Studies into barefoot running have shown that unshod runners tend to land their stride on the ball of their foot or with a flat foot, whereas shod runners, possibly due the increased amount of support offered by modern running shoes, land on the heel of their foot. Over a period of time, in certain people, this pressure on the heel can lead to various problems, such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, shin splints and even back problems. Up to 30% of running enthusiasts are said to experience injuries relating to their running technique. Read more.
