Minimalist shoes (also known asbarefoot shoes orbarefoot socks) are intended to closely approximatebarefoot running or walking conditions in comparison to traditional shoes. Minimalist shoes are defined as providing "minimal interference with the natural movement of the foot, because of its high flexibility, low heel to toe drop, weight and stack height, and the absence of motion control and stability devices."[1] They provide more sensory contact for the foot on the ground while simultaneously providing the feet with some protection from ground hazards and conditions (such as pebbles and dirt).[2] Research shows that wearing a minimalist shoe can help improverunning economy,[3] foot strength andarch function.[4]
In their 2018 paper for theJournal of Sports Sciences, Devon R. Coetzee their co-authors defined minimalist footwear as having a sole and upper that weighed 200-gram (7.1 oz) or less and were highly flexible, a heel height of 20 millimetres (0.79 in) or shorter, and a "heel-toe differential" of 7 millimetres (0.28 in) or less.[5]
Minimal shoes are generally thin and flexible enough to "roll up"
Generally, there are two types of minimalist shoes:[6]
Barefoot Running Shoes are characterized by their zero drop from heel to toe, no arch support, minimal cushioning at the heel, and a very thin sole of around 3-10mm. Also, thetoe box is considerably wider to provide more space to the toes, whereby they slightly resemblethe shape of ducks' feet, when viewed from above and compared to traditional shoes. Few product lines fall into this category. Examples include theVibram FiveFingers andMerrell Glove, which use an outsole produced byVibram, or theXero Prio.
Minimalist Running Shoes are in between traditional running shoes and barefoot running shoes. They have a reduced heel-to-toe drop of about 4–8 mm, reduced cushioning and reduced or no arch support. The toe box is usually in-between barefoot and traditional running shoes.
Major companies also started producing shoes targeted at barefoot runners. These shoes do not usually meet the requirement of a minimal or barefoot shoe.[7]
Although running injuries are more common during the first period after adopting minimalist footwear, there is a lack of evidence about the long-term injury potential of minimalist shoes compared to standard ones.[8] A 2022 review found that minimalist shoes increase the size and strength of the foot muscles in healthy individuals.[9]
A 2020 systematic review found that "minimalist shoes can improverunning economy and build the cross-sectional area and stiffness ofAchilles tendon but also induce greater loading of the ankle andmetatarsophalangeal joint" compared to non-minimalist shoes.[10]
^Ruiz-Alias, Santiago A.; Molina-Molina, Alejandro; Soto-Hermoso, Víctor M.; García-Pinillos, Felipe (2023-03-04). "A systematic review of the effect of running shoes on running economy, performance and biomechanics: analysis by brand and model".Sports Biomechanics.22 (3):388–409.doi:10.1080/14763141.2022.2089589.ISSN1476-3141.PMID35748066.
^Coetzee, Devon R.; Albertus, Yumna; Tam, Nicholas; Tucker, Ross (2018). "Conceptualizing minimalist footwear: an objective definition".Journal of Sports Sciences.36 (8):949–954.doi:10.1080/02640414.2017.1346816.PMID28686085.S2CID4628364.
^Xu, Jennifer; Saliba, Susan A; Jaffri, Abbis H (2023-05-01). "The Effects of Minimalist Shoes on Plantar Intrinsic Foot Muscle Size and Strength: A Systematic Review".International Journal of Sports Medicine.44 (5):320–328.doi:10.1055/a-1908-8867.ISSN0172-4622.PMID35878616.S2CID251067602.
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