Injuries are often multi-factorial, and it is unlikely that running shoes will decide whether a runner will develop an injury. For a previously injured runner, a switch to barefoot running has the potential to reduce loading rates and reduce pain, but may also further exacerbate the injury. In this case, it may be beneficial for the runner to gradually switch to barefoot running. However, if a runner is injury-free then a switch to barefoot running is likely not warranted, and the sudden change has the potential to do harm to the runner. There is no conclusive evidence for barefoot run- ning preventing injury, so if the shod runner is not pres- ently injured, the old colloquial phrase, ‘‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’’ should be followed