BLOG: Barefoot running: Is it good news for the knee?

Yonatan Kaplan, PT, MSc (Med), PhD, MAPA

I wish to compliment Dr. West on her succinct article explaining the researched advantages of barefoot/minimalistic shoe running vs. shod running. I wish to make a few further points that may be of interest:

1. There is no reported reduction in the incidence of lower limb injuries when barefoot/minimalistic shoe running and shod running are compared. In fact, Vibram USA, the maker of FiveFingers Shoes for running, agreed to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged it made false and unsubstantiated claims about the reduction in foot injuries during use of its glove-type footwear.
2. Among runners, changing their minds may be difficult. Despite clear evidence shoes do not help reduce shock on the knees, with few exceptions, runners wearing shoes win the biggest races (and are handsomely compensated by shoe companies for doing so). To runners, scientific evidence may prove ineffective in countering the countless impressions they see on television and on the race course.
3. From a clinical perspective, if a runner complains about overcoming knee symptoms, you may advise the runner to land in mid-foot strike or forefoot strike, or even suggest the runner try to run minimalist. In contrast, barefoot or minimalist running tends to increase the load on the lower leg and in the ankle area. Therefore, a runner may be best advised to land in rear-foot strike or even go back to try different running shoes.
4. It should be noted the transition to barefoot running should be done carefully to avoid injury.