Reader letters

Cushions: Cold comfort?

I really liked your analogy [in "Should we get in step with those who say barefoot is best?," Oct. 13 MisFits column]: "All that cushiony comfort was like diving into a pint of Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk after a Pritikin diet."

Just like the ice cream, traditional running shoes have some instant gratification. But like the ice cream, the long-term impact is grim. A pint of Ben and Jerry's will give you about 1,240 calories and 80 grams of fat. Some people may be able to handle traditional running shoes, just like some people may be able to eat a pint of ice cream every day, but for most of us, both are a road to disaster.

Jonathan Savage, Charlotte

Dangers of running barefoot

I am not a runner, but I am a competitive ballroom dancer and do speed walking for endurance. My concern about the business of running "barefoot" is the possible damage to knees when running on other than dirt trails. Hard-packed dirt trails, to me, would be the same as running on asphalt or concrete. I don't think that the body can take that type of assault.

I can well imagine that running barefoot on a hard-packed trail or running on an asphalt course would cause shin splints or spinal damage from the constant pounding of the body onto the surface without having any cushion. Personally, if I were able to run anymore, I would consult my chiropractor or orthopedists before venturing out.

Faith La Riviere, Leonardtown

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