Running Sandals for Health!

Yet another study showing how running sandals and barefoot running could be better for your body! Flip-flops and sneakers with flexible soles are easier on the knees than clogs or even special walking shoes, a study by Rush University Medical Center has found. And that's important, because loading on the knee joints is a key factor in the development of osteoarthritis. The study has been published online in the journal Arthritis Care & Research. "Traditionally, footwear has been engineered to provide maximum support and comfort for the foot,... Read full post here

Jordan Flowers' reviews Invisible Shoes and...

Jordan Flowers just posted his review of Invisible Shoes and often mentions "other huaraches", without mentioning names... but it's kind of obvious who the comparison is to if you've been looking at huaraches.I must say that I'm thrilled to see someone independently discovering what we've been saying for 2 years ;-)Enjoy his review of Invisible Shoes here. Read full post here

How NOT to start barefoot running

I was recently on a panel discussion about barefoot running. At one point, someone in the audience asked “So how do I transition to barefoot running?” Before I could respond, a well-respected physical therapist suggested the following: “First, switch to a slightly lower heeled shoe than what you have. Run in that for a few months. Then add a racing flat, maybe one day a week for a while… then add an extra day every month, until you can run in those. Then maybe try something like Vibrams on a soft surface, like grass in a... Read full post here

The Tarahumara Go Running for DAYS

About once or twice a week, someone emails me and asks: Doesn't the string between your toes hurt or cause blisters? After crafting a number of long-winded answers, I finally realized the simplest one: Remember, the Tarahumara Indians run in huaraches for hours and hours... sometimes for DAYS at a time. Clearly, you couldn't spend hours, or days,  in barefoot running sandals if they caused damage to your feet. That said, it doesn't mean you can just put on some Invisible Shoes and go for a 24 hour run... Read full post here

How barefoot is barefoot, really?

Okay, Pop Quiz time: Which of the following fictitious barefoot running shoes gives you more of a barefoot feel: a.) ASICs  Nuttin’-2C with a 10mm thick sole b.) Brooks Zilch-City with a 1mm thick sole If you answered B, you’re mistaken. But if you answered A, you’re also wrong. Yes, my apologies, but this was a trick question. In the barefoot/minimalist footwear world, there are several  concepts buzzing around, ideas upon which runners make buying decisions, that are potentially red herrings. In other words, these concepts... Read full post here

The little lie of barefoot running

As the barefoot running boom continues to explode, it’s important that we debunk the mythology that’s sprung up and face some facts. And perhaps the most obvious fact is this: If you run with anything between your skin and the ground, you are not barefoot runner. Let me say that again. If you wear Vibram Fivefingers, New Balance Minimus, Merrell Trail Gloves, Altra Adams, Vivobarefoot shoes, Newtons, Inov8 shoes, even our Invisible Shoes huaraches running sandals, you are not a barefoot runner. I don’t care if your previous shoes were padded stilts and your new... Read full post here