Vibram FiveFingers are the most researched Footwear in history but as the popularity of the shoes have increased so have the common misconceptions and scrutiny surrounding them and the possible negative effects that these may have on the wearer. With international scientists, biomechanics experts, and running coaches all in the firm agreement that being as close to barefoot as possible is the healthiest way to be. This slide show links through to some of the independent studies. http://www.vibram-birmingham.co.uk

1. Vibram FiveFinger Research
Vi-brum: UKs one stop shop for Vibram FiveFingers
https://www.vibram-birmingham.co.uk

2. Vibram Background
Vibram have been around for around a century, creating industry leading protective footwear. In
the last 15 years they have developed a range of shoes: Vibram FiveFingers, which have been
ergonomically designed that will allow for a whole range of benefits to the wearer. As the
popularity of the shoes have increased so have the common misconceptions and scrutiny
surrounding them and the possible negative effects that these may have on the wearer. With
international scientists, biomechanics experts, and running coaches all in the firm agreement that
being as close to barefoot as possible is the healthiest way to be and over the past decade there
have been a large number of independent research studies ranging from prolonged investigation
of the effects of wearing Vibrams through to looking at postural realignment in the foot and ankle
after wearing Minimalist shoes. All of the studies on Vibrams have been carried out by respected
institutions and importantly been peer reviewed to ensure that the claims that the papers make
stand up and can not be refuted.
https://www.vibram-birmingham.co.uk

3. The Following
The next few slides is a brief overview of as well as the conclusion that a number of
these independent research papers have drawn.
There is a link provided at the bottom of each page should you wish to read the paper
in further details.
https://www.vibram-birmingham.co.uk

4. Effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running Economy
Daniel E. Lieberman from the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard
University looked to measure the effects of Footwear and Strike Type on Running
Economy to see if anything differs in minimal shoes versus standard running shoes
with cushioned elevated heels and arch supports and in forefoot versus rearfoot strike
gaits.
From the results of this examination he concluded that minimally shod runners are
modestly but significantly more economical than traditionally shod runners regardless
of strike type, after controlling for shoe mass and stride frequency. The likely cause of
this difference is more elastic energy storage and release in the lower extremity during
minimal-shoe running.
Full report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22217565

5. Effects Of Wearing Athletic Shoes, Five-toed Shoes, And Standing
Barefoot On Balance Performance In Young Adults
Barbara S. Smith, PhD looked at using 49 participants aged 18-30 years without lower
extremity injury or experience wearing barefootstyle shoes were tested for static
balance on the Biodex Stability System with their eyes closed while wearing Vibram
FiveFingers
It draw the conclusions: Wearing Vibram FiveFingers™ provided better overall and
anterior-posterior static balance than going barefoot. As well as it appearing that
Vibram FiveFingers™ mimic going barefoot and may be a bridge for exercising in
preparation for barefoot exercise.
The Full study and report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25709865

6. 12 Weeks of Simulated Barefoot Running Changes Foot-Strike
Patterns in Female Runners
This paper looked to investigate the effect of a transition program of simulated barefoot running
(SBR) on running kinematics and foot-strike patterns, female recreational athletes (n = 9, age 29 ±
3 yrs) without SBR experience gradually increased running distance in Vibram FiveFingers SBR
footwear over 12 weeks.
Carried out by lead author C McCarthy of Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Trinity College
Dublin.
It concluded The fi ndings of this study indicate that changes in motor patterns in previously
habitually shod runners are possible and can be accomplished within 12 weeks. There is emerging
evidence that a FFS pattern such as developed over time by SBR could have performance benefi ts
[ 16 , 17 , 24 ] and perhaps lead to lower injury rates
You can find this paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24048910

7. A comparison of the spatiotemporal parameters, kinematics, and
biomechanics between shod, unshod, and minimally supported
running as compared to walking.
The aim of this paper was to examine the similarities and injuries which occur between
shod and unshod runners. This was carried out by Evertt B Lohman at the School of
Allied Health Professionals.
This report concluded that Vibrams mimic running barefoot whilst providing protection
and as yet there is no evidence to suggest either cause injury
Paper can be found: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22085708

8. A Survey of Runners’ Attitudes Toward and Experiences with
Minimally Shod Running
This is a survey conducted by Marissa H. Cohler, MD at the Department of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Chicago using a web
based questionnaire issuing to 560 member of the of the CARA (running group) in the
Chicago Area made up of 31 questions to see their feeling and experiences with Vibrams
It concluded that Reductions and occurrences of 18 injury/pain with minimally shod
running were reported in approximately equal numbers. The most common site of
reported injury/pain reduction was the knee
Full report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25758530

