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Effects of Minimalist Footwear on Postural Stability, Plantar Footprint, and Safety in Healthy Adults: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: This study evaluated the long-term changes induced by wearing minimalist footwear (MF) during activities of daily living (ADLs) on the plantar footprint and postural stability in healthy adults. In this randomized clinical trial, a total of 95 healthy adults were recruited; 90 participants completed the protocol and were analyzed in either an experimental group (EG, n = 45), which wore MF for at least 5 h per day over a 6-month period, or a passive control group (CG, n = 45). Plantar pressure distribution (forefoot, rearfoot, and total contact areas), static stability (center of pressure (CoP) displacement under open-eyes and closed-eyes conditions), and dynamic stability (forward reach test) were assessed using a force platform at baseline and post-intervention. A self-reported questionnaire and an adverse event record were also completed by the EG. Statistical analysis was carried out using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a paired Student’s t-test; statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. The Group × Time interaction analysis revealed no statistically significant between-group differences across the evaluated parameters. However, within-group analysis showed a significant increase in CoP displacement under the open-eye condition in the CG (p=0.037), indicating a decline in baseline postural efficiency, whereas the EG maintained structural and posturographic stability. Regarding user feedback, comfort (44.4%) was highlighted as the primary advantage, aesthetics (77.8%) was the main drawback, and 70% of the participants intended to continue using MF. Only two minor, transient adverse events were recorded. In conclusion, a 6-month program of MF use during ADLs did not produce any statistically significant changes in plantar footprint or stability in healthy adults.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16178475

Authors: Daniel García-García, Rocío Llamas-Ramos, Jorge Juan Alvarado-Omenat, Marta Correyero-León, Inés Llamas-Ramos

Institutions: Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca, Universidad de Valladolid

Language: English

Topic: Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896