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. 
Runners in barefoot shoes gained strengthA 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.

 
6. Barefoot people run (and walk) healthierEvolutionary 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.

 

7Study in India and China of people who have never worn shoes - People who have never worn shoes acquire very few foot defects, most of which are painless and non-debilitating. The range of their foot motions are remarkably great, allowing for full foot activity. 
Link

 

8. Medial Arch - Barefoot Vs Shod Running (2022) - Effects of Barefoot and Shod on the In Vivo Kinematics of Medial Longitudinal Arch During Running Based on a High-Speed Dual Fluoroscopic Imaging System Barefoot shoes allow the arch muscles to function more naturally and reduce stress on the 6DOF movement.

 

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.