Harvard Barefoot Running Studies Support Xero Shoes’ Claims

Feel The World, Inc., makers of Xero Shoes “Barefoot…PLUS!” sandals, is emboldened by two new studies by Harvard’s Dr. Daniel Lieberman which back up the reports from thousands of customers about Xero Shoes reducing injuries and making running easier and more fun.

These studies, published in Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise on January 3rd, support that “proper barefoot running form” and minimalist running shoes can result in fewer injuries and more efficient running. “Xero Shoes,” says CEO and All-American Masters sprinter Steven Sashen, “naturally promote proper barefoot form and are the most minimalist footwear you can find.”

“Foot Strike and Injury Rates in Endurance Runners: a retrospective study” found that college cross-country runners who land on their heels had approximately twice the rate of injury as those who forefoot strike. Barefoot runners know that proper barefoot form involves landing on the forefoot and now there is more scientific proof to back this up.

Steven Sashen explains, “The easiest way to train yourself to forefoot strike is to go barefoot or wear something genuinely minimalist, like Xero Shoes. The more you feel the ground when you run, the more you’ll want to stop heel-striking… because, among other reasons, it hurts!”

Sashen also cautions that many shoes that call themselves “minimalist” still have enough padding and protection between feet and the ground that the barefoot feel is lost and could lead to heel striking.

Dr. Lieberman’s other study, ”Effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running Economy” demonstrated that runners in minimal footwear have increased efficiency than those in traditional running shoes.

“If minimalist footwear makes runners more efficient, that’s good news for Xero Shoes,” adds Sashen. “With just 4mm of contoured rubber between you and the ground, they’re the ultimate in minimalism.”

About Feel The World, Inc. and Xero Shoes®:

Co-founded by CEO and All-American Masters sprinter Steven Sashen and COO Lena Phoenix, Feel The World, Inc., makes Xero Shoes, a modern take on huaraches, the traditional Mexican running sandals of the Tarahumara featured in the NYT bestseller, Born To Run. After Sashen discovered that running in Xero Shoes healed chronic running injuries and that his life-long flat feet had developed arches, he and Phoenix launched the company November 2009. They’ve already sold nearly 10,000 pairs of Xero Shoes in over 55 countries. Comprised of high-performance, flexible FeelTrue™ rubber sole designed and customized to perfectly fit your foot and durable, stretch-resistant nylon laces, Xero Shoes can be used to walk, run, and hike as well as for yoga and gym-going. Multiple lace color selections and countless bead, charm and pendant additions make Xero Shoes both athletic and fashionable footwear. The decorative options have earned them the nickname “the Crocs of minimalism”. Xero Shoes start at only $20, weigh in at 3.8 ounces and have a “zero drop” (no height difference between the front and rear of the shoe). Xero Shoes are custom made to perfectly fit your foot, either with a simple “custom-made for you… by you!®” DIY kit, or made professionally by the company based on a tracing of your foot. To express gratitude for their Tarahumara inspiration, Xero Shoes donates 10% of net profits from each purchase of Custom Xero Shoes to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund. For more information visit www.InvisibleShoe.com. Try Xero Shoes and Feel The World™.