Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by AcePhysio

What’s the deal with these “Barefoot” or “Natural” running shoes?

Everywhere you look, sports companies are promoting ‘minimalist’ or ‘barefoot’ shoes, saying that they promote a natural gait and encourage the body to run the way it was optimally designed.  But are these claims true? Are these types of shoes for you?

So should you make the switch?  Before you do, read what Registered Physiotherapist and Competitive Triathlete Lauren Dyck has to say about these shoes first.