People have advocated barefoot running, claiming that it is better suited to human nature. Humans
usually run barefoot using a forefoot strike and run shod using a heel strike. The striking pattern was
thought to be a key factor that contributes to the benefit of barefoot running. The purpose of this study is
to use scientific data to prove that the striking pattern is more important than barefoot or shod
conditions for runners on running injuries prevention. Twelve habitually male shod runners were
recruited to run under four varying conditions: barefoot running with a forefoot strike, barefoot running
with a heel strike, shod running with a forefoot strike, and shod running with a heel strike. Kinetic and
kinematic data and electromyography signals were recorded during the experiments. The results
showed that the lower extremity can gain more compliance when running with a forefoot strike.
Habitually shod runners can gain more shock absorption by changing the striking pattern to a forefoot
strike when running with shoes and barefoot conditions. Habitually shod runners may be subject to
injuries more easily when they run barefoot while maintaining their heel strike pattern. Higher muscle
activity in the gastrocnemius was observed when running with a forefoot strike, which may imply a
greater training load on the muscle and a tendency for injury.