Tag Archives: study

Army Study Challenges Barefoot Running

It’s a sad time for minimalist runners. First Vibram agreed that it would pay out $3.75 million to runners who bought its FiveFingers shoes.

I'm not ready to hang up my Vibram FiveFingers. (Photo by Laird Harrison)
I’m not ready to hang up my Vibram FiveFingers. (Photo by Laird Harrison)

This is the glove-like footwear that allows you to wriggle your toes, and feel almost as natural as going barefoot.

Then last week the whole minimal/barefoot running movement suffered a setback when the U.S. Army presented a big study casting more doubt on the benefits of running this way.

If you’ve got a pair of FiveFingers, you can now return them for $20-$94, and go back the thick-heeled running shoes that have dominated sports store shelves since the 1970s.

Or you can send them to me (size 81/2). I am a true believer. Continue reading Army Study Challenges Barefoot Running