Introduction: The past, present, and future of research on running barefoot and in minimal shoes

• Published in: Journal of sport and health science 2014-06, Vol.3 (2), p.65-66
• Main Authors: Lieberman, Daniel E., Davis, Irene S., Nigg, Benno M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2095-2546; 2213-2961
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2014.04.001

Barefoot running has been around for millions of years,and it is safe to presume that for most of that time,the practice occasioned little interest.Our ancestors ran barefoot because they had no shoes.When footwear was first invented during the last 40,000 years (no doubt at different times and in different places),shoes were by necessity minimal-essentially sandals and moccasins-designed to protect the sole of the foot but lacking any of the sophisticated features and materials present in modem running shoes such as elevated cushioned heels,arch supports,and toe springs.Most of these features were invented in the 1970s,and they quickly became more popular and sophisticated as running underwent a worldwide boom.Today,the vast majority of runners think it is normal to wear cushioned running shoes,and would never dream of running without them.