A Survey of Runners' Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Minimally Shod Running

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics, perceptions, motivating factors, experiences, and injury rates of runners who practice minimally shod running.DesignSurvey.Settingweb-based questionnaire.ParticipantsFive-hundred sixty-six members of the Chicago Area Runner's Association.MethodsA link to a 31-question online survey was e-mailed to members of Chicago Area Runner's Association. Questions covered demographic information, use of minimalist-style running shoes (MSRS), injury rates, and change in pain.Main Outcome MeasuresUse of MSRS, occurrence or improvement of injury/pain, regions of injury/pain, reasons for or for not using MSRS.ResultsOne-hundred seventy-five (31%) respondents had practiced minimally shod running, and the most common motivating factor was to decrease injuries and/or pain. Fifty-one respondents (29%) suffered an injury or pain while wearing MSRS, with the most common body part involved being the foot. Fifty-four respondents (31%) had an injury that improved after adopting minimally shod running; the most common area involved was the knee. One-hundred twenty respondents (69%) were still using MSRS. Of those who stopped using MSRS, the main reason was development of an injury or pain. The most common reason that respondents have not tried minimally shod running is a fear of developing an injury.ConclusionThis survey-based study demonstrated that the use of MSRS is common, largely as the result of a perception that they may reduce injuries or pain. Reductions and occurrences of injury/pain with minimally shod running were reported in approximately equal numbers. The most common site of reported injury/pain reduction was the knee, whereas the most common reported site of injury/pain occurrence was the foot. Fear of developing pain or injury is the most common reason runners are reluctant to try minimally shod running.