PLoS One April 2016 PMID 26154285

Variation in Foot Strike Patterns among Habitually Barefoot and Shod Runners in Kenya.

Daniel E Lieberman, Eric R Castillo, Erik Otarola-Castillo, Meshack K Sang, Timothy K Sigei, Robert Ojiambo, Paul Okutoyi, Yannis Pitsiladis

Mentions

17
Peak: 6 in Feb 2019
across 5 sources since Feb 2019

Extended reach

97,532
potential audience

Total likes

328

Video views

7,704

Mentions per month

Feb 2019 – Sep 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • News5 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a cautious stance, with posts like 'unpredictable running mechanic changes' and questions about the importance of form versus footwear, suggesting curiosity and skepticism rather than strong agreement or high impact. The tone is analytical, examining factors such as adaptation and biomechanics, which indicates moderate engagement with the research findings.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions recognize that the study highlights variability in foot strike among barefoot runners, though some question the consistency of the findings.

InterestModerate interest

The comments show moderate curiosity about the relationship between footwear and running mechanics, indicating a general interest but not deep enthusiasm.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts reflect some deeper consideration with questions about the significance of form versus footwear, showing an active but not highly detailed engagement.

ImpactNeutral impact

The discussions do not appear to influence broad opinions or lead to practical changes, resulting in a neutral score for impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study examined how different people from Kenya vary in the way they strike the ground when running, especially comparing those who usually run barefoot and those who wear shoes, taking into account factors like age, sex, and running habits.
  • Researchers found that most runners switch between heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikes, especially when they run less often or at lower step frequencies, and that running on stiffer surfaces or being used to barefoot running increases the likelihood of using midfoot or forefoot strikes.
  • The study suggests that before modern cushioned shoes and paved roads, runners might have naturally varied their foot strike more, using more forefoot and midfoot strikes than seen today.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Christian Barton
@DrChrisBarton · X

It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently associated with a non-rearfoot strike. What is more important, form, footwear, or adapdation? https://t.co/3rB3oH1uil https://t.co/jmpDSd4gKa

Feb 26, 2019 · 36 likes · 6 shares · 19,666 followers View post →
Running-Physio
@tomgoom · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 62,050 followers View post →
Chris Napier PT, PhD
@runnerphysio · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 5,947 followers View post →
Pissed Off PT
@PissedOff_PT · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 1,251 followers View post →
Adam Stenman
@AdamStenman · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 27, 2019 · 6 shares · 640 followers View post →
Gordon Simpson
@ggsimpsonrun · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 27, 2019 · 6 shares · 203 followers View post →

All mentions

Adam Stenman
@AdamStenman · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 27, 2019 · 6 shares · 640 followers View post →
Gordon Simpson
@ggsimpsonrun · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 27, 2019 · 6 shares · 203 followers View post →
Pissed Off PT
@PissedOff_PT · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 1,251 followers View post →
Chris Napier PT, PhD
@runnerphysio · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 5,947 followers View post →
Running-Physio
@tomgoom · X

RT @DrChrisBarton: It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently…

Feb 26, 2019 · 6 shares · 62,050 followers View post →
Christian Barton
@DrChrisBarton · X

It is pretty clear that taking your shoes off results in unpredictable running mechanic changes, and is not consistently associated with a non-rearfoot strike. What is more important, form, footwear, or adapdation? https://t.co/3rB3oH1uil https://t.co/jmpDSd4gKa

Feb 26, 2019 · 36 likes · 6 shares · 19,666 followers View post →