Effect of Minimalist Footwear on Running Efficiency

Humans have been running for millions of years, but the modern running shoe was not invented until the 1970s. However, in the span of just 4 decades, this novel type of footwear with a heavily cushioned, elevated heel; arch support; and a stiffened midsole (“traditional shoe”) has altered running biomechanics and changed the way people run. Investigators contend that because of this shift to traditional running shoes, today, 75% to 80% of shod runners (those wearing shoes) use a rearfoot strike (RFS), which was previously uncommon. Developed to increase the comfort and safety of running, traditional running shoes have been unable to decrease the incidence of running-related injuries. In fact, many suggest a link between the persistently high incidence of injuries and the modern traditional running shoe. Minimalist running shoes seek to address the shortcomings of traditional shoes. They are distinguished by a less cushioned heel and reduced heel-forefoot offset, greater sole flexibility, and lack of arch support and motion control. Spurred in part by Christopher McDougall’s bestselling book, Born to Run, many runners are switching to minimalist shoes hoping to run faster and suffer fewer injuries. 571093 SPHXXX10.1177/1941738115571093Gillinov et alSports Health research-article2015