Hey all, I just read B-Mack's post on www.iamunscared.com regarding shoes. No, not dress shoes, or fashion shoes, I'm talking running shoes, and lifting shoes. And for those of you out there (mulitsport people) who love to buy the latest and greatest without finding out if its the best fit, take a look at this post. It gives a very unapologetic view of shoes, myths of running shoes, and the latest myths of running barefoot. And as someone who owns a pair of Vibrams, I even had to chuckle and re-think why I wear them.
I don't want to steal any of Brian's thunder, but just to add a couple quick things from my personal perspective - its my belief that running shoes have become over-built, over-correct, and make our feet weaker, instead of stronger. Unless someone has serious feet issues, and I'm talking something that's got a foot deformity, or has some type of other ailment that prevents them from running in a neutral shoe, people should be wearing neutral running shoes, and working on thier running gait. That means GET YOUR HEEL OFF THE GROUND. I was stunned a couple days ago when I ran into a former USC track athlete told me she was always told to HEEL STRIKE, not run on the balls of her feet. She was adamant about it, telling me I was wrong, that its heel first. Now it could have been 1 of 2 things - 1. She never ran track at the collegiate level period, or 2. She had a horrible coach. You make your own opinion.
I don't want to go off on a rant about shoes, b/c I know there are a million opinions out there about shoes, but give Brian's blog a look. Its pretty insightful. And do yourself another favor - get on www.mobilitywod.com, and watch Kelly Starett explain why you need to "unglue your sticks".
Stay strong,
Guy
