The study investigated the longer-term effects of transitioning to minimalist shoes on running performance, running economy, strength, and bone density over a 20-week follow-up period. Fifty male runners who previously transitioned to using minimalist or conventional shoes for 35% of their weekly training were studied. The findings showed that after 20 weeks of using minimalist shoes for 100% of their running, there were no significant improvements in running performance, economy, biomechanics, or lower limb bone mineral density. However, runners who trained more in minimalist shoes did experience greater improvements in plantar flexor strength compared to those in conventional shoes.

The study concluded that while initial improvements were noted with a limited use of minimalist shoes, increasing their use to 100% did not yield further performance benefits. It suggested that runners should limit the percentage of training done in minimalist shoes to avoid potential injury risks without significant performance gains.