Lieberman said his study is not meant to be an argument for barefoot running.

CNN: Running debate: Bare or in shoes?

She and many other runners have interpreted the story as a round-about way to cheer barefoot running.

CNN: Running debate: Bare or in shoes?

The company makes Vibram 5 Fingers, a thin latex shoe with individual toes that mimics barefoot running.

CNN: Running debate: Bare or in shoes?

"Runners are concerned first about injuries, and barefoot running can seem, at first, like it's going to lead to injury, " he said.

CNN: Running debate: Bare or in shoes?

"I started barefoot running five minutes at a time, " she said.

CNN: Running debate: Bare or in shoes?

Mr. Adler tried running barefoot at the Fitness 19 in Royal Oak last month.

WSJ: Barefoot Jocks Keep Gym Members on Their Toes

You have to adapt to barefoot or FiveFingers running very carefully and slowly.

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Three years ago, Mr. Robillard and his wife, Shelly, tried running barefoot multiple times at a YMCA in Grand Rapids, Mich.

WSJ: Barefoot Jocks Keep Gym Members on Their Toes

Running barefoot on a treadmill can lead to blisters if done incorrectly.

WSJ: Barefoot Jocks Keep Gym Members on Their Toes

Barefoot brings muscle back to your running, and saves your bones.

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While there, Finn spent time at Kenya's elite training camps, running with everyone from Olympic champions to barefoot children.

CNN: 'Kenyans' leads list of great running reads