Barefoot Running is something that Podiatrists need to get very familiar with for a number of reasons. Mostly because it is becoming more popular, but because many barefoot runners have the impression that podiatrists are opposed to barefoot running and because there appears to be an epidemic of injuries occurring in barefoot runners, despite claims made by barefoot runners that there are less injuries. There are also barefoot running shoes or minimalist running shoes coming on the market. Podiatrists need to be familiar with these trends and fad. Many are cynical that barefoot running is just that, another passing fad. No elite runners are barefoot runners, though a few do use some barefoot running drills.
There are many claims made for barefoot running and the barefoot running community have a really bad track record at getting it very wrong when they read research. They almost always interpret any research on barefoot running as showing barefoot running is better, when even the authors of the research have come out and said that they did not show that.
Recommended reading:
Barefoot Running
Barefoot Running Debate
“Top of Foot Pain” from Barefoot Running
Vibram FiveFingers Cause Metatarsal Stress Fractures?
The Effect of Running Shoes on Lower Extremity Joint Torques
Barefoot running and its interpretation by the media
The zealotry of barefoot running
Running Barefoot is Bad
Born to Run
Mike Reinhold on Barefoot Running
