Running barefoot comes with risks.
Podiatrists are reporting injuries ranging from pulled calf muscles to Achilles tendinitis and even stress fractures. They say runners who switch to minimalist barefoot running shoes or go without footwear altogether risk injuries if they transition too suddenly.
Still, many converts believe they are less prone to getting hurt if they ditch their sneakers. Studies are ongoing to figure out what types of runners will benefit most from switching over.
