Another point of interest other than the placement of foot is the magnitude in which the foot strikes the ground. Michael Sandler writes about a study performed by Harvard Scientist Dr. Dan Lieberman. Sandler tells of a quote from Dr. Lieberman which states “The point is that when you run barefoot you can have magnitudes of loading that are much lower than running in a shoe, and rate of loading that are equal to or lower than wearing a shoe…which is why it’s comfortable and potentially less injurious.” (Sandler, Lieberman). Running barefoot leads to three times lower impact forces and loading rates which suggests that “people who are barefoot or minimally shod have a better chance of avoiding injury.” (Running barefoot vs shoes). Opposers
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Brian Metzler tells of three studies performed that proved the benefits of barefoot running in his article, “The Revolution Will Not Have a Heel Strike.” These three studies, performed by the University of Virginia, Harvard University, and the Italian Olympic Committee, all gave admirations of the practice of running barefoot. The benefits they found were “namely, having foot strikes at the midfoot, less overall impact on the body and better all-body kinematics – while offering caveats about safety, duration and transition from heel-striking to more natural running” (Metzler). Bill Gillford, capitalizes a little more when he tells of his running experiences with Christopher McDougall in his article “Is Barefoot Running Really Better?” Gillford tells of his amazement in the immense pleasure he got from running with McDougall. Gillford told that he could instantly see a change in his foot strike being on the balls of his feet rather than his heels which resulted in injury. Gillford then took his study even further to find out how injuries are prevented by not wearing shoes while running. “At least one large study from the American College of Sports Medicine has shown that runners who use shorter strides and land more gently – as barefoot runners tend to do – are less prone to stress fractures”
Brian Metzler tells of three studies performed that proved the benefits of barefoot running in his article, “The Revolution Will Not Have a Heel Strike.” These three studies, performed by the University of Virginia, Harvard University, and the Italian Olympic Committee, all gave admirations of the practice of running barefoot. The benefits they found were “namely, having foot strikes at the midfoot, less overall impact on the body and better all-body kinematics – while offering caveats about safety, duration and transition from heel-striking to more natural running” (Metzler). Bill Gillford, capitalizes a little more when he tells of his running experiences with Christopher McDougall in his article “Is Barefoot Running Really Better?” Gillford tells of his amazement in the immense pleasure he got from running with McDougall. Gillford told that he could instantly see a change in his foot strike being on the balls of his feet rather than his heels which resulted in injury. Gillford then took his study even further to find out how injuries are prevented by not wearing shoes while running. “At least one large study from the American College of Sports Medicine has shown that runners who use shorter strides and land more gently – as barefoot runners tend to do – are less prone to stress fractures”