One of arguments in favor of barefoot running is that it will strengthen foot and ankle muscles that are otherwise left dormant in conventional running shoes. It's an idea that makes sense intuitively ...

Like every fitness activity, running has its niches. Some people want to fight for first-place finishes, others cover wildly long distances in ultrarunning and cross country. For diehard minimalists, ...

Barefoot running and minimalist shoes offer less heel-cushioning. It is postulated that when an RFS runner changes from a traditional shoe to a minimalist shoe (or no shoe), landing on the heel will ...

The Wall Street Journal's Tara Parker-Pope explores whether barefoot running is better in this story. We were born barefoot. We didn't come with shock absorbers or midsoles or wave blades on the ...

For a long-shod population, shirking the shoes and incorporating barefoot running into a workout routine has become an attractive option for both competitive and part-time athletes. However, it's not ...

Shoes deaden the foot's ability to sense and adapt to its surroundings. Caleb Wegener, a podiatrist and competitive runner, says: "A lot of the technique changes that we think occur with running ...

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tempted to join the barefoot running craze? Begin with baby steps, experts say. Turning those tender feet into all-terrain vehicles takes time. "The question isn't whether you can ...

Let’s start with some of the advantages of wearing socks with barefoot shoes, which may result in happier feet and shoes on the trail. When you run wearing socks, it’s your socks that soak up most of ...

I've been a fan of barefoot-style shoes since I first tried them years ago. There is something primal about walking barefoot outside – the sensation is like no other. However, as much as I like the ...

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- For David Uhlir of Grand Forks, when it comes to running, less is more. And he is not alone. Uhlir is one of a growing group of area runners who are excited about more "natural" ...

With the increasing popularity of minimalist footwear and barefoot running, it is imperative that clinicians understand running mechanics and the potential implications of these footwear options.