Where is the Running Industry Heading: Ten Observations About the Impact of Barefoot

Over the last year, I've had the opportunity to experience multiple facets of the running world, including: Attending and participating in races (mostly marathons and ultras), Participating in the planing of races, Attending running festivals, Holding clinics for the public and retail sales associates, Participating in strategic discussions with retailers, Participating in behind-the-scenes shoe fitting …

Don’t Get Couch Potato Feet

What are Couch Potato Feet Couch Potato Feet: Feet that have been chronically immobilized, resulting in excessive weakness of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the foot. Couch potato feet are unhealthy, flabby feet that are susceptible to chronic pain and increased chance of injury. How Do People Get Couch Potato Feet Couch potato …

Pretty Strong: Merrell Aims to Solve the Female Barefoot Riddle

Sometime last year, Emily Snayd (a friend from Merrell and a crazy-fast runner) started asking me questions about women and barefoot.  Specifically, why aren't there more women running barefoot and in minimalist shoes?  She had made the transition and was posting shockingly fast times.  She clearly saw the benefit, but noticed the barefoot community consisted …

What Can a Barefoot Runner Teach Nurses, Teachers, Hairdressers, and Retail and Food Service Associates

Barefoot running teaches us that the human body is a wonderfully capable machine that blossoms when freed from the confines of restrictive shoes.  The myth that shoe "technology" will improve upon the human machine is quickly falling by the wayside.  Instead of helping us perform better, we're discovering the narrow constrictive style, motion-control, raised heels, …