What is Brooks perspective on the barefoot running debate?
Whether to run barefoot is a highly contested topic—possibly the most heavily debated topic in our sport—and we’re enjoying the dialogue because at a base level, people are talking about a major positive force in the world: RUNNING. That said, we strongly believe the vast majority of the running population should log most of its mileage in a performance running shoe, not barefoot. Bear in mind, we recognize a very small percentage of runners may find running barefoot valuable as part of a controlled training regimen. But for the rest of us, supportive, cushioned footwear is not only beneficial, it also plays an essential role in delivering a comfortable, injury-free running experience. We are all unique. The focus and energy should center on how you run and train, finding the right shoe that addresses your unique biomechanical needs, and how to keep you running healthy. “The Perfect Ride for Every Stride,” as we say at Brooks. As a leading running company, we feel it is our obligation