Advantages Seen to Running Barefoot

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published February 7, 2007 at 9:17 AM PST

This story was published more than 18 years ago.

Running without shoes isn't a popular way for most people to exercise, but many marathon runners swear by the technique. Host Tom Fudge asks two barefoot runners why they chose to run this way, the l

Tom Fudge: Most of us have not even seriously considered running a marathon. But running a marathon with no shoes? That's hard to even imagine! But guess what - there are distance runners who prefer to do it unshod. They say it's actually healthy, and better for your feet. These people are not crazy. But they do suffer a period of tremendous hardship, developing the calluses and the muscle tone you need to run 26 miles without shoes.

Guests

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"Barefoot" Ken Bob Saxton , a barefoot runner who operates the Web site runningbarefoot.org .
Yoshi Yoshino, a barefoot runner.

End Music: Slow Down Sagg by Jimmy Smith, from the album Root Down Live! (1972)