- With Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Dr. Edward Laskowski is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, including subspecialty certification in sports medicine, and is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He is co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and a professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
He has been on the staff of Mayo Clinic since 1990 and specializes in sports medicine, fitness, strength training and stability training. He works with a multidisciplinary team of physical medicine, rehabilitation and orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and sports psychologists.
Dr. Laskowski is an elite-level skier and an avid hiker, cyclist and climber. He approaches sports medicine from the perspective of a physician and an athlete.
In 2006, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Laskowski to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and he has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Health and Human Services for his contribution to the Council.
Dr. Laskowski was a member of the medical staff of the Olympic Polyclinic at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and has provided medical coverage for the Chicago Marathon. He serves as a consulting physician to the National Hockey League Players' Association and is a featured lecturer at the American College of Sports Medicine's Team Physician Course.
Dr. Laskowski, a Cary, Ill., native, has contributed to Mayo Clinic's CD-ROM on sports, health and fitness, a website guide to self-care, and hundreds of Mayo Clinic articles and booklets in print and online. He is a contributing editor to the "Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody" book, and he has presented lectures throughout the world on health, fitness and sports medicine topics. His teaching expertise has been recognized by his election to the Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame at Mayo Clinic.
"There are many myths and misconceptions about exercise and fitness in general, and also many traditions that don't stand up to scientific scrutiny," he says. "My goal is to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on sports medicine and fitness topics in a way that you can practically incorporate into your life."
Fitness basics (5)
- Heart rate: What's normal?
- Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?
- Exercise and illness: Work out with a cold?
- see all in Fitness basics
Stretching and flexibility (1)
- What is hot yoga?
Aerobic exercise (12)
- Kids and exercise: How much activity do they need?
- Ankle weights for fitness walkers: Good idea?
- Walking poles: Good for brisk walking?
- see all in Aerobic exercise
Strength training (9)
- Weight training: Free weights vs. machine weights
- Weightlifting belt: Do I need one?
- Strength training sets: How many for best results?
- see all in Strength training
Sports nutrition (2)
- Brominated vegetable oil: Why is BVO in my drink?
- Energy drinks: Do they really boost energy?
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Question
Barefoot running shoes: Better than traditional running shoes?
What are barefoot running shoes? Are they better than traditional running shoes?
Answer
from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
The latest trend among runners, barefoot running shoes look more like gloves than shoes. Indeed, they're often called five toe shoes. Inspired by a growing enthusiasm for barefoot running, barefoot running shoes are lower to the ground, lighter and less cushioned than conventional running shoes. They're designed to provide some protection for your feet while offering some of the desirable aspects of barefoot running.
Traditional running shoes emphasize stability and cushioning, with thick soles and elevated heels. But there's no evidence that these shoes prevent injuries, and in some individuals they may actually increase injury risk. Although barefoot running does carry risks, shoeless runners may avoid some of the potentially harmful forces that conventional running shoe wearers experience.
If you're happy with your current running shoes, there's no need to change. If you want to experiment with barefoot running shoes, ease into it. Make sure to find a shoe that's appropriate for your foot, and choose softer and more forgiving running surfaces at first, such as a cushioned track. Also talk to a sports medicine specialist or foot doctor if you've had injuries or foot problems in the past.
Next questionWeighted hula hoops: Hoopla or good exercise?
- Ryan TJ. Running footwear gets new energy for 2010. SGB. 2010;43:36.
- Lieberman DE, et al. Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. Nature. 2010;463:531.
- Wallden M. Shifting paradigms. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2010;14:185.
- Squadrone R, et al. Biomechanical and physiological comparison of barefoot and two shod conditions in experienced barefoot runners. Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness. 2009;49:6.
- APMA position statement on barefoot running. American Podiatric Medical Association. http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/MediaRoom/PositionStatements/AMPA-Position-Statement-on-Barefoot-Running.aspx. Accessed Aug. 10, 2011..
- Richards CE, et al. Is your prescription of distance running shoes evidence-based? British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009;43:159.
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