"Barefoot" Footwear
There is no evidence that modern running shoes either prevent injuries or improve performance
Is the modern distance running shoe evidence based?
A scientific mind should challenge my statement that there is no evidence that modern running shoes either prevent injuries or improve performance. To fail to do so merely replaces one unfounded dogmatic belief with yet another.
How then can I back up my claim there there is no evidence that modern distance running shoes provide any benefit to the wearer?
To do so requires a systematic examination of the published scientific literature. This is done by searching electronic databases which catalogue all the studies published on particular topics. If no studies are identified via this process then you can confidently make the claim that no evidence has been published.
With two colleagues from the University of Newcastle, I have recently published such a systematic review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
We searched for studies which compared adult runners running in modern running shoes (elevated cushioned heel and pronation control features tailored to foot type) with those running in either bare feet or other running shoe types. We restricted our searches to studies which measured the impact of wearing these shoes on a real world outcome such as distance running performance, musculoskeletal injury rates, osteoarthritis risk, enjoyment of running or overall health and quality of life.
We failed to find a single published study.
This means that either 1)the studies have not been done or 2)their results have been suppressed because they show that modern running shoes are either of no benefit or are in fact harmful. Only the shoe manufacturers know which of these is true.
We can only hope that an entire generation of runners have not been the unwitting victims of unethical corporate behaviour.
We have consistently seen how large corporations behave when their profits are threatened by the truth. Big Tobacco, the pharmaceutical industry and asbestos manufacturers come to mind as poignant examples.
Will the multinationals who perpetuate and feed on the myth of the modern running shoe be next?
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As you read our reviews, please keep in mind that our reviewers review shoes in terms of their suitability for those looking to find the highest quality minimalist shoe products. All reviews are as factual as possible. In an effort to be transparent and ethical, we will point out any defects found, even if these do not affect the usability of the product. Not all defects will be present in final production shoes as we are sometimes offered “seconds” or pre-release products in an effort to provide you with reviews in a timely manor. In the event that serious issues are found with a review sample we will give every opportunity for the manufacturer to replace to explain the review samples before the final review is released. We never accept payments for reviews. We do not guarantee a good review for any products sent to us. We do not review products that do not claim to be minimalist or “barefoot like” unless we receive a significant number of requests from readers or listeners.
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Featured Interview: Christopher McDougall – Author of Born to Run
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Christopher McDougall is a well-spoken, humble man who has through the popularity of his book brought about some of the biggest changes in the perception of feet and running in recent years. Join us in learning about how this talented author wrote his book, discovered his feet, and how he feels about barefooting and running. This interview should not be missed.
We Talk about:
- Chris’s recent appearance at the TED Conference
- Thoughts on Interviews In General
- His first exposure to barefoot running
- How he came to find the Tarahumara while on assignment for the New York Times.
- He thoughts on his influence over barefoot running and
ultra running
- How he struggled with writing Born to Run
- This thoughts on minimalist shoes
- And much more!
Buy His Book: Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
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