The barefoot debate: can minimalist shoes reduce running-related injuries?

Running has evolved throughout history from a necessary form of locomotion to an athletic and recreational pursuit. During this transition, our barefoot ancestors developed footwear. By the late 1970s, running popularity surged, and footwear manufacturers developed the running shoe. Despite new shoe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current sports medicine reports 2012-05, Vol.11 (3), p.160-165
Main Authors: Rixe, Jeffrey A, Gallo, Robert A, Silvis, Matthew L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Athletic Injuries - prevention & control
Biomechanical Phenomena
Humans
Running - injuries
Shoes
Sports Equipment
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Summary:Running has evolved throughout history from a necessary form of locomotion to an athletic and recreational pursuit. During this transition, our barefoot ancestors developed footwear. By the late 1970s, running popularity surged, and footwear manufacturers developed the running shoe. Despite new shoe technology and expert advice, runners still face high injury rates, which have yet to decline. Recently, "minimalist" running, marked by a soft forefoot strike and shorter, quicker strides, has become increasingly popular within the running community. Biomechanical studies have suggested that these features of barefoot-style running may lead to a reduction in injury rates. After conducting more outcomes-based research, minimalist footwear and gait retraining may serve as new methods to reduce injuries within the running population.
ISSN:1537-890X
1537-8918
DOI:10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825640a6