Hay Wan Chiu is an avid runner. He's worn all kinds of shoes, although he prefers to run barefoot. But that can be tough on the toes, so when the new barefoot running shoes came out he'd thought he'd give them a try.
"It feels like you're running on air like everybody says. And also you've got to be really careful not to overdo it," Chiu says.
How can a shoe with space for five toes and very little sole, protect a foot and help runners perform more efficiently?
That's what the folks at this Podiatry Laboratory at Temple University were asking. So they tested the shoe to see if it gave enough support and protection.
Experts say it creates more flexibility, better balance, more agility, better toe strength. But whether you're an experienced runner or a novice you have to slowly transition into barefoot shoes.
But these minimalist shoes aren't for everyone. Those with any type of foot or ankle pain or injury should talk to their doctor first.
But for runners like Chiu they seem to be a pleasant alternative to going shoeless.
"It feels like you're running on air like everybody says. And also you've got to be really careful not to overdo it," Chiu says.
How can a shoe with space for five toes and very little sole, protect a foot and help runners perform more efficiently?
That's what the folks at this Podiatry Laboratory at Temple University were asking. So they tested the shoe to see if it gave enough support and protection.
Experts say it creates more flexibility, better balance, more agility, better toe strength. But whether you're an experienced runner or a novice you have to slowly transition into barefoot shoes.
But these minimalist shoes aren't for everyone. Those with any type of foot or ankle pain or injury should talk to their doctor first.
But for runners like Chiu they seem to be a pleasant alternative to going shoeless.
