Do Minimalist Shoes Really Simulate Barefoot Running?

Running in a minimalist and lightweight shoe is not the same as running barefoot: a biomechanical study. 
Bonacci, J., Saunders, P., Hicks, A., Rantalainen, T., Vicenzino, B. and Spratford, W. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2013; 47: 387 – 392. 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23314887


Minimalist shoes have been designed to mimic barefoot running due to its supposed efficacy in prevention of running related overuse injuries. Nevertheless, there is little evidence that running mechanics in minimalist shoes are similar to those observed during barefoot running. The study was conducted to compare running mechanics between barefoot running and running in a “minimalist” shoe (Nike Free 3.0), racing flat (Nike Lunaracer 2), and “regular” running shoes. Ground reaction force data and kinematics were collected from 22 highly trained runners.
Authors found that in comparison with shod, running barefoot demonstrated a less dorsiflexed ankle at initial contact, a less flexed knee during midstance, lesser joint moments and work done at the knee and greater joint moments and work done at the ankle. No significant differences were observed between shod conditions.
Author’s conclusions were that the minimalist shoe cannot entirely replicate the mechanics of running barefoot and that prescription of minimalist shoes as a mechanism to change running mechanics may not be justified. Also, from a therapeutic standpoint, barefoot running may have benefits to those with knee issues, but may put the foot, ankle, Achilles, and calf at greater risk.
There are few limitations to point out. First, the cohort was composed solely from highly – trained runners and their running mechanic is supposed to be fairly consistent across different shod conditions. It would rather be easier to find difference in running mechanics, depending on shoes condition, in recreationally trained runners. Also, Nike Free 3.0 cannot be regarded as a true minimalist shoe due to its relatively high cushioning volume and 4mm heel drop thus the results could have been different when using, Vibram FiveFingers for instance. Based on that, caution is advised when interpreting the results.
In my opinion (and I do run a lot), minimalist shoes do change the running mechanics. I was once invited to participate in a similar study and I had a chance to run in a minimalist shoes. I can tell you that it felt different; I run smoother and landed more on a forefoot and on the next day I could feel my calves pretty sore which could indicate increased calf muscles recruitment during running in these shoes.
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