Is barefoot running safe?

Nate Helming asks: Are you thinking about throwing away your running shoes? Are you excited about the prospect of going primal and feeling the earth beneath your feet as you run? Many coaches and athletes claim barefoot running can improve your efficiency and prevent injury.

The Runner's World view - Barefoot running, also known as minimalism or natural running, is simply running without shoes or running in thin-soled shoes. Running barefoot is considered to be the natural way of running and some entire cultures still foster this idea such as the Tarahumara in Mexico.

Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman has ditched his trainers and started running barefoot. His research shows that barefoot runners, who tend to land on their fore-foot, generate less impact shock than runners in sports shoes who land heel first. This makes barefoot running comfortable and could minimize running-related injuries.

Vibram settles FiveFingers lawsuit: 'Toe shoe' owners eligible for refund If you're among the more than 70,000 people who bought Vibram's popular FiveFingers "toe shoes," you could get some of your money back. The company has agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle a group of lawsuits accusing Vibram of false advertising, specifically its claims that the shoes could strengthen foot muscles while reducing running injuries.

Vibram has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $3.75 million that claimed the advertising for its glove-line running shoes was false and misleading. The lawsuit alleged that ads for Vibram USA and Vibram FiveFingers running shoes included claims the shoes were able to reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles and were "deceptive."

Three self-assessment tests to help you decide if your body is ready to take on minimalist running with Jay Dicharry, MPT.

Jillian Berman writes:
From snake oil to supplements, Americans keep falling for shaky claims about health products. Blame our obsession with finding shortcuts to better health and fitness, and the many companies ready to take advantage of it.