Groups/

Barefoot Runners

Johnny H.
Johnny H. Sendmail

Roadrunner sports chief runner calls BF running "Maximum Nonsense"

posted over 3 years ago | Report

Roadrunner sports chief runner Mike G letter to customers on the inside cover of their latest catalog calls barefoot running "Maximum Nonsense" and a major injury waiting to happen. They have no minimalist shoes in the catalog. Perhaps they have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

Respond

8 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Clynton T.
    Clynton T. Sendmail

    Pretty crazy, eh?! And whatever one thinks of the merits of barefoot running, it's a really stupid move from a business perspective. Did you see my blog post on the 5 laws of marketing that the CEO broke?

    Running Scared – How the barefoot running movement is driving one CEO to ruin a brand. http://bit.ly/9S9x7o

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Joel A.
    Joel A. Sendmail

    How long do people have to run barefoot/vff while improving running strength and decreasing injuries before people like this will shut up? And why is it not a big deal that the majority of people who run in conventional "hi-tech/form-fixing" running shoes struggle with some sort of running induced injury? It's definitely "Maximum Nonsense".

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Rob B.
    Rob B. Sendmail

    I've been running now for about 7 years, I only started running barefoot/vff 3 months ago, and I can tell you now, it's been the best decision I ever made.

    The whole time I was running shod, I suffered from chronic knee issues, PFPS etc.., shin splints and plantar faciaitis. Ever since I've been running barefoot. Nothing! I have never felt better or had more fun. It just makes logical sense to not need all that technology on your feet, especially arch support.

    Arches are one of the strongest structures known to man, there aren't any supports under the arch of the brooklyn bridge. Why do we feel the need to support our foot arches.

    This CEO is a maximum douche bag!

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Matt B.
    Matt B. Sendmail

    I've been running barefoot since 2007, and I've only missed a handful of days due to very minor injuries in that time. But back when I ran in shoes, I could barely go a couple weeks without hurting myself.

    posted over 3 years ago | Report

  • Dave
    Dave Sendmail

    Classic corporate response to a threat to revenues. As Christopher McDougall said, you have to be dubious when the people telling you to buy/replace (expensive) running shoes are those who are selling them.

    posted about 3 years ago | Report

  • Steph M.
    Steph M. Sendmail

    Totally agree all due to selling shoes. I have gotten some pretty harsh comments from some folks in the health industry as well - THEY really believe injury is on the way... not selling shoes, but office visits? :)
    Looks like Vibram just took the ball and continues to run with it unchecked.

    posted about 3 years ago | Report

  • Tracy L.
    Tracy L. Sendmail

    Wow. Okay then. I used to be a customer. No longer.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Marcus W.PRO
    Marcus W. Sendmail

    It certainly seems like they've changed their tune - now they have a specialized minimalist running section: http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/mensshoes/mensbarefootrunning/

    I guess the market was too hard to ignore.

    posted over 1 year ago | Report

Other Topics in the Barefoot Runners Forum