Barefoot running, also known as minimalism or natural running,
is simply running without shoes or running in thin-soled shoes.
Running barefoot is considered to be the natural way of running
and some entire cultures still foster this idea such as the
Tarahumara in Mexico. Minimalists, or runners who run in minimal
shoes or barefoot, argue barefoot running can correct a runner’s
form and foster a forefoot strike, which can result in fewer
running injuries than those who run with a heel-strike. However,
scientific research has yet to reach a clear consensus on the
benefits of barefoot running. Barefoot running advocates argue
minimal running is better for the feet in that it strengthens
them and reduces chronic injuries such as IT Band Syndrome,
Runner’s Knee, shinsplints and other common running injuries.
According to these proponents, barefoot running forces runners
to forestrike as opposed to heel-strike, which is the result of
the evolution of the running shoe to exhibit a cushioned heel.
Barefoot running r