Running in a minimalist and lightweight shoe is not the same as running barefoot: a biomechanical study

Abstract

Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in running mechanics that occur when highly trained runners run barefoot and in a minimalist shoe, and specifically if running in a minimalist shoe replicates barefoot running. Methods Ground reaction force data and kinematics were collected from 22 highly trained runners during overground running while barefoot and in three shod conditions (minimalist shoe, racing flat and the athlete's regular shoe). Three-dimensional net joint moments and subsequent net powers and work were computed using Newton-Euler inverse dynamics. Joint kinematic and kinetic variables were statistically compared between barefoot and shod conditions using a multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures and standardised mean differences calculated. Results There were significant differences between barefoot and shod conditions for kinematic and kinetic variables at the knee and ankle, with no differences between shod conditions. Barefoot running demonstrated less knee flexion during midstance, an 11% decrease in the peak internal knee extension and abduction moments and a 24% decrease in negative work done at the knee compared with shod conditions. The ankle demonstrated less dorsiflexion at initial contact, a 14% increase in peak power generation and a 19% increase in the positive work done during barefoot running compared with shod conditions. Conclusions Barefoot running was different to all shod conditions. Barefoot running changes the amount of work done at the knee and ankle joints and this may have therapeutic and performance implications for runners.

Acute effect of different minimalist shoes on foot strike pattern and kinematics in rearfoot strikers during running

“…Specifically, our findings on Nike Free model agree with Willis and Davis (2014) who concluded that running in this shoe failed to result in changes in spatio-temporal parameters when compared with running in a standard running shoe. The results also agree with Bonacci et al (2013) and Sinclair et al (2013), who concluded that the mechanics of this footwear does not appear to closely mimic the kinematics of barefoot locomotion in experienced runners. In addition, our findings on the Vibram FiveFingers shoe confirm, even for rearfoot strikers, the findings of Squadrone and Gallozzi (2009), which found that this type of shoes have no significant effect on barefoot running kinematics.…”

“…Runners seemed to progress towards a more midfoot strike while barefoot running, and this was confirmed by the foot contact angle, which was~40% less dorsiflexed in barefoot than in cushioned shoe. Similar adjustments have been reported by previous studies (Bonacci et al, 2013 , 2000;Hamill et al, 2011;Horvais & Samozino, 2013;Lieberman et al, 2010;Squadrone & Gallozzi, 2009) and are not particularly surprising. In a recent study, Paquette et al (2013) found that the strike index was greater in barefoot condition and in Vibram FiveFingers than in cushioned shoes, in both rearfoot and midfoot striker runners.…”

“…By analysing ground reaction forces and lower limb kinematics/ kinetics in habitually shod runners, Paquette, Zhang, and Baumgartner (2013) found that lower limb loading rate was greater in barefoot and in a minimalist shoe compared to standard running shoes. Bonacci et al (2013) analysed barefoot running in comparison with three different shod conditions: minimalist shoe, racing flat and the athlete's regular cushioned shoe. They found significant differences in knee and ankle kinematics and kinetics between barefoot and shod conditions, but no differences between the different shoe types.…”

“…Specifically, Squadrone and Gallozzi (2009) and Paquette et al (2013) used a Vibram® FiveFingers®, which had a 3.5-mm rubber sole shoe and offered very little cushioning properties, whereas Bonacci et al (2013) and Sinclair et al (2013) utilised a Nike® Free™ model, which had a 17-mm stack height and more cushioning capability.…”

The Effect of Five-Toed Shoes on Electromyographic Activity of Leg Muscles During Stance Phase of Running

“…There are different shoes in the market such as instable shoes; 5-toed shoes and the shoes designed for different sports such as running [8][9][10]. The purpose of using instable shoes is involving the muscles more, and as a result, strengthening the muscles and preventing their weaknesses in long-term that play an important role in kinematic and kinetic changes [11,12].…”