Runner's World Complete Guide to Minimalism and Barefoot Running: How to Make the Healthy Transition to Lightweight Shoes and Injury-Free Running

by Scott Douglas

Proponents of running either barefoot or in minimalist shoes argue that by introducing a thick layer of cushioning and an elevated heel between the foot and the ground, modern running shoes alter a runner’s natural running form, which leads to injury. Conversely, they posit that a return to a more natural running gait by running in little-to-no shoe will lead to improved form, resulting in lower injury rates.

Beginning with a brief history of the barefoot/minimalist running movement, Scott Douglas shows readers how to successfully transition from conventional running shoes to barefoot running or minimalist shoes, how to prepare one’s body for the stresses of that transition, and how to stay injury free in the process. Along the way Douglas offers his thoughts, advice, and training tips in addition to outlining his vision for the future of the movement.

Whether readers want to learn more about the barefoot movement that’s swept the nation since the publication of the bestselling Born to Run or want to introduce barefoot running into their own training plans, this indispensable guide contains everything they need to get started.

Genres: Ebooks, Fitness, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2011

About the author

Scott Douglas is a contributing editor for Runner’s World. He has also been the editor of Running Times and Runner’s World’s news channel. Douglas has written or cowritten several other books, including the New York Times bestseller Meb for Mortals and perennial favorite Advanced Marathoning. He lives in South Portland, Maine.

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Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise introduction to minimalism, with some practical advice for transitioning to minimalist shoes and working on strength/flexibility/form to prevent injury. Written from the perspective that running shoes are there to serve the runner - at the end of the day, the "right" shoe is the shoe that works for you.

[CherylR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an older book and I believe the minimalist movement is not as big as it was. This was insightful, but since it is older not that current.

[William H. Elmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of thoughts on shoes

Yikes! It's a good book. However, there's very little in the meat of the book to do w what the title suggests it's about. I'm disappointed.

[Greg Coates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This well-researched book about barefoot running and its effects on the body cuts through the hype that has been generated by the barefoot movement. It presents the scientific facts about barefoot running and provides very practical advice about transitioning from heavy running shoes to minimalist shoes. Finally, it includes flexibility tests to determine if your body can handle barefoot running and exercises that strengthen the muscles used during running. I would have liked the practical section of the book to be a little more in depth, but otherwise I found it to be excellent.

3.5 stars.

[JT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, with exercises that seem helpful, of course I haven't actually tried them. Ha. The nice thing about this book is it feels every balanced - includes reasons why minimalism might not be for you. Not propaganda.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction, but definitely not "Everything You Need to Know". You'll find more to read at the Natural Running Center and the UVA Endurosports Blog, of just a couple of great sources.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the collection of magazine articles I thought it was going to be. It actually walks through the entire problem space, product space, pros & cons, how to approach it, etc. Definitely a good read if you're just started with minimalism.

[Jan Heyse · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would call this book 'the minimalistic guide to barefoot running and the essential guide to running shoe selling'.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minimalism isn't for everyone, but good form is and minimalism often helps with that issue. There, now you don't have to read it. :)
Seriously though, great book from a legend.

[Bruce Reiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for the beginning minimalist runner. author appears extremely knowledgable on the subject and offers training stretches and drills to help transition the runner.

[Christopher Quolke · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was informative about minimalist running shoes, challenged some notions, and provided some good drills and tips.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written, with valuable information on types of shoes, running forms, tests to see if you can start a minimalist program and exercises to get you ready and keep you injury-free if you aren't.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice light read on minimalist running.

[Arvind Kandhare · Rating 4 out of 5]

ho ho ho..... will make a lot of difference if I in fact run for more than two days a year!!! but some GK is always useful ...