Barefoot Running

I am not opposed to the barefoot running movement. It just some of the promoters of barefoot running that I have a problem with. They are like religious zealots that are fanatical about the whole concept of barefoot running. They use nonsensical non-scientific mumbo jumbo to support what they do. They twist research to make it sound like it supports their cause. They dismiss research that is anti-barefoot. They take any research that is anti-running shoe as evidence that proves running barefoot is better (huh?).

At the end of the day, there is no evidence that running barefoot is even ideal, let alone beneficial. There is also no evidence that its not. I blogged about this here and see Podiatry Arena: Barefoot Running for a balanced discussion on the pros and cons of barefoot running. For a bit a fun check out the zealotry on some of the running forums when it comes to discussing this. Trying to be rational with these people is like trying to argue a religion - not going to win that one.

I have no doubt that the research will show that there will be some benefits to running barefoot; I have no doubt it will also show that there will also have some risks. What we need is better evidence of who and when it should be used. I have no doubt that barefoot running should be a part of a balanced running program for all those who can tolerate it, but it should be used in moderation.

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MASS Foot Position Theory for Foot Orthotics

MASS foot orthotic position theory has been proposed by Ed Glaser, DPM from Sole Supports Inc. MASS stands for Maximum Arch Subtalar Supination. It is a position of the foot that is much more supinated than the traditional subtalar joint neutral position, but also maintains the forefoot on the ground (no varus or valgus captured). Ed advocates the use of semi-weightbearing foam box as opposed to plaster (though it is not difficult to reproduce the position non-weightbearing with plaster bandage). The position results in a very different foot orthotic shape that is what is traditionally used. For more see comments on the Boot Camp site: MASS Foot Position Theory and the threads on Podiatry Arena tagged with MASS position theory (they do get a little heated).

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