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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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9

Cushy Running Shoes May Be Dangerous

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(Newser) – Runners may be safer going barefoot than stuffing their feet into pricey sneakers with thick, synthetic heels, Wired reports. Research shows that the modern jogging shoe, first sold by Nike in the 1970s, hasn't prevented injuries and may even be causing them. Barefoot running—or running with geeky, minimalist footwear like the Vibram Fivefingers—could be much healthier.

At issue is the jogger's stride. In thick-heeled shoes, runners take long strides that shock the heel. Running barefoot, or close to it, runners take shorter strides that allow the arch to absorb the impact. Experts still interpret the data differently, but one Harvard prof says evolution sides with the naked foot: “If a third of runners had gotten injured" in the Paleolithic era, "you can bet that natural selection would have weeded them out."

Running barefoot may help prevent injuries, studies show.
Running barefoot may help prevent injuries, studies show.   (Flickr)
Shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers simulate the feel of walking barefoot.
Shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers simulate the feel of walking barefoot.   (Flickr)
Shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers may reduce the risk of injury to long-distance runners.
Shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers may reduce the risk of injury to long-distance runners.   (Flickr)
The toes are housed separately in a pair of Vibram FiveFingers.
The toes are housed separately in a pair of Vibram FiveFingers.   (Flickr)
Barefoot runner Bruce Tulloh in action during an event at White City Stadium in London, England.
Barefoot runner Bruce Tulloh in action during an event at White City Stadium in London, England.   (Getty Images)
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9 comments
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emptycalm
Jul 11, 09 6:18 PM CDT
Try riding a bike instead of stamping your feet on concrete maybe? Reply
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+2
Jojo
Jul 11, 09 6:45 PM CDT
Let me guess... Research sponsored by Vibram Fivefingers Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Mr.C
Jul 12, 09 12:39 AM CDT
similarly non-supportive is the nike free 3.0
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0
Jes
Jul 12, 09 12:19 AM CDT
It's called an elliptical machine. Reply
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-1
Laugh
Jul 12, 09 1:12 AM CDT
Sounds like a great idea. Those boxed-in, straight jackets that running shoes are for your feet, just throw out my back. Reply
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+4

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