Due, in part, to the popularity of the book, “Born to Run,” there has been a renewed interest in forefoot and barefoot running.  Although the book makes an interesting case, in terms of preventing injury there is no strong evidence to support running with shoes or without.  However, a recent study determined that running in the Nike Free shoe (a shoe with minimal support to mimic barefoot running) resulted in better improvement in heel pain due to plantar fascitis.   Although there is significant bias in the study (including being funded by Nike), we may see more rigorous research in this area that would help us to recommend one form of shoe over another.  With the lack of conclusive data, we simply recommend using a shoe that is comfortable and accomodates your foot type.

Posted July 12, 2010 to Uncategorized