"Seven Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Running"

Nice list, especially this part:

"Run in Less Shoe

"I used to wear bulky ASICS Kayano running shoes (I wonder why my achilles always hurt?) and never wore flats during workouts. Things have changed and the evidence is piling up that wearing a little bit less shoe and being strategic with barefoot running can really help your overall training.

"Just one session of barefoot strides per week and a good pair of minimalist running shoes can dramatically help you reduce your injury risk. You’ll strengthen your lower legs and feet and become a more efficient runner. It’s easier to run with better form in less shoe—and much easier barefoot.

"Ease into your new minimalist shoes. They can help you a lot—but only if you’re smart and gradually introduce them to your training program.

"...Jason Fitzgerald is a 2:39 marathoner..."

"Barefoot Running is Dead"

According to ASICS.

P.S.

"Are you a medic or a scientist?


"It’s all smoke and mirrors really. My background is as a clinical podiatrist."

Well that explains it, then.  Podiatrists.

"Japan Makers Jump Feet-First into the Five-Toed Shoe Market"

Asics Okitabi

More good news.

I really would love to have a pair of hte Okitabis pictured to the right, but unfortunately this is a Japan-only, limited production run.

Wisdom From The ASICS Blog

"Q: What is your opinion about barefoot running?

"A: The current barefoot running craze irritates me! I agree with the premise that runners can learn a great deal from understanding the foot strike and body position that occurs naturally when you run barefoot. However, I believe running barefoot should be incorporated as a drill that you do in small doses under controlled circumstances. For the general population, barefoot running is more likely to cause injury than running with shoes. Runners should educate themselves on the construction of running shoes and go to their local specialty running store to find expert help in selecting the right shoe for their needs. Shoe companies make a wide range of models for all types, and you should find the perfect shoe for you."

Sneakers are the 'craze', and have been since the late 1960s.  But of course this fellow has blinders on, since he works for ASICS, and the barefoot running craze threatens him.  "Shoe companies make a wide range of models for all types, and you should find the perfect shoe for you."  Sorry, none of the mainstream sneaker makers offer barefoot-style runners any options. We'd be happy to have them, but they're not there now.