In conclusion, the observations of the current investigation show that running BF and in minimalist BFIS exhibit significant reductions in knee PTF and PP compared to running in conventional footwear. Given the proposed relationship between knee joint loading and patellofemoral pathology, the risk of the developing running-related knee injuries may be attenuated through BF and BFIS. However, taking into account the corresponding increase in ATF during BF and minimal- ist BFIS, this may in turn enhance the likelihood of chronic injuries to Achilles tendon. It is clear that additional analyses are required in order to provide prospective epidemiological analyses of BF and BFIS in relation to conventional running footwear and the influence of differ- ent knee and ankle load patterns on the aetiology of running injuries.