Back to Basics: The Natural Impact of Barefoot Running

We compared the difference in ground-force impact between runners using modern running footwear and those running barefoot. Barefoot running has been popularized in recent years as rumors have spread that this running style minimizes joint injury, giving rise to certain products that aim to replicate barefoot running. In a natural stride, the foot lands on its heel and the sole arcs through the stride until the toes touch down; running shoes restrict this arc, forcing the ankle to absorb more impact. We compared barefoot to shod running using a force plate treadmill, which measured the magnitude of ground impact force during each second of a runner\u27s stride. The treadmill dissected each stride into time-based segments and examined the influence on pronation, the rotation of the foot at the ankle joints. Our working hypothesis stated that the modern running shoe alters the natural state of a runner\u27s stride, and as a result, runners\u27 joints incur greater strain at ground impact