Get the latest tech news

The Great Barefoot Running Hysteria of 2010


3/25/25 • 9 minute read The year was 2010. “Ke$ha's Tik Tok” was topping the Billboard charts.

Propelled by dramatic claims of performance improvements and injury prevention, barefoot running gave rise to a vocal (and often militant) contingent of enthusiasts and entirely new classes of footwear. Book cover for "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougallThe Tarahumara, or Rarámuri, as they refer to themselves, are an indigenous people who reside in the rugged and remote Copper Canyon region of Northwestern Mexico. Additionally, there's an obvious concern about the lack of protection from environmental hazards (e.g., sharp objects, rough terrain) when running without traditional footwear, which can lead to acute injuries.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Hacker News

Read more on:

Photo of great barefoot

great barefoot

Photo of running hysteria

running hysteria