Vibram Back Peddling On Shoe Claims

This is a follow up on the article I wrote last fall on the minimalist running shoe trend.  Last week Vibram the maker of the famous FiveFinger running shoe, one of the most aggressive and well known minimalist running shoes on the market, has settled a lawsuit about deceptive advertising claims.  Here is a link to the news story   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/10/_n_5302213.html.

The recent claims that minimalist running shoes are beneficial and promote a forefoot strike(landing) are being tested.  Claims of injury prevention, improved posture, and gaining muscle strength are not currently supported by clinical studies.  Recent evidence suggests that the running shoe itself does not change how we run; whether we heel strike (land on our heel) or forefoot strike (land on our toes).  It appears that you are either a heel striker, a midfoot striker, or a forefoot striker, and the shoe style has little effect.  Most runners seem to be heel strikers.  The evaluation of elite runners seems to indicate some are heel strikers, some are midfoot strikers, and a few are forefoot strikers.

Unless you are suffering from numerous injuries changing your running style may not be necessary.  However, improving your running mechanics is encouraged and can help to reduce common running injuries.  If you are having issues running or suffering from injuries I can evaluate you and help improve your running style/mechanics.