Running Shoes Changed How Humans Run

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Running Shoes Changed How Humans Run

LiveScience Staff Writer

Rachael Rettner

Modern-day running shoes have changed the way people run, altering our gait from that of barefoot running - the manner by which people ran for thousands of years before the arrival of the cushioned shoes found on store shelves today - a new study suggests.

The study showed barefoot runners tend to hit the ground toe first, a style that minimizes forces that jar the body, while people used to running shoes have largely adopted a heel-first style that can mean lots of force on the body.

While several studies have compared running barefoot to running with shoes, the current study, published this week in the journal Nature, is the first to include analyses of runners who have never worn modern footwear, the researchers say.

Humans started wearing running shoes only relatively recently, with use of this footwear taking off in the last 40 years. Before that, people either ran barefoot or wore shoes that would seem to offer little protection from the ground, such as sandals or moccasins.

For nearly as long, people have debated which is better. While the new study may not solve the vigorous debate, it does add data on the physiological effects of running shoes.

The researchers aren't suggesting runners ditch their shoes. For one, barefoot running can take getting used to, and it takes stronger muscles, so the switch could lead to tendonitis.

Read more here

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I posted this here because I didn't want an Evolution debate, and because I thought this is useful information (rather than a news category).

Knowing that dogs, horses, cats, deer, etc. run on their toes, it does make a lot of sense.

And one actually does run faster when running on toes.

But it's interesting to see the difference in impacts on the joints.

[Isaiah 6:8]

Well I know that Shaka Zulu killed any warrior that refused to run barefoot. His soldiers were classified as calvary by the British because of the speed they could run. Crazy eh?

[Smalcald]

That is very interesting.

I am a runner and certainly do run with good running shoes.

The problem is I live in the North running without shoes in not an option except on a treadmill. Maybe I will try it? What about foot odors?

[Matthitjah]

Know what's strange? I've always run on my toes. Toe hits the ground first. I used to be really fast when I was a boy.

[MorningGlory]

That is very interesting.

I am a runner and certainly do run with good running shoes.

The problem is I live in the North running without shoes in not an option except on a treadmill. Maybe I will try it? What about foot odors?

There won't be any foot odor if you run barefoot......

[~candice~]

Know what's strange? I've always run on my toes. Toe hits the ground first. I used to be really fast when I was a boy.

Back when I was a wee lass, I ran on my toes too! It just feels so much more normal. But then again, I find it weird wearing shoes (personal quirk ) and I take them off as much as possible. I also can't drive with them on.

[Guest LadyC]

i was made fun of so many times for running, and even walking, on my toes! i had concluded that i was just weird. i still climb any sort of incline, whether it is stairs or hills, toe-heel. i've always been very self concious about it.

[EricH]

This whole discussion makes me feel like a real heel

[MorningGlory]

This whole discussion makes me feel like a real heel