Development and testing of a new type of „barefoot running shoe“: The freeheel runningpad

Common barefoot running shoes or minimal footwear have one or several of the following properties/deficiencies, depending on the type and brand and personal taste: Coverage of a considerable fraction of the foot’s surface with textile/plastic leading to sub-optimal foot climate Considerable weight for a true “barefoot shoe” Toe pockets that do not fit with nonstandard feet Considerable size and thickness, in particular in the heel section of the protective sole for a true “barefoot shoe” Positive drop and therefore a change in the biomechanics compared to barefoot running. We wanted to design a new type of shoe that would be as close as possible to “real” barefoot running” and thereby overcome one or several of these perceived deficiencies. Whether this would lead to a reduction or increase in running related injuries and how to best train with the new shoes is not within the scope of this article.