quickly to minimalist shoes suffer increased risk of injury to bones in their foot, which puts them at an increased risk for stress fractures too!
The study followed 36 experienced runners over 10 weeks, with half the 
runners using the popular “toe shoes” and the other runners using traditional running shoes. At the end of 10 weeks, the runners who used minimalist shoes had more inflammation in their feet and more stress injuries.
Does this mean you shouldn’t use minimalist shoes? Not necessarily. But it does mean you need to be careful and transition wisely. Here’s a good article that shows you how.
If you have questions about whether barefoot running is dangerous, then ask them now at Facebook.com/GetFitGuy page!
Barefoot running from Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.
