Interesting study. Barefoot runners vs shod runners. Benefits of going barefoot? 1. mid foot/forefoot striking: less impact on your knee. May better for someone with patellofemoral pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis and medial tibial stress syndrome 2. loading foot/ankle structures: strengthening them, in order to have better shock absorb and force distribution 3. the maintenance of natural foot: preventing foot deformities injuries such as hallux valgus, Mortons neuroma (due to narrow toe box) so on... However, disadvantage? 1. forefoot striking: may overload plantar surface of the forefoot: metatarsalgia. overload calf/achilles tendon: achilles tendinopathy 2. skin irritation on hard/rough surface so on. ---------------------------------------------------- I have seen many patients who told me they felt less pain on bear feet than wearing their expensive shoes. This actually confused me then got me to find more about foot issues. This may be because modern shoes have elevated heel, rigid outer/inner soles/narrow toe box/ toe spring. These factors can prevent your natural foot from functioning properly such as lack of shock absorption, stiff foot movement and overloading plantar fasciitis (constant toe extension and elevated heel) There are more advantages and disadvantages but to decide whether or not you go barefoot, you carefully assess your patients with lower limb injuries/back pain. Even though there are lots of benefits of walking barefoot, you may consider your patient's load tolerance. so may start trying minimalist shoes then barefoot walking then running. I would love to hear about your thoughts.