# Sneaker-Free Running Researchers Advocate Nixing Sneaks to Prevent Injury By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-07-12 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneaker-free-running References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/07/barefoot/) Can sneaker-free running actually help and prevent painful foot injuries? Research suggests that the super-structured running shoes we've been conditioned to rely upon may not be as beneficial as previously thought. Daniel Lieberman, who is a professor of human evolutionary biology at [Harvard University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wellbels-womens-40), points out to Wired that historically, sneakers aren't a necessary component for running. "People have been running barefoot for millions of years and it has only been since 1972 that people have been wearing shoes with thick, synthetic heels," says Lieberman. Footwear that replicates walking barefoot, like [Vibram's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrams-furoshiki-kicks) FiveFingers, echo this sneaker-free running philosophy. Check out the rest of the Wired article--and some shoes that play off of this research--below. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Barefoot Running:** Opportunities for developing minimalist running shoes and foot strengthening activities. - **Natural Movement:** Opportunities for creating fitness programs and equipment that promote natural movement patterns. - **Foot Health:** Opportunities for developing foot care products and services for runners and athletes. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Sports Apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in developing minimalist running shoes that provide the benefits of barefoot running. - **Fitness & Wellness:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in creating exercise programs and equipment that encourage natural movement for overall health. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in providing specialized foot care products and services tailored for runners and athletes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [Slim-Fitting Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimus-trail.md) - [Flexible Barefoot Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-barefoot-footwear.md) - [Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrams-furoshiki-kicks.md) - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md) - [Flexible Grounding Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-grounding-shoes.md) - [Shoe Mileage Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoes-lifespan.md) - [Anatomical Shoe Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birchbury-bramford.md) - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md)