Here is a super interesting article (I think) about people’s running interests. I knew that barefoot running and minimalist running styles were popular – but to what extent? The article takes the scientific approach to the spread of barefoot running.
A few quick facts about running training in Denmark
Running as a sport has grown rapidly over the past 20 years. Today (2013) there are more than 700,000 participants in Danish fitness runs alone. When the sport has become so big, it also means that hundreds of niches have emerged.
One niche is extreme running, another is barefoot running.
Are there fewer injuries for barefoot runners?
The purpose of the study I am discussing here was to show the risk of injury from barefoot running versus normal running.
6082 runners participated in the study, where demographics, motivational factors and expectations of runners were analyzed.
What surprised me was…
I had no idea that barefoot running was SO big! Did you know that:
- 75.7% of runners indicated that they had an interest in barefoot running or minimalist running shoes
- 21.9% indicated that you had tried it
- 30.4% had previously tried minimalist running shoes
And some facts about the motivational factors:
- 34.3% said their interest in minimalist running was to reduce injuries.
- 24.5% tried it after being recommended by friends
- 24.5% had read about it in books.
At least as surprising was that 54% did not try barefoot running because they were afraid of getting injured.This means that people are very divided about the “running style”. Some believe it prevents injuries, while others have the exact opposite opinion.
I have made a very thorough article about running style, which you should read if the subject interests you. If you are a little more advanced, you should take a look at my complete guide to running style analysis, where I look at a concrete example of a running style analysis on a treadmill.
Does barefoot running cause fewer injuries?
A very good and extremely relevant question. I have read an incredible amount about natural running style. What do you think? More or fewer injuries when running barefoot?
I have read a handful of scientific studies. The excess weight indicates that barefoot running causes more injuries.
Why do people get more injuries with a natural running style?
It’s quite simple. They don’t have a natural running style. People who convert to Merrell running shoes, FiveFingers shoes or similar unfortunately often start with a very naive approach to things.
If you don’t get the right technique right from the start – you’re out of luck. Unfortunately.
For normal exercisers, I recommend trying it, but be very careful and proceed slowly.
Read my guide to minimalist running shoes and barefoot running shoes.
What are your experiences with barefoot running?
About the Author:
Mit navn er Ronni og jeg er en passioneret løber. Jeg elsker at nørde og anmelde løbesko. Det er mig der skriver de fleste artikler og anmeldelser på iloebesko. Følg mig på Google+, find iloebesko på Facebook, eller læs mere om mig her på iloebesko.