We assume that when we wear shoes, we will be protected, and yet many struggle with things like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. The tribe mentioned above, the Tarahumara, has shown for generations the ability to run in minimal footwear for ultra marathons without the typical modern injuries we have grown accustomed to expecting. So what you wear on your feet is associated with injury risk, but it isn't in the way many people assume. It may actually be the traditional running shoes that aren't safe. Further, there is evidence that authentic minimalist running shoes can help with chronic knee issues because minimalist shoes promote natural forefoot strike and toe to heel running motion compared to modern shoes, which encourage a heel strike when running.