Barefoot Running | Running Shoe Rx

Media Release:

“Running in Tarahumara (Rarámuri) Culture,” just published in Current Anthropology (v61, no. 3 (June 2020): 356-379) studies the Tarahumara Native Americans of northern Mexico. For over a century, the Tarahumara have been famous for their long distance running traditions and abilities, with many accounts claiming they have superhuman athletic abilities that partly result from being uncontaminated by westernization. Now an international team of researchers (including a champion Tarahumara runner) combine their own observations with detailed interviews of elderly Tarahumara runners to dispel these stereotypical myths, which they term the “fallacy of the athletic savage.” Lieberman and colleagues use accounts by Tarahumara runners to detail the various ways Tarahumara used to run for hours to hunt animals, and they describe how the Tarahumara still run traditional long distance races that, for men, involve chasing a small wooden ball and, for women, a hoop. While these many different kinds of running have important social dimensions, running is also a spiritually vital form of prayer for the Tarahumara. Further, contrary to the fallacy of the athletic savage, Tarahumara runners –both men and women– struggle just as much as runners from other cultures to run long distances, and instead of being the natural “superathletes” that some journalists have claimed, they develop their endurance from regular hard work and other endurance physical activities such as lots of walking and dancing.

###

Daniel E. Lieberman, Mickey Mahaffey, Silvino Cubesare Quimare, Nicholas B. Holowka, Ian J. Wallace, and Aaron L. Baggish, “Running in Tarahumara (Rarámuri) Culture: Persistence Hunting, Footracing, Dancing, Work, and the Fallacy of the Athletic Savage,” Current Anthropology 61, no. 3 (June 2020): 356-379.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Tarahumara Indians
Copper Canyon
Running race
Long-distance running
mexico

Bestseller No. 2

The Running Revolution: How to Run Faster, Farther, and Injury-Free--for Life

Amazon Kindle Edition
Romanov, Nicholas (Author)
English (Publication Language)
358 Pages - 09/30/2014 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)

SaleBestseller No. 3

The Running Indians: The Tarahumara of Mexico

Used Book in Good Condition
Lutz, Richard L. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
91 Pages - 10/07/1989 (Publication Date) - Dimi Pr (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 4

Tales of the Tarahumara Indians

Fenimore, Jan (Author)
English (Publication Language)
60 Pages - 02/10/2025 (Publication Date) - Amazing Things Press (Publisher)

SaleBestseller No. 5

Nacidos para correr / Born to Run: Una tribu oculta, superatletas y la carrera mas grande que el mundo nunca ha visto / A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, ... Greatest Race the World Ha (Spanish Edition)

McDougall, Christopher (Author)
Spanish (Publication Language)
368 Pages - 03/29/2011 (Publication Date) - Vintage Espanol (Publisher)

SaleBestseller No. 6

Leadville Trail 100: History of the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Running Race

Siguaw, Steve (Author)
English (Publication Language)
636 Pages - 04/28/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 7

Sticker Sierra Tarahumara Running Figure Minimalist Tribal Lines Mountain Vinyl Decal Car Bumper Laptop Outdoor Art

This unique sticker features the Sierra Tarahumara mountain outline with a dynamic running figure in minimalist tribal lines.
Its intricate yet simple design is ideal for adding a touch of cultural heritage to your car bumper or laptop.
Crafted with high-quality vinyl, this sticker ensures UV and water resistance, suitable for outdoor settings.
Perfect for showcasing your love for natural landscapes and tribal art on tablets, guitars, or travel accessories.
This sticker comes in various sizes. If you need a custom option, contact us or browse our store for more.

Bestseller No. 8

Ultrarunning with Chia Seeds: The Tarahumara's Secret

Amazon Kindle Edition
Barnes, David (Author)
English (Publication Language)
45 Pages - 05/25/2024 (Publication Date)

Bestseller No. 9

Sierra Tarahumara Sticker Mountain Outline Running Figure Minimalist Tribal Laptop Decal Car Bumper Nature Window Vinyl Art

This Sierra Tarahumara sticker showcases the elegant outline of these iconic mountains with a dynamic running figure.
The minimalist tribal lines make it a striking piece for any car bumper or laptop, capturing the essence of the Sierra Tarahumara.
The serene white background enhances the intricate tribal designs, making this sticker a perfect addition to any laptop or window.
Our high-quality vinyl ensures that each Sierra Tarahumara sticker is both UV and water-resistant, suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications.
This sticker comes in various sizes. If you need a custom option, contact us or browse our store for more.

