Barefoot running and BAD research

I just do not get how the media react and create headlines from research (well actually, I do get it ... they want to attract readers and sell papers), but they just have to be more responsible. A lot of bloggers fall for the same trap.

A few days ago there was some research published that looked at joint torques when running barefoot vs running in running shoes. Some of the headlines that accomapanied news and blog reports about this research were:
Running Shoes are Still Bad
Running Shoes may cause damage to knees hips and ankle
Running may be good for you, but running shoes aren't

What I do not get is that there was absolutely nothing in the research that actually showed this! Let alone the flaws in the study do not allow any conclusion to be drawn, let alone the above ones. Also, it turns out the lead author has a vested financial interest in a barefoot running product that was NOT disclosed!

The barefoot running fanatics and irrationalists have jumped on this research as supporting the barefoot running movement. The fact that they blindly accept this research without any form of critical analysis of the flaws, just confirms how fanatical and irrational they are!

Why can't the media and bloggers be more critical in what they report? At least Podiatry Arena could see through the problems: The Effect of Running Shoes on Lower Extremity Joint Torques

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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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Recomended Running Shoes

Advising runners what shoe to use is always difficult. Shoes change frequently and what suits one runners does not necessarily suit another, even if they appear to have similar needs. Keeping on top of who needs what and what company makes what is always difficult. This grid is a good step in the right direction to pick up what shoes models fit into what category of running shoe.

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Running Shoe Forum

I have been asked to do some work on a Running Shoe forum. Here are some links to the section that need some work: Running shoes Nike Brooks Best running shoes New balance Adidas Asics Mizuno Spira Saucony Newton Kids Running Shoe Reviews . The forum has not been officially launched yet, but they are looking for people to help out to get the content developed before the official launch.

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Nike Barefoot Running Shoe

Press report on the new Nike barefoot runing shoe. Link

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Nike Barefoot Running Shoe

Press report on the new Nike barefoot runing shoe. Link

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