Primitive Running

Abstract

Running is a sport that has continued to see growth in numbers over the years. Recently, there has been a movement promoting running barefoot and in light, "minimalist" shoes. Advocates of barefoot running believe that a more primitive style of running may result in fewer running-related injuries and even possibly improve performance. To identify the current interest level and participation in barefoot or minimalist shod running, an electronic survey was developed and dispersed to 6,082 runners. The survey instrument examined demographics, motivating factors, used resources, perceived barriers, and expectations in runners who add barefoot or in minimalist shod running to their training. Seven hundred eighty-five (13%) runners completed the survey. Six hundred and thirty (75.7%) indicated they were at least somewhat interested in running barefoot or in minimalist shoes. One hundred seventy-two (21.9%) runners had previously tried barefoot running, whereas 239 (30.4%) had previously tried minimalist shoes. The primary motivating factor for those running barefoot or in minimalist shoes (n = 283) was to prevent future injury (n = 97, 34.3%). Advice from friends (n = 68, 24.5%) or books (n = 68, 24.5%) was the most commonly used resource in transitioning to barefoot or minimalist shod running. Fear of possible injury (n = 424, 54%) was the most prevalent perceived barrier in transitioning to barefoot or minimalist shod running. An overwhelming 671 (85.5%) indicated that they were at least somewhat likely to continue with or to add barefoot or minimalist shod running if provided sufficient instruction. Runners who are men, of younger age, and who consider themselves elite runners are somewhat more likely to be interested in barefoot or minimalist shod running.

CrossFit® instructor demographics and practice trends

“…The movement towards barefoot running and minimalist shoes possibly helping with injury prevention, 17 may be transferring over to the weight room without any evidence supporting it. Olympic weightlifting shoes are recommended by the International Weightlifting Federation to protect the lifter’s feet and provide a stable base on the weightlifting platform.…”

Effects of footwear on running economy in distance runners: A meta-analytical review

“…A recent survey, including 364 recreational, 380 competitive, and 41 elite runners participating running races ranging from 5 km to the full marathon, reported that more than 50% of runners had switched from shod running (SR) to running with minimalists (MR) or barefoot running (BR) partially because of their subjective belief in performance enhancement. 3 Since there is a strong linear correlation between the shoe mass and metabolic cost during distance running, 4,5 it has been suggested that reduction of shoe mass during BR or MR may contribute to the improvement in overall running economy compared to SR. In addition, reports suggested the landing pattern may be changed from heelstrike to non-heelstrike during MR or BR, 1,6,7 the energy exchange in MR or BR may thus be more efficient due to the effective mass difference in these two types of landing pattern, 1 and may result in a better running performance.…”

16 Weeks of Progressive Barefoot Running Training Changes Impact Force and Muscle Activation in Habitual Shod Runners

“…Many reasons seem to drive people to BF running, however, this popularity is mainly based on the belief that BF alters biomechanical parameters of running, improving impact forces attenuation, increasing performance and reducing injury risk [2,3,5–8]. …”