Bestseller No. 10

The Tarahumara Indians / photographs by John Running ; text by Martin Melkonian

John Running (Author)
English (Publication Language)
01/01/1983 (Publication Date) - Double Page, Inc (Publisher)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Abebe Bikila was a runner from Ethiopia who, running his first marathon won the Rome Olympics marathon on 10 September 1960 running barefoot without running shoes. He was a last minute addition to the Ethiopian team and the teams sponsor did not have enough time to organize running shoes for him and they had only two pairs left, of which neither was able to fitt him. He decided he would then run the race barefoot. At the subsequent Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, he again won the marathon, but did it this time wearing running shoes. He died in 1973 at the age of 41 from complications following a motor vehicle accident. Abebe Bikila is honored and revered in Ethiopia.

Abebe Bikila has a special place in the history of running, especially from those who advocate barefoot running as they hold him up as evidence that a marathon can be run barefoot. There was a fad a while back for doing away with running shoes and running barefoot. This was driven by a lot of websites, forums, books and social media commentary as something that was beneficial and better for runners. Lots of unsubstantiated claims was made for barefoot running, none of which stood up to subsequent scrutiny. This fad last a few years, probably peaking around 2013 with probably 25% of runners trying or dabbling it. The fad quickly dropped off when most who tried it got and injury or realized that it did not live up to all the claims that got made for it. It has now been relegated to the history books, with only a handful of hardcore barefoot runners still doing it.

There has been a lot of research done on barefoot running that those who like to support and advocate barefoot running offer as evidence that barefoot running was better than running in shoes. However, the research never showed that at all and was widely misinterpreted. All the research showed was that barefoot running was different to running in running shoes.

There were claims made that the first sub 2-hr marathon was going to be run barefoot. The folly of that claim is now obvious.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1

WHITIN Men's Trail Running Shoes Minimalist Barefoot Size 10 Wide Width Toe Box Gym Workout Fitness Low Zero Drop Light Weight FiveFingers Black 43

A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax
Produced using animal free products and processes
Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling
True rubber sole provides great protection while still getting the ground feedback
Note, if between sizes, order next size down

SaleBestseller No. 2

WHITIN Barefoot Sock Shoes for Women Sock Sneakers with Grips Training Pilates Size 8 Rubber Bottoms Aqua Boating Minimalist Beach Zero Drop Running Sneakers for Ladies Female Black

Note: We've updated the size chart on Nov 11 2024, please choose the right size according to your foot length
Sock uppers ensures ultra freedom, comfort, moisture-wicking and durability
Durable rubber outsole was designed to be protective and last in tough nature conditions
Without adhesives and seams makes the shoes not just eco-friendlier, but also machine washable
This minimalist sock shoes are the perfect alternative to the skin shoes, yoga shoes, barefoot shoes, running shoes, travel and driving shoes, finger and toe shoes, or even water shoes

SaleBestseller No. 3

WHITIN Men's Trail Running Shoes Minimalist Barefoot Five Fingers Wide Toe Box Size 11 Gym Workout Fitness Zero Drop Minimus Sneakers Grey 44

Anatomical shape provides natural comfort
Adaptive materials and minimalist construction
Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride
Our vegan friendly footwear uses 0% animal products
It is true to size, please order your normal size

Bestseller No. 4

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 Mens Barefoot Shoes | Build Strength, Balance & Mobility | Lightweight for Training & Running | Wide Fit Grounding Shoes | Vegan Obsidian

