Researchers have recently compared the effect of running barefoot versus running in modern running shoes in a study.

They found that much more stress is exerted on joints such as knees by running shoes as compared to running barefoot or walking in high-heeled shoes.

The study involved an analysis of 68 healthy young adult runners who run in currently available running shoes were selected from the general population.

Every runner was provided with running shoe selected for its neutral classification and design characteristics typical of most running footwear. Every subject running barefoot was observed even with shoes with the help of a treadmill and a motion analysis system.

Increased joint torques at the hip, knee and ankle were observed by the researchers in comparison with running barefoot.

There was a huge amount increase in hip internal rotation torque and in the knee flexion and knee versus torques.

The findings concluded that though the typical construction of modern-day running shoes provides good support and protection of the foot as a hole but at the cost of 3 lower extremity joints.