A running shoe, selected for its neutral classification and design characteristics typical of most running footwear, was provided to all runners.
While I understand their intent, this is probably a significant source of error for their study. Not all shoes are equal for all feet -- I know for a fact that proper shoe selection is vital for running comfort in feet, knees, and hips. I would bet money that "comfort" is directly analogous to the torque measurements made here.
"Reducing joint torques with footwear completely to that of barefoot running, while providing meaningful footwear functions, especially compliance, should be the goal of new footwear designs."
Not sure what advantage these new designs would provide for somebody like me, who does a lot of trail running on rocky terrain.
I do a lot of jogging on desert trails. I’d have bloody stumps instead of feet if I WALKED the trails barefoot!
However, I don’t see anything saying they controlled for speed. A barefoot runner would run slower and more cautiously, and therefor put less stress on his legs - because he’s protecting his feet with shorter and lower impact strides. Duh!
I don’t run for time. I do it for stress relief and the joy of getting outdoors. I’ve been running since 1972, and haven’t had an injury. I’m sure I would have if I ran as fast as I could, because maximum efforts tends to result in maximum stress.