About Bretta Riches and Run Forefoot

My name is Bretta Riches (BSc. HON. Neurobiology, Brock University) and I research and educate the health and performance benefits of forefoot running with special emphasis on the use of barefoot running and minimalist shoes to help people excel in developing the level of mechanical precision to that of most East African professional runners as most of these runners ran barefoot throughout critical stages of mobility development. Barefoot running fundamentally provides the sensory experience necessary in optimizing the reprogramming of the neuromuscular, neuromotor and reflexive commands in a way that ensures the development of a proper forefoot strike and more functional biomechanics.

About Bretta Riches and Run Forefoot

My other fundamental goal is to use scientific evidence to help validate that walking and running barefoot leads to functional improvements in the motor pathways in the brain movement circuitry and may enhance the flow of spatial and tactile information and processing rates through the motor and reflex circuits and space-brain related areas, thus resulting in exquisite control of balance stability, postural sway as well as enhanced mechanical readiness to move MORE and feel better doing so. I also continue to emphasize the importance of minimalist footwear (functional footwear that specifically match the anatomy of the human foot and sensory effects of being barefoot) when barefooting isn’t allowable. 

Minimalist shoes are anatomically configured, barefoot-inspired footwear comprised of lightweight materials that move seamlessly relative to every sector of the foot. Another functional signature of minimalist shoes is they’re completely free of any kind of rigid structure that impedes the growth of a stronger, more enduring foot. All of this is critical for the formation of functionally stronger and tolerant feet that are less prone to pain and injury. Because the overall shape is a complete complement to the human foot, is the reason I always like to say that most minimalist shoes have a design that works for everyone, that may also help prevent some common foot ailments, too. But minimalist shoes do more than just strengthen the feet. Their thin outsole also allows the sensory input for good forefoot strike control during running and for functional improvements in overall stride mechanics, helping you consistently improve upon moving more efficiently and safely. Bottom line, traditional running shoes have never led to any great breakthroughs in injury prevention which is why I believe functional footwear is always the right answer!

To get your more familiarized with my work as well as to get you more informed on the functional benefits of barefooting, minimalist shoes and forefoot running, you can learn more here:

How Barefoot Walking And Running Can Undo Years of Broken Mobility Outputs

What Does a Proper Forefoot Strike Look Like During Running

How Traditional Running Shoes May Lead to Bad Mechanics that Make you Injury-Prone

What is ‘Proprioception” and How To Tap Into it to Take Your Biomechanics to the Next Level

My Reviews on the BEST Minimalist Shoes Most-Suited for Forefoot Running

I also have a YouTube channel, here,  where I talk at great lengths about forefoot strike vs heel strike running as well barefoot vs shoes.

Bretta Riches

"I believe the forefoot strike is the engine of endurance running..."

BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
Bretta Riches

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Run Forefoot Facebook Page, it's a terrific place to ask questions about forefoot running, barefoot running and injury. I'm always happy to help!

4 Comments

  1. Outstanding site. I recently returned to running after a total hip replacement following a couple years of increasing pain. Before everything went to hell however, I’d embarked on a forefoot running makeover. I spent about 4 years having more fun running than since I was a kid (I’m 65). Wonderful to be moving again. This site is one of the best I’ve seen re the biomechanics of forefoot running. Keep up the good work.

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