Risks and benefits of barefoot and minimalist running (systematic review)

Systematic review concluding there is no conclusive evidence that barefoot or minimalist running prevents injury or enhances performance. Barefoot and minimalist running shift most runners toward a forefoot strike with lower vertical loading rates and higher cadence, but injury-rate comparisons are equivocal once mileage is accounted for, and an abrupt transition raises injury risk (notably bone-stress injury and calf or Achilles problems). Contested/weak for the strong injury-prevention and performance claims.