A new type of footwear is gaining popularity for runners who are trying to experience the benefits of running barefoot, according to a published report.
Known as "foot gloves" and "barefoot running shoes," this kind of footwear definitely is having an impact on how its users run, one person who holds a physical therapy job told The Juneau Empire. Those who partake in the activity with this footwear are known as "minimalist runners."
"Barefoot running or minimalist running changes the way you run," minimalist runner and physical therapist Justin Dorn told the news source. "You take shorter strides and land more on the middle or forward part of the foot rather than the heel."
Heavily-cushioned shoes, the direct opposite of the barefoot running shoes, first hit the market in the 1970s. But prior to that appearance, runners typically used shoes that were equipped with thin soles – if they used footwear at all.
A biomechanical study published by Harvard University demonstrated that a heel striking more typically occurs with runners using running shoes and causes more forceful impact as compared to running barefoot. Thus the likelihood that barefoot running cuts down on injuries is supported by some research.