Background: The impact of barefoot running and footwear choice on running economy (RE; steady state oxygen consumption) is heavily debated. Therefore, this study measured RE when running barefoot versus two shod conditions.
Methods: Recreational male runners (N.=8) with experience running in both five-toed minimal (FTMS) and standard cushioned running shoes (SCRS), participated in RE trials while barefoot, FTMS, and SCRS for 5 minutes each trial at both 50% and 70% of speed at maximal oxygen uptake (sVO2max), while RE and step frequency (Sf) were measured. Separate one-way repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted for each footwear condition and each speed, on RE and Sf.
Results: No significant differences in RE were found at 50% or 70% sVO2max. Step frequency was significantly different at 70% sVO2max (F(2, 14)=6.74, P=0.009, partial ω2=0.06, as running barefoot (173.00±10.50 steps/min) exhibited a higher Sf than running in FTMS (68.81±10.94 steps/min; P=0.008) or SCRS (166.62±8.42 steps/min; P=0.044) conditions.
Conclusions: No statistical RE benefit was found when running barefoot over FTMS or SCRS, possibly explained by a Sf adaptation at higher speeds. However, practically speaking, when shoe mass is controlled for, footwear choice has a moderate but worthwhile effect on RE. Consequently, formal familiarization and/or training in the FTMS may improve RE when compared to running in SCRS or barefoot in certain individuals.