Does barefoot running reduce injury?

Barefoot running is not for everyone. It can help reduce injury because it forces you to strike more with the balls/midfoot instead of your heel. A shortened stride can also help minimize injury by lessening the impact with which you hit the ground. For me, when I started midfoot striking my knee pain and joint pain was reduced. The other stuff that can help reduce injury is weight training. Building up the leg muscles or at least not losing muscle mass from running too much helps maintain strength and prevent injury.

Hope I answered your question. As for your shoes, have a "pro" at an actual running store help you out. They should be able to help get you the right support for your feet.

runfatmanrun,
How did you learn the mid-foot strike?

There could be several things that are causing you to get injured.

First, it could be your shoes. 300 - 500 miles on your shoes and new ones

Second, it could be the way you train. Too many hard days and not enough easy days

I had a friend (who I was in cross country with) that ran barefoot and got severely injured.

Just my two cents.

One last thing to add about taking it "slow", I am referring to distance rather than speed. Your normal pace may go slightly up or down, but when I say take it slow, it's really meant as build up your distance slow, very slow.

I enjoy going shoe-less when I am tooling around the yard or playing outside.
I can't tell you the times I have cut open my foot on broken glass and debris scattered about.
My feet have been plagued with insect bites, splinters and thorns. My son was bitten by a poisonous snake last month, and the medical costs were in the tens of thousands.
Running barefoot?
NO WAY!
It may have value, but I'd ONLY do it across a football field or totally safe surface - never where I like to run which is through the woods.
Good Luck with this:drinker:

I don't do pure barefoot running, but I run in zero drop shoes. I have been running since October '11, I started in VFFs, and I now run in NB Minimus Zero Run (mr00) and Softstar RunAmoc Dash shoes.

I don't think that barefoot running is a cure all, by any means. I am currently having some issues with my Achilles (bursitis maybe), too. I got a little IT Band trouble along the way. When I first started, my calves were extremely sore. All of my problems are probably exacerbated by TMTS, which I am still doing. None of my problems, so far, have been debilitating, however. I did take a 5 day break to let my bursitis calm down some.

Overall, I think that zero drop running has been a net positive. I remember vaguely back in high school trying to run and getting some shin splints using regular trainers, but I don't have any real reference point because I hadn't done any running for about 15 years before I started last year.

This year, I have run a little over 1450 miles to date, and now I'm working on a relatively high mileage marathon training plan (Pfitz 18/85).

A lot of my friends run barefoot or use Vibrams and they swear by it. They say it's easier on the joints simply because your platform is a lot closer to the ground and a lot of running shoes have unnecessary cushioning. I've done it a few times but settled for long distance running flats (Adidas XC spikeless) which I actually love...very little between my feet and the ground. I haven't used regular running shoes in about two years. Hopefully you can find a way to keep running!

A lot of good stuff has been said, but I'm going to chime in with the other side: I started wearing vibrams 2 years ago and I trained 1/2 mile at a time like they recommend (your calves realllly do need the adjustment time). I was a convert immediately and loved them. I trained for my first 1/2 marathon in them and, because I pronate, ended up with a severe stress fracture. It took me 12 weeks to recover. My podiatrist hates barefoot running for people with flat feet, high arches, or who pronate - it jams your bones together. After my foot healed I just wasn't comfortable in regular running shoes so I switched to a minimalist shoe (the Nike Free plus) and can put my orthodics in those. I couldn't wear my vibrams for about a year without feeling some pain. I now wear them but only for runs that are 3 miles or less - I think they are great and definitely lessen stress on your joints, but they are really not for long distance running if you pronate!

just my experience. o and I wear them to walk everywhere.

Great info

Is there anyone out there who has suffered recurring injury, and has been tempted to try barefoot running/minimalist shoes and had positive results?

I had recurring knee and shin splint pan before I switched over 3 years ago. The transition to the Chi Running Method and Vibrams has been miraculous. Good luck!

I've completed two half marathons in both the Bikila LS and New Balance Trail Minimus.

This doesn't exactly answer your question but try reading "Born to Run" it discusses barefoot or minimalist running with some very good examples.

The gist of it is that research studies showed that reducing the use of cushioned shoes reduced injuries since our feet have a natural spring system (foot arch). Over time people are using to too much support which causes their feet to become weaker. Minimalist running also shows to correct stride and helps with running "lighter" since you are more likely to feel impact with the ground and correct your stride.

So I was having issues with my knee, hip, and heels when walking long distances. My hubby convinced me to try Merrel shoes, well I ended up buying the Merrel Barefoot Shoes and I love them. My hip, knee, and heels no longer hurt when walking for exercise. I will tell you that you will feel muscle soreness in the lower part of your leg and ankle area. According to their site that is because you will be using muscles that do not get used as much in normal tennis shoes.

Here is their site:

\www.merrell.com/Barefoot

I my merrells! Great for lifting too.