Minimalist shoes help build muscle
RUNNING in so-called ‘minimalist’ footwear can increase leg and foot muscle volume. Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Harvard Medical School compared the effects of running in minimalist shoes – featuring five separate toe compartments, zero heel-to-toe drop and no midsole cushioning or arch support – with ordinary cushioned trainers. After six months, runners in the ‘barefoot’ group had significant muscle growth, particularly in their forefoot and the muscles stretching from leg to heel.