Kudos to Forward Thinking Running Stores

A step in the wrong direction?

As barefoot-style running works its way into the mainstream, it's worth noting that running stores have adopted a couple of different approaches towards dealing with this new phenomenon. The vast majority of outlets have opted for an approach that is disdainful and dismissive if not downright hostile. The CEO of Road Runner Sports, for example, penned a thoroughly ridiculous little missive on the subject not too long ago.

More forward thinking outlets, however, have embraced the trend enthusiastically. Marathon Sports in the Boston area and Zombie Runner in California are two examples that come immediately to mind. They're both organizations that are willing to think creatively and are not afraid to change their tack if they think they might have been heading in the wrong direction.

I have a feeling that in the not too distant future, over-engineered running shoes will be a distant memory (like some other examples of over-engineered garments throughout history). The question confronting the running shoe industry is: Are we going to make a new bet on the future or will we double down on the kinds of silly ideas that have occasioned so many running injuries over the last generation?