The Barefoot Debate: Can Minimalist Shoes Reduce Running-Related Injuries?

@article{Rixe2012TheBD,
  title={The Barefoot Debate: Can Minimalist Shoes Reduce Running-Related Injuries?},
  author={Jeffrey A Rixe and Robert A. Gallo and Matthew L. Silvis},
  journal={Current Sports Medicine Reports},
  year={2012},
  volume={11},
  pages={160–165}
}
Abstract 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… 
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The Effect Of Minimalistic Running On Running-Related Injuries In Habitually Shod Individuals: A Review
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Research indicates barefoot and minimalist footwear have effects on running form, peak impact force, and a number of common running injuries, and subsequently, these footwear styles may increase the risk of certain injuries.
Barefoot Versus Shoe Running: From the Past to the Present
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  • Medicine
    The Physician and sportsmedicine
  • 2014
TLDR
Although there is no evidence that confirms or refutes improved performance and reduced injuries in barefoot runners, it seems that barefoot running may be an acceptable training method for athletes and coaches, as it may minimize the risks of injury.
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Great flexibility can be achieved by decreasing the flexion angle of the knee, which decreases the demand for quadriceps muscles and the risk of knee injury with a greater risk of injury at the tibial level.
The Biomechanical Differences Between Barefoot and Shod Distance Running: A Systematic Review and Preliminary Meta-Analysis
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Modified results indicate moderate evidence that barefoot running is associated with reduced peak ground reaction force (GRF), increased foot and ankle plantarflexion and increased knee flexion at ground contact compared with running in a neutral shoe, and clear guidance for clinical practice is limited because of the low methodological quality of the associated studies.
Gait Retraining with Foot Strike Patterns as Management for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Brief Review
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Because of the increased load at the ankle during forefoot striking, future research should address whether changing foot strike patterns negatively affects ankle function.
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TLDR
The aim of this review article is to provide a structural definition for minimalist footwear based on studies that have examined the influence of footwear on biomechanical variables during running.
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TLDR
When compared with running in traditional, cushioned shoes, both barefoot (socked) running and minimalist running shoes produce greater running efficiency in some experienced runners, with a greater tendency toward a midfoot or forefoot strike and a shorter ground contact time.
Logical fallacies in the running shoe debate: let the evidence guide prescription
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There remains a lack of conclusive evidence to support traditional shoe prescription to prevent RRIs, and the more recent paradigms of maximalism, zero-drop shoes and choosing a shoe based on comfort appear to be gaining in popularity.
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