Chi Running is a running technique, developed by Danny Dreyer who is an ultramarathon runner and practices Tai Chi. Its focus is to get runners to move in what he claims is a more efficient and natural way. He considers the traditional approach to running as focusing on the use of power and strength to push the runner along the ground as fast as possible, whereas the focus of Chi running to be more efficient and more relaxed and to feel ‘at one with the road’, much like the spirit of Tai Chi and Yoga. This is supposed to make the running experience more of a religious experience.
A key component of Chi running is the use of a midfoot strike and New Balance has developed a runner shoe specifically for this. A number of unsubstantiated claims are made for Chi running, but one study does suggest that there is a reduction in injury in those who practice Chi running. While the results of this study were not strong, they are certainly exaggerated by the proponents of Chi running. Experts do disagree over the validity of changing the running style to being a midfoot striker. Changing a running style does increase oxygen consumption which could be considered a sign of an inefficient gait. Opinion is clearly divided on this and there are a number of You Tube videos touting the benefits of Chi Running, but there is more reasoned discussion elsewhere.

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