This can be so frustrating! It's sometimes hard to tell what is an interesting article and what is just trying to get me to buy a shoe. I looked for articles on barefoot running and minimalist shoes for a while on the computer. Then my mom came in and told me that my brother had sent her an article about it from a study a while ago. I have been watching video after video after video on YouTube on running barefoot. I found a particularly interesting video that I, unfortunately, didn't ever finish. It pointed out a few things. When wearing running shoes, you generally land on your heel. If you were to take off those shoes and just jump up and down on your heel, it would be difficult because there's not much cushion or anything to make your feet bounce back. (Okay, it's nearly impossible to jump on just your heels) Jumping completely on the toes is a little easier, but there's not much cushion. But, if you try on the forefoot (middle to front), it's easy! (Now half of you feel really embarrassed because you just tried jumping just using your heels and it didn't work.) I thought that was an interesting point to make, although I'm not sure who runs on their toes. So that was pretty weird to think about.
Then I read a few different news articles in different papers. The website for one of the shoes has links to just about every article written about them. I have been trying to find some studies here and there, and I've found a few. The one I am looking at now is a study from a professor at Harvard, which is actually quite interesting! There is a video that was posted of an interview/ explanation with this man on YouTube, and I think I get why these shoes are so popular. When you prove that heel-striking causes a sharp shock to your body, you have people saying "Oh! Then I better not use shoes!" But then people start to doubt that running barefoot is a good idea. What if I step on something? So then these shoe people jump in and say "Hey! Look at this amazing shoe!" and the attention is brought to a shoe where you move more naturally. (Forefoot strike) Yes, reading and watching for my trend essay.
(And now that I have been looking up this topic I am starting to really want a pair of minimalist shoes. I would probably feel strange using them, since I don't run that much, yet. Thank goodness this isn't a persuasive essay.)
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Ok, first off, I love your topic! It's so creative! As far as research goes, it seems like you have some very good leads, detective! Just keep on running with it, I guess ;)
ReplyDeleteI tried jumping on my heels. It really didn't work, but it scared my dog. I think you should try a pair of minimalist shoes. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteThe Harvard professor bit sounds like it would help a lot.
Wow -- sounds like you're finding some great sources! Tomorrow you can maybe focus on getting some statistical help -- where to find numbers that show increasing sales, use by pros or high school teams, etc.
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