“All you need to run is a pair of shoes” (running adage)
“All you need to run is a (good) pair of shoes/sneakers/trainers” is a popular running adage. “All you really need to run is a good pair of shoes and socks” was cited in print in 1982.
A scientific study in 2010 showed the benefits of running barefoot. “New research is casting doubt on the old adage, ‘All you need to run is a pair of shoes’” was cited in print in February 2010.
“A good pair of running shoes can last 400 miles” is a related adage.
15 October 1982, Paris (TX) News, “Running becoming ever bigger business” by Sylvia Porter, pg. 10, col. 1:
All you really need to run is a good pair of shoes and socks. That’s it.
(This syndicated article is also available in the Google News Archive—ed.)
5 May 1986, Chicago (IL) Sun-Times, “World trek beastly for runner,” pg. 10:
“All you need to run around the world is a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts and a passport,” said Henry Weston yesterday exactly 2 years, 1 month, 2 days and 4 1/2 hours after he started out from the Tower of London.
27 July 2008, Los Angeles (LA) Times, “Going the distance; What I Talk About When I Talk About Running A Memoir Haruki Murakami” by Peter Terzian, Book Review, pg. R2:
It’s cheap, for one—writers are notoriously poor, and all you need to run is a good pair of sneakers.
OregonLive
When a good pair of shoes ISN’T all you need
By Kelly Barten, community blogger
on November 14, 2008 at 2:32 PM, updated November 14, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Ladies…this one is for you.
I get so frustrated when I hear or read, “All you need to run is a good pair of shoes.” Well, if you’re bigger than an A-cup, you know it’s not true.
You need good shoes—yes. They’re super important. But so is a good bra!
Runner Dude’s Blog
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Whoever Said All You Need to Run is a Pair of Shoes Was Lying
“Garmin - ✔. Water - ✔. Gatorade - ✔. Dry clothes - ✔. Coffee mug - ✔. Headband-✔. Gloves - ✔. Cell phone - ✔. Gu - ✔. (Whoever said all you need to run is a pair of shoes was lying…)” This was posted on Facebook this morning by a running/blogging buddy of mine, Dena just before heading out on her 20-mile run. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I read it.
You do often hear (especially by non-runners), “Well, you picked a good sport because all you need are your shoes.” I guess maybe that’s true if you live in a nudist camp in South Florida.
ScienceDaily
Barefoot Running: How Humans Ran Comfortably and Safely Before the Invention of Shoes
Feb. 1, 2010 — New research is casting doubt on the old adage, “All you need to run is a pair of shoes.”
Scientists have found that those who run barefoot, or in minimal footwear, tend to avoid “heel-striking,” and instead land on the ball of the foot or the middle of the foot. In so doing, these runners use the architecture of the foot and leg and some clever Newtonian physics to avoid hurtful and potentially damaging impacts, equivalent to two to three times body weight, that shod heel-strikers repeatedly experience.
Long Legs Healthy Life
Running Myths Pt 1.
February 19, 2010 by Sarah
(...)
It’s been said that all you need to run is a good pair of shoes, but even those can run $150.00+! When you add in technical clothing, water bottles or backpacks, fuels like goos and chews, and music players and other gadgets, you can really run up a tab!
Google Books
Holistic Beauty from the Inside Out:
Your Complete Guide to Natural Health, Nutrition and Skincare
By Julie Gabriel
New York, NY: Seven Stories Press
2013
Pg. 1:
Most often, you don’t need to buy health club memberships or expensive equipment to enjoy endorphin-boosting activities. All you need to run is a pair of trainers and a flat surface.
Walk Jog Run
Running on a budget
June 13, 2013 By Ashley Marcin
All you need to be a runner is yourself and a good pair of running shoes. Right? Some people would argue you don’t even need that, just your own bare feet.