When one of Nike’s top researchers, Gordon Valiant the head of biomechanics at the Nike Sport Research Laboratory, comes out and says “despite over 20 years of stability elements being incorporated in running footwear there is, as yet, no established clinically based evidence for their provision,” you know something can’t quite be right. As supportive shoes, inserts, and pronation devices continue to both be questioned by the general populace as well as fairing poorly in clinical research, it’s ever so important to listen closely to your body, do your own research, and run natural.

For some of us it’s not about speed. Barefoot and minimalist runners do it for the freedom, the sense of invigorating health and organic instincts. It’s the same reason we run trails instead of roads. Sure we could go faster on roads, it’s just that trails are more fun.

Whether you follow ultra marathon running or not, Hal Koerner qualifies as a stud athlete. As a retail store owner and two time defending Western States 100 champion, Hal knows running. In a recent interview from competitor.com, Hal talks about the upcoming Western States 100 World Championship. With the race on Saturday June 26th, Hals calm thoughtful answers are impressive. What really impressed us at Runnatural are his responses to the minimalist movement.

From the Facebook page of Runner’s Corner:
REGARDING MINIMALIST & BAREFOOT RUNNING:
I find it sad that running retailers here close to home and all over the country are fighting (often with intellectual dishonesty) something that is such a benefit to running in general and as an industry. I think it separates those [...]

In August 2003 Dennis Driscoll gave a ground breaking presentation to the USA Track and Field Coaching Education seminar which deserves a serous revisit. Titled “Barefoot Running: A Natural Step for the Endurance Athlete” he goes through the then current (and accurate) science of barefoot running compared to shod running. By comparing biomechanics, propulsion phases, injury rates, etc all while quoting 26 research studies and articles, Dennis shows that integrating barefoot running into your running will greatly enhance your experience.

There are many methods designed to improve your running form but none are simpler or more effective than Good Form Running. I had the unique experience last night of attending a Good Form Running clinic with founder Curt Munson and Olympian Grant Robison. Effective, versatile, and immediate Good Form Running is the future of running.

The research is building stronger, economic times are calling for cutbacks, and you could use less stress in your life overall. So why not start implementing some minimalist/barefoot running starting today? There never was a better time to revamp your running and go minimal.

After visiting both the dentist and the doctor recently, I found how their approaches mimic how many people view their running.  Do you (or your running store) rely upon the latest gizmo or do you actively take preventative measures towards staying injury free and healthy?
Most recently I visited the dentist.  I hate going to the [...]

Reactions to the barefoot running study by Lieberman at Harvard have been swift and diverse.  The interesting thing to note is what is being missed by many: the study seemed to support a proper foot strike more than it supported barefoot running.  When you really go over the data, the central theme would appear to [...]

I had great feel for the ground and came down rather smoothly amidst not being able to see as well as normal, running in occasional deep snow, and muddy terrain. With my zero drop trail shoes I had great proprioception keeping me balanced and flowing with the mountain trail and whatever it was going to throw at me.