Barefoot Running: Myths and Realities of Barefoot and Shod Mechanics towards Implicating Running Related Injuries

Abstract

Modern footwear has changed in its role over the years from providing protection to controlling foot motion and stabilisation. However, Running Related Injuries (RRIs) continue to increase despite technological innovations in fabrication and design. As we evolve in our understanding of barefoot running, examining this pattern of running is worth giving attention to. Barefoot running changes the foot strike pattern to forefoot strike with reduction in stride length and impact loading. Also, barefoot form of running provides a greater proprioceptive challenge to plantar surface of the foot and increased energy conservation at the arches. The advent of new footwear trend in form of minimalist shoe is slowly gaining attention but it is presumptive to appreciate its benefits over barefoot running. The purpose of this review was to study the evidence regarding differences between shod and barefoot mechanics and how different footwear affords mechanical changes between them. Future directions on barefoot running mechanics and its progression are also suggested.

The Effects of Minimalist Shoes on Plantar Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size and Strength: A Systematic Review

“…Minimalist shoes have become increasingly popular over recent years due to their proposed ability to allow the human foot to perform functional activities in a barefoot-like manner [1]. This is closer to activities that humans performed naturally throughout evolution [2] when shoes were traditionally only used, if at all, for plantar surface protection [3]. Modern running shoes were not invented until the 1970s, thus some runners are returning back to a barefoot or minimal-style of running [4].…”