9. Barefoot running survey: Evidence from the field
Barefoot running survey: Evidence from the field was compiled by David Hryvniak of the
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Virginia looked to see using a survey
format looking at their experiences. From the answers it discovered While no cause and
effect relationship can be drawn from a survey, a number of interesting trends were
revealed. First, the majority of respondents in this survey indicated that they developed
no new injuries after starting a barefoot running regimen. Second, those that did
primarily experienced foot and ankle injuries indicating the need to progress slowly so
that the new areas of loading can adapt. Finally, the survey results indicated that majority
of barefoot runners had previous running injuries that resolved after starting barefoot
running programs.
Full survey results:

10. Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in
Netball Players
Appearing in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching and research
undertaken by Johanna E. de Villiers and Rachel E. Venter they tried to to determine
the effects of an eight-week barefoot training programme on ankle stability, agility and
speed in 20 competitive female netball players.
From their findings they discovered: “Results from this study suggested that netball
players could perform netball-specific drills barefoot as part of their skills and
conditioning drills.”
Full research:
http://www.academia.edu/8398123/Barefoot_Training_Improved_Ankle_Stability_and
_Agility_in_Netball_Players_Sports_Science_and_Coaching

11. Effects of 12 weeks of barefoot running on foot strike patterns, inversion-
eversion and foot rotation in long-distance runners
Marcos Muñoz Jiménez from Department of Didactics of Corporal Expression,
University of Jaén lead this paper to find whether 31 endurance runners with no
experience in barefoot running would have any adverse effects.
It found that after 12 weeks of barefoot running, applied progressively, causes
significant changes in foot strike pattern with a tendency towards midfoot or forefoot
strikes, regardless of running speed and significant changes in foot rotation at low
speed, while the inversion was reduced in left foot at low speed with a tendency to
centered strike.
Full Report: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616000053

12. Effects of footwear on running economy in distance runners: A meta-
analytical review
Appearing in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport written by R.T. Cheung S.P.
Ngai looked at the economical benefits of wearing Vibrams in particular oxygen and its
use.
The findings suggested that barefoot running or running in minimalist is potentially
more economic compared to a shod running condition. Barefoot running or running in
minimalists may improve distance running performance due to its reduced oxygen
cost.
Full report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25819704

13. Electromyographical Analysis of Barefoot Squat: A Clinical
Perspective
Sarah E. Brown from East Tennessee State University looked at comparing muscle
activation in eight superficial lower limb muscles during execution of barbell back
squats while in barefoot and athletic shoe conditions.
The study concluded by showing a significant increase in muscle usage whilst wearing
a minimalist shoe.
Full report: http://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1062&context=honors

14. Impact attenuation during weight bearing activities in barefoot vs.
shod conditions: A systematic review
The paper looked at the impact on the body when conducting weight bearing activities
both barefoot and in cushioned shoes. From the results of tests there was was
insufficient evidence to justify a strong conclusion on the beneficial effects of
cushioned shoes.
Full Report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23245643

15. Effects Of Different Footwear On Vertical Jump And Landing
Parameters
The paper from JOE W. LAPORTA of Human Performance Laboratory and Center for
Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University wrote this
paper with the purpose of this study being to investigate the effect of different footwear
on vertical jumping and landing parameters.
The results demonstrated the benefits of Vibram as a means of improving performance
with no effect on impact forces. Because of these benefits it easy to assume a
significant training effect would occur with repetitive jump training using minimalist
shoes. This training effect should then lead to enhanced performance during
competition.
Report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23254549

16. Prospective Comparison Of Running Injuries Between Shod And
Barefoot Runners
Allison R Altman from the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware
compared injuries between Vibram wearers and traditional shoes over the course of a
year among 201 (107 barefoot and 94 shod) adult runners. This information was logged
on web form monthly with participants detailing injuries and milage.
The conclusions drawn from this report was that there were significantly fewer
musculoskeletal injuries were reported in barefoot runners than in shod runners.
Full Report: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2015/06/30/bjsports-2014-
094482.short?rss=1

17. Running With A Minimalist Shoe Increases Plantar Pressure In The
Forefoot Region Of Healthy Female Runners
The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in plantar pressure in the
forefoot region between running with a minimalist shoe and running with a standard
shoe in healthy female runners during overground running.
The results show running with a minimalist running shoe increases the plantar pressure
in the forefoot region without changing the landing pattern
Report: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244014001182

18. Running Barefoot or in Minimalist Shoes: Evidence or Conjecture?
The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomechanical differences between
barefoot and shod (wearing shoes) running and to present a preparatory exercise
program for the runner interested in transitioning from a traditional running shoe to
the barefoot style.
It concluded that evidence exists for improved foot intrinsic strength in the foot
musculature and improved physiological economy when running barefoot.
Full Report:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272032297_Running_Barefoot_or_in_Mini
malist_Shoes