Mindful Running with Michael Sandler

Some readers may know that Michael Sandler is one of the reasons Xero Shoes exists. Back in the Summer of 2009 he said, “You know, if you treated this hobby of making barefoot sandals like a business — and built a website — I’d put you in a book that I’m writing called Barefoot Running.” […]

Who will run the first 1:59 marathon?

Dennis Kimetto shattered the marathon world record when he ran 2:02:57 in Berlin. But how fast can we really go over a 26.2 mile course? 2:01? 2:00? Faster? Well, long-time distance running guru, Phil Maffetone thinks 1:59 is do-able. VERY do-able. And he also thinks that the person who sets that record will be running […]

National Runner Survey 2014

Calling all RUNNERS! What motivates you to run? What is your favorite race distance? How often do you run? You are being invited to participate in Running USA’s National Runner Survey, a comprehensive survey to assess the demographics, lifestyle, attitudes, habits, and product preferences of the running population nationwide. The National Runner Survey is easy […]

Run barefoot in the matrix

Run Faster. Run Farther.

Okay, here’s a tough question for you runners out there: Well, Neo, which is it? Tell us which pill you would pick, below…

Xero Shoes September Giveway!

Win a complete Xero Shoes Gear package — including a pair of Amuri Cloud barefoot sandals, a Xero T-Shirt, a pair of ToeSox (for the cooler weather), and an Earth Ball massager. Total value of the giveaway is over $90 (actually, $82.89 plus shipping) Enter below (give it a few seconds for the giveaway app […]

Can You Cure Plantar Fasciitis with Barefoot Running?

A new study by Michael Rathleff and his colleagues offer a new approach for treating plantar fasciitis: strength training. More specifically working on foot and calf strength.Click here to read about the research. I can’t say I’m surprised by this. It’s often the case that gaining strength cures many movement-related problems. But what’s most interesting […]

What are zero drop shoes?

“Zero Drop” is a term originally coined by the makers of Altra Shoes to describe footwear where the heel is at the same height as the ball of the foot. This is what your foot does, naturally, when you’re standing on a level surface in bare feet. But most running shoes are, essentially, high-heeled shoes, […]

How to run on a treadmill

When the weather starts turning colder (or months before that, often), people ask me, “Can I run barefoot on a treadmill?” Or, “Can I wear Xero Shoes on a treadmill?” The answer to both questions is a resounding Yes. In fact, some of you may know that my office “desk” is a treadmill. If you […]

Andrew Snopes sets a barefoot running world record

24 Hour Barefoot Running World Record

If you bump into someone who opines, “You can’t run in bare feet!” show them this. Andrew Snope ran 131.43 miles, barefoot, in 24 hours! Yup. Ran for 24 hours (with just a few bathroom breaks). Did it barefoot. And if that same opinionated person counters with, “Yeah, but the world record is 188.59 miles […]