NEW MODEL: The Primus Lite 3.5 is the latest update to our original men's barefoot all-rounder, reimagined with a new upper for greater sustainability. Made for moving naturally and building strength during runs and wide-ranging training disciplines, it’s perfect for experienced barefoot cross-trainers and those new to barefoot shoes.
NATURAL STABILITY: Enjoy improved balance, posture, and agility with these zero drop shoes. They mimic the feel of barefoot walking and strengthen your feet with every step—ideal for developing long-term foot health and full-body alignment.
LIGHTWEIGHT GRIP: Featuring a 2mm Primus outsole with our hexagonal tread pattern, this barefoot sneaker offers flexibility, traction, and ground feel. Its ultra-light build keeps your feet agile and responsive on city streets or in the gym.
LOW PROFILE OUTSOLE: The Primus Outsole's minimalistic design reduces the barrier between your feet and the ground, facilitating a grounding experience. Its low heel profile and protective toe overlap cater to natural foot movements, ideal for healthy running.
SUSTAINABLE COMFORT: Embrace sustainability with the Active Ortholite Performance Insole made from 98% recycled PU foam which helps reduce waste and the use of virgin plastics. Primus Lite 3.5 advances circular design with a recyclable outsole and an upper now 81% polyester—94% recycled. Not yet 100% due to durability needs, but we're working on it.

SaleBestseller No. 5

MIFAWA Barefoot Shoes Men Wide Toe Box Zero Drop Water Shoes Men for Gym Workout Minimalist Weightlifting Cross-Trainer Running Hike Grounded Footwear Black

【Zero drop】Zero Drop, non-elevated sole place the forefoot and heel flat on the ground to allows the feet , putting the feet in a neutral position and naturally adjusting the posture of the feet, back and body posture. Ensures proper posture and reduces stress on joints.
【Wide toe box】Barefoot shoes are designed with a wider than average toe box to provides ample space for toes a more active fit that allows your toes to splay into their natural posture，spreading and relaxing your forefoot.
【Removable insole】Our hike barefoot shoes men's Removable cushioned insoles is designed to support the arch of the foot and reduce the stress on the joints.if you want a "more barefoot" feeling，remove the insole for a better feel of the ground.
【Rubber outsole】Flexible, non-slip, wear-resistant rubber sole with steady grip and stability，provides excellent protection for your feet and enables your feet’s a full range of motion，bringing an extraordinary barefoot feeling.
【Multiple Occasions】Our men's cross-trainer shoes are perfect for indoor and outdoor activities, such as gym workout, running, walking, cross training, hiking, weightlifting, wrestling, trail running, beach, squats, fishing, boating, jogging, camping, etc.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Joomra Womens Road Running Minimalist Barefoot Shoes All Black Trail Runner Size 8.5 Treadmil Cross Training Athletic Female Wide Toes Box Gym Trekking Hiking Sneakers 39

Rubber outsoles offer the optimal balance of traction and durability, with a responsive feel on unpredictable terrain.circular lug patterns provide grip during movement
Removable insoles support the feet’s arches and not cause too much pressure and transfer weight over the ball of the feet
Thicker topline wrapped perfectly around feet, which make shoes not fall off during exercise
Reflective strip on heel counter,make sure safty during exercise at night
The purpose of minimalist shoes is to give our feet maximum amount of freedom to move and function as if we are walking barefoot

SaleBestseller No. 7

Barefoot Running Step by Step: Barefoot Ken Bob, the Guru of Shoeless Running, Shares His Personal Technique for Running with More Speed, Less Impact, Fewer Injuries and More Fun

Roy M. Wallack (Author)
English (Publication Language)
240 Pages - 05/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Fair Winds Press (Publisher)

SaleBestseller No. 8

WHITIN Men's Extra Wide Width Barefoot Minimalist Shoes Zero Drop Trail Running Hiking Sneaker Cross Training Walking Gym Workout Lifting Black Gum 44

Spacious forefoot allows for natural foot movement and toe splay to empower your stride
The trail-specific mesh with supportive overlays locks your foot into place and protects from debris
Additional padding around the ankle collar also feels softer and locks down the heel more securely
Wrap-around TPU overlays with braided fishing line the lateral sides offer an excellent combination of speed and stability
Grippy rubber soles with 3mm trail lug pattern provide reliable grip on adventures without sacrificing ground feedback

SaleBestseller No. 9

WHITIN Mens Wide Toe Box Zero Drop Road Running Shoes Width Zapatos De Correrfor Male Size 9.5 Stability Gym Sports Walking Workout Tennis Athletic Grey 43

A wide toe box lets your toes spread, splay, relax, and function naturally
Zero Drop design allows for proper posture, and it's built low to the ground for balance and agility
Soft mesh upper and lining provides a breathable and more comfortable interior fit
EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning and adaptive energy return for serious stability and shock absorption
Durable rubber outsole provides the perfect combination of grip, traction, and durability on all types of terrain