"Born To Run" and I don't mean Bruce's Classic Song, is a best selling book by Christopher McDougall, which ask the questions "why are so many runners injured every year (some data suggests as many as 80% of runners get injured every year), does running make a great man or woman or does a great man or woman make a great runner, and ultimately - aren't we all "Born to Run" by our very nature, history and bio-mechanical makeup"?  The very nature of this book has fueled the sales of a new "Barefoot" minimalistic running concept by Vibram, called Five Fingers.  Vibram Five Fingers, mimics the actual shape of a barefoot, including a 5 toe sock.  Maine Running is currently selling 50+ units a month and as a serious performance running shoe for some folks. Most runners are leary of changing, but the concept by biomechanists of using natural form or midfoot running gaits to reduce impact, promote upright posture and short strides with the midfoot striking directly under the hips is catching on.   The theory is that natural form will lead to running softer, more relaxed and prevent overuse injuries caused by the forces of the usual heel strike path concept.

With this concept there are now a host of minimalistic footwear that promotes barefoot or midfoot running.  These shoes allow and promote the foots landing zone in the midfoot area versus the heel.  Besides Vibram Five Fingers, no less than five brands are offering footwear that promote natural running, including Nike, New Balance, Ecco and Newton.  Nike’s Free technology launched the whole barefoot technology to get folks to run more efficiently by forcing the shoe to mimic the bone structure of the foot.  Newton Running uses a midfoot lever to encourage the runner to strike in the midfoot area to force a higher cadence and theoretically getting runners to have better alignment and more upright form.  Vibram Five Fingers is the most minimalistic of all five brands.  It forces your toes to separate and focus on landing on your midfoot area.  Local runner TC Hazzard has completed a couple of Half-Marathons in the Five Fingers.  Ecco’s new BIOM line of natural running shoes are using its proprietary direct inject polyurethane midsole technology with a lower to the ground base and a more significant beveled heel to accommodate a midfoot strike.  These products don’t come cheap either.  Expect to pay $90 - $200 and up.

How about you?  We sell Ecco, Newton and Vibram at Maine Running, but we always stress that midfoot or barefoot running should be integrated or supplement your typical running shoes to allow your body to adapt to the change in strike path and stress loads.  Working on good upright form, posture and efficient running is a good thing, but remember, not all of us are typical, elite runners going 10-15 mph on the roads or around the track.  So approach it with some caution, but barefoot technology is here to stay and besides, you can always run without your shoes….remember, Run Happy!