Barefoot running
Recently, we reviewed Vibram Five Fingers, a great shoe design that mimics what it’s like to be barefoot (and provides some protection too). We’re huge fans of Five Fingers. We’re also huge fans of barefoot running; it just so happens that the foot is designed for barefoot running (no surprise if you think about it).
The Portable Athlete can greatly benefit from learning the mechanics of barefoot running. Firstly, it’s biomechanically superior to the standard method of running. Secondly, it means you won’t have to carry around a pair of running shoes (of course you can pack your Five Fingers instead).
Daniel E. Lieberman (aka The Barefoot Professor) and a few colleagues recently published a study regarding barefoot running, which you can read at Nature Journal. The excerpt is free, the full article will cost you. Lieberman also put together a great introductory video, we’ve included it here.
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