Wearing Barefoot-Style Shoes

The newest trend in running is about baring it all - kind of. Lately, more runners are logging miles in barefoot-style shoes such as Vibram Five Fingers.  As a Podiatrist I have been asked many times recently about these new shoes.  Kansas City podiatrist, Brian

Ware says barefoot beginners might be sore after working those muscles and tendons. Ware recommends walking in the shoes a couple of times a week for a few weeks before even attempting to jog. And even when you start jogging in barefoot-style shoes, you should take it slowly. “Don’t just strap on a pair of barefoot running shoes and go run five or six miles,” Ware said. “Your body’s going to rebel big-time.”

It takes time of our bodies to adjust to new forces and movement, so take it easy if you’re trying these new barefoot style shoes!  No doubt there will be research to follow on how effective these shoes are for injury prevention.  Until there is sound research my advise is stick to what we know works.  If you want help fitting running shoes we have Podiatrists available every week in many stores across New Zealand, see our website for locations.

Reproduced from source: Sarah Benson, The Kansas City Star [9/21/10]