The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running [Paperback]

Highly Recommended - All bases covered.

This book is laid out very well, the photos are great, and bullet points nicely done. The guide does not start out with "technical stuff" first, but gives a nice introduction into the whole concept of barefoot and minimalist shoe running. The meat and potatoes come a little later when you actually learn how to properly and carefully transition into the sport. The bases are really covered and the book includes methods of logging and planning your barefoot activity into your daily life. Nice since I am in the medical field so was looking for that aspect of the movement. The authors delve into body mechanics, proper stretching and strengthening routines, and provide a solid appendix of helpful materials for those looking to learn even more. No page is wasted and you won't find any "fluff" - just solid, well researched and helpful material. It is definitely a winner!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running is a comprehensive, informative, and essential guide for anyone interested in barefoot running and who wants to do it well. Authors Dr. Craig Richards, a podiatrist, and Thomas Hollowell present a very readable and thorough introduction to barefoot running and they also provide some depth for seasoned barefoot runners. They respectfully explain why we should "avoid motion-control shoes and any high-tech, mind-numbing claims that promise you they can do better than you can naturally" and provide a step-by-step description of how to get back to running naturally.

Most barefoot runners become so for physiological reasons like a desire to reduce injury, improve balance and proprioception, and get faster and the guide documents these well. The guide also discusses the mental and emotional benefits. The authors offer a nod to spiritual benefits and "the potential to put you closer to nature," which are often why barefoot runners remain committed to barefoot running. Personally I would have appreciate more emphasis on the `getting back to nature part' but I shouldn't really expect that from the CIG style.

I'm still not entirely sold on the Complete Idiot's Guide style - it feels better suited for learning software than something like barefoot running. But the bottom line is that the format works. The handy "The Least You Need to Know" bulleted summaries of each chapter help when reviewing the material and a quick scan of the table of contents reveals the book's comprehensiveness, in true CIG style.

The things I appreciated most:
- Plans for easing into barefoot running - similar to other guides
- Discussion of "Barefoot vs Minimal Footwear," which, in my opinion, is much more realistic than the position that of a lot of advocates of barefoot running
- Discussion of types and brands of minimalist shoes, including brands I that are new to me
- Head-to-foot discussion, with photos, of good running posture
- New barefoot running drills, strength exercises and the discussion of nose breathing
- A word against the cult-mentality approach to barefoot running ("A Balanced View of Barefoot Running")

A few things I would have liked to see:
- A few more images, particularly to complement the discussion of the foot and its complex structure.
- Complete references, particularly for scientific papers
- More discussion of reflexology
- Two more criteria for selecting minimalist shoes: the factory working conditions and the ecological impacts of manufacturing the shoes

Ultimately, I expect to buy this book for a few people, including some runners who are new to barefoot running and some who have been doing it for a while. Two big toes up to the Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running!

My favourite quote from the book:
"As you make barefoot running a part of your overall running toolkit, it becomes a part of who you are more than a part of what you do."

I'm a fairly new barefoot runner - been running for about a year and a half - and I wish I had this book when I first started. Yes, I roamed around on the Internet for information (which is plentiful), but The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running lays it all out - and more - clearly and informatively.

There is a surprising amount of detail in this book, from how to get started to developing a long-term plan. Details include almost 2 pages about running on grass, sand and trail, for example.

I appreciate that the book encourages newcomers to go completely barefoot (not wearing minimalist shoes). Exceptions to this are laid out: circumstances where the terrain calls for it; weather conditions, finishing a run when the bottoms of your feet are done.

I like the outline/structure of the Complete Idiot's guide. "On Your Toes" offers brief suggestions interspersed throughout; chapters and sections are clear and relevant; you know what is "In This Chapter" at the beginning of each chapter; and bulleted "The Least You Need To Know" is at the end of each chapter. "Tip Toes" are barefoot running tips; "From The Sole" are fun facts and helpful tidbits.

I love the photos - they're very helpful to understanding the exercises the authors present. The exercises aren't overly complicated, by the way, which can really turn me away. The book even shows us the best form to have when we fall, which might sound irrelevant but it's completely tied in to the need for barefoot runners to be aware of their body movements and connection to the earth (which might go astray at some point on the trail).

I'm really glad I bought this book - it's given me important insights into the incredible world of barefoot running.