Experience Running Barefoot Or Wearing A Nike Free Type Shoe?

[meowmix]

There was a very interesting article in the New York Times recently about this idea that the very constructed running shoes from the 1970s on have contributed to the myriad running injuries suffered by many people.

I am a new runner (10 months) and I would be very interested in hearing experience/opinions/etc. on this topic because I have been wearing the cheapest, unconstructed, Modell's sale rack running shoes and run 80+ miles/month while my boyfriend has "good" shoes and has been plagued with injuries to the point where he's barely running.

[meowmix]

I want to try to keep this thread alive for at least another day:p. There is another thread here about doing the FitPrime/KickButts barefoot -- so there must be someone out there who has an opinion about running in a constructed shoe vs. an unconstructed shoe! Hey, I live in Brooklyn, New York -- I'm not suggesting running through the streets of broken glass, concrete and asphalt with ***** feet:D!

[Tarheels]

Hi Mia! I am sorry no one has answered you yet. I am no expert on shoes or running :p , but I buy pretty good shoes (not the most expensive, but I do buy name brands and get fitted for them at the store), and I've never had an injury...But I'm also not walking/running near the distance that you are either. I hope someone else has some more knowledge/help to offer. Interesting topic! :D

[meowmix]

Hey Jenn
Thanks for replying to this post! I really thought it would be a hotter topic:o! Maybe it will crop up again in the future!

[Vanessa]

Mia,

I've had two knee surgeries. The one thing my orthopedic surgeon told me, among many others, was for me to always wear a good pair of shoes and replace them often, because the cushioning wears down. I always wear good shoes for all of my fitness activities. I don't run anymore, but I remember lots of pounding. Take care of yourself now or you will regret it.......later!

[meowmix]

Vanessa!

Thank you for your advice. Running DOES create a huge amount of stress on the body, but I'm just taken with this idea that maybe the foot CAN adapt without all the airbags and motion control, etc. (I'm sure it was much easier when we were hunter/gatherers running through the grass and dirt!) I will be careful and I won't do any running in flip-flops:D.