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Barefoot/Minimalist vs Cushioning/Support and Heel Strike vs Midfoot/Forefoot Strike
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We have had years of rhetoric and propaganda with individuals relating anecdotes in the debates surrounding barefoot/minimalist vs cushioning/support and heel strike vs midfoot/forefoot strike with not a lot of science. 2013 will go down as an interesting year as pretty all the science is now showing that there is no difference in the global injury rates between the different foot strike patterns and footwear conditions. Most of the studies are also showing no difference in running economy between the different conditions. The fad is pretty much over with interest in barefoot/minimalism declining. Sales of minimalist shoes have dropped to only 4% of the market. The sales of motion control and support shoes have so far increased by over 30% in 2013 (and minimalist shoes declined by >40%). Retailers are saying things like minimalism is dead. The maximalist shoes like the Hoka One One are gaining market share and a number of the running shoes companies have announced new maximalist shoes for 2014. The pendulum is now swinging in the opposite direction, runners are voting with their feet.
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