Modern running footwear is presumed to provide protection against injuries

Modern running footwear is presumed to provide protection against injuries and correction of faulty movement patterns; besides this, it possibly entails an alteration in running biomechanics: approximately 75% of distance runners have a running pattern characterized by a rearfoot strike (RFS), whereas only 1% performs a forefoot strike (FFS). A typical feature of a RFS pattern is a peak in vertical ground reaction force (GRF) during heelstrike, accompanied by high loading during the early stance phase, contributing to the onset of a.o. patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome and plantar fasciitis. 

On the contrary, barefoot running or running on minimal shoes is thought to encourage a more natural FFS pattern; the GRF is eliminated transiently over the stance phase via eccentric loading of the calf musculature. An FFS pattern also encompasses shorter stride lengths, higher cadence and, consequently, a reduction in moment arms towards knee flexion, frontal plane knee abduction and hip external rotation moments. However, increased loads are placed on the calf musculature and Achilles tendon, and there is a risk of overuse injuries > from Altman et al.; Curr Sports Med Rep 11 (2012) 244-250. All rights reserved to the American College of Sports Medicine.