Barefoot Research

The research on barefoot living is in its nascent stages. 
As more and more people adopt this lifestyle, bigger institutes have found it in the interest of the public to research if barefoot living is the way forward. 

If you are someone who is looking to learn about the science behind barefoot living, this page is where you can start.


1. The Barefoot Professor - Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman had ditched his trainers and started running barefoot. (Published 2010)

Link to complete study

 

2. Barefoot Walking - Dan Lieberman (Published 2019)


 

3. Effect of Minimalist Footwear on Running Efficiency (Published 2015)

Conclusion:

"This study suggests potential immediate biomechanical benefits of minimalist footwear over traditional, heavily cushioned shoes in adolescent cross-country runners. By improving running biomechanics, minimalist footwear may improve running efficiency and performance."

Link to complete study

 

4. The Shoe Effect - Independent Study Sri Lanka - Melker Svard and myfootfunction (Published 2024)
*not a research paper

5. Benefits of Barefoot Shoes (Published 2024) *medically reviewed article

Link to the article


6. Runners in barefoot shoes gained strength. A study from 2019 monitored runners who wore barefoot shoes for running. Those who ran longer distances in minimalist shoes strengthened their plantar flexors - the muscles that flex the foot.

 
7. Barefoot people run (and walk) healthier. Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman observed shod and barefoot runners. He found that barefoot runners run healthier. They don't strike the heel and avoid injury from impact.

We are continually working to add more and more research to this page about barefoot living and training.
Feel free to share any research that you may come across.
Let's learn together and make the right choices for a healthy life.