Barefoot running is the hottest trend in athletics today, spurred by the bestselling Born to Run, and the subsequent popularity of Vibram Five Fingers toe shoes. Should you do it? And how do you start? With a focus on injury prevention for middle-of-the pack runners, this easy to read "why and how of barefoot running" opens with the author's own transformation from barefoot sceptic to barefoot advocate, and draws from 100 years of scientific research on barefooting, as well as interviews with podiatrists and with barefoot running moms and dads across America.

Is the soft sand of the beach a great starting point? As we hit middle-age, won't our feet need cushioning to avert back pain and knee pain? Don't bare feet smell? The answers may surprise you. If you run with pain, or if fear of pain keeps you biking or swimming when you'd really rather be running: this book is for you.