Minimalist shoe

Evoskins - a type of minimalist shoe

Minimalist or barefoot shoes are intended to closely approximate barefoot 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] Minimalist shoes 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 improve running economy,[3] foot strength and arch function.[4]

  1. ^ Esculier, Jean-Francois; Dubois, Blaise; Dionne, Clermont E.; Leblond, Jean; Roy, Jean-Sébastien (2015-01-01). "A consensus definition and rating scale for minimalist shoes". Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. 8 (1): 42. doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0094-5. ISSN 1757-1146. PMC 4543477. PMID 26300981.
  2. ^ Francis, Peter; Schofield, Grant (2020-04-01). "From barefoot hunter gathering to shod pavement pounding. Where to from here? A narrative review". BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 6 (1): e000577. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000577. ISSN 2055-7647. PMC 7202747. PMID 32405429.
  3. ^ 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. ISSN 1476-3141. PMID 35748066.
  4. ^ Miller, Elizabeth E.; Whitcome, Katherine K.; Lieberman, Daniel E.; Norton, Heather L.; Dyer, Rachael E. (2014-06-01). "The effect of minimal shoes on arch structure and intrinsic foot muscle strength". Journal of Sport and Health Science. 3 (2): 74–85. doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2014.03.011.