Prospective comparison of running injuries between shod and barefoot runners.
A 2015 study compared barefoot running and running in shoes and found injury rates to be simular, but overall fewer musculoskeletal injuries. I know, sounds confusing. This is very difficult to study. My philosophy is that running without shoes on forces a more natural gait which inherently reduces the likelihood of an overuse injury. I’m not saying we should all be running without shoes, but it’s a great tool to help improve your form. Finally, don’t look to shoes to fix your injuries. I have many pictures of patients bringing bags of shoes and are still having foot related issues. 
CONCLUSIONS: Barefoot running is associated with fewer overall musculoskeletal injuries/runner, but similar injury rates. A larger scale cohort is needed to more accurately assess differences in individual injuries between these two groups.
Br J Sports Med. 2015 Jun 30. pii: bjsports-2014-094482. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094482. [Epub ahead of print]
Source: Prospective comparison of running injuries between shod and barefoot runners. – PubMed – NCBI
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About The Author
Dr. Nick Campitelli
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes. Having treated runners with all types of injuries through conservative measures with orthotics and shoe gear changes to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Campitelli has brought what works best and is most current to his practice as well as the Akron and Cleveland running communities.