The Wall Street Journal—March 15, 2013
Dr. Matthew Roberts, a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, comments on the dangers of barefoot running. Dr. Roberts specializes in the repair of foot/ankle injuries, as well as the reconstruction of deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet and high arched feet.
Still, the practice is controversial. Medical experts recommend a midfoot or forefoot strike but say it can be achieved while wearing shoes. When it comes to going barefoot, "you can't argue with people who are doing it and feel good and are staying healthy, but it's not for everyone," says Matthew Roberts, orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Indeed, Dr. Roberts says that transitioning from regular sneakers to no shoes too quickly can lead to stress fractures.
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