Born to Run by Christopher McDougall: what critics and readers say
In summary
Born to Run (Knopf, 2009) follows journalist Christopher McDougall's search for the Tarahumara runners of Mexico's Copper Canyons and argues that humans are built for distance running. It has sold over three million copies and averages 4.30 from 240,721 Goodreads ratings (October 2026). Kirkus called it a terrific ride; critics have questioned its claims about cushioned shoes and its portrayal of the Tarahumara.
Key takeaways
- Published by Knopf in 2009; more than four months on the New York Times bestseller list.
- Sold over three million copies.
- Goodreads: 4.30 average from 240,721 ratings (October 2026).
- Praised as a gripping, easy read; Kirkus called it a terrific ride.
- Its argument that cushioned shoes cause injuries rests on research whose authors warned against that conclusion.
This review draws on published critic reviews and reader ratings as of October 2026.
The book in brief
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen was published by Knopf in 2009. American journalist Christopher McDougall, struggling with running injuries, sets out to find the Tarahumara (Rarámuri) of Mexico's Copper Canyons, who run very long distances, and builds the story towards an ultramarathon in the canyons.
Along the way he makes two arguments: that humans evolved as endurance runners, and that modern cushioned running shoes contribute to the injuries common among recreational runners. The book spent more than four months on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold over three million copies.
What reviewers praised
Kirkus Reviews was strongly positive, praising the clear, unpretentious writing, short engaging passages and sidebars on shoe design and human running, and closing with "A terrific ride, recommended for any athlete." The Washington Post's Dan Zak found the prose engaging and friendly. Readers rate it 4.30 from 240,721 Goodreads ratings (October 2026).
What reviewers criticised
The same Washington Post review felt the writing sometimes strained to be too clever. The bigger dispute is over the claims. Some writers have called the book's statements about the Tarahumara, such as having no crime, obesity or disease, exaggerated; a 2020 study in Current Anthropology by Daniel Lieberman and colleagues examined Tarahumara running in more detail. Lower-rated Goodreads reviews raise the same points: hyperbole, contested science presented as certain, and a romanticised picture of the Tarahumara.
What the evidence says
The shoe argument draws on the 1984 Bern Grand Prix study. That study's authors linked jogging injuries mainly to higher weekly mileage, previous injuries and competitive motivation. They did find an association between more expensive shoes and more injuries, but warned against concluding that expensive shoes cause injuries. Anyone thinking of switching to minimal or barefoot-style shoes may want advice from a physiotherapist or running coach first.
Who it may suit
- May suit: runners and would-be runners who want a story-driven read rather than a training plan.
- May want something else: readers wanting firm guidance on footwear or injury; Lieberman's Exercised takes a more measured look at running and the body.
Looking for somewhere to run? See our guide to where to run in Dubai.
For general information. This review summarises published opinions; it is not an endorsement or medical advice. Read widely and make up your own mind.
Frequently asked questions
Does Born to Run say running shoes cause injuries?
Who are the Tarahumara?
Sources & references
- Wikipedia — Born to Run (publication, sales, criticism)
- Kirkus Reviews — Born to Run
- Goodreads — Born to Run ratings (accessed Oct 2026)
- The Washington Post — review by Dan Zak (21 Jun 2009)
- American Journal of Sports Medicine — Bern Grand Prix study (1988)
- Current Anthropology — Lieberman et al. on Tarahumara running (2020)
Medically/editorially reviewed by The Wellbeing Voice Desk · 30 Oct 2026