Running Barefoot or Shod

The Health section of the New York Times had an article on the benefits of wearing running shoes over running barefoot. Researchers at the University of Colorado in Boulder recruited 12 well-trained male runners who were used to running barefoot as well as shod. In a sophisticated design the researchers were able to compare the metabolic cost of running on a treadmill with or without shoes. They found that light-weight running shoes make it slightly easier to run than running barefoot. Running barefoot uses about 4% more energy than running in lightweight shoes. The researchers speculated that this was probably because the leg muscles have to provide more of the cushioning. This 4% difference probably only makes a difference at the elite level and for very long distance running. This study did not answer the question of whether or not barefoot running reduces running injuries. The study was published online in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.