An evaluation of a six-week combined minimal footwear transition and gait-retraining combination versus gait retraining only on impact characteristics and leg stiffness. Twenty-four trained male runners were randomly assigned to either (1) minimalist footwear transition combined with gait-retraining over a six-week period ("combined" group; n = 12) examined in both footwear, or (2) a gait-retraining group only with no minimalist footwear exposure ("control"; n = 12). Participants were assessed for loading rate, impact peak, vertical, knee and ankle stiffness, and foot-strike using 3D and kinetic analysis. Loading rate was significantly higher in the combined group in minimal shoes in pre-tests compared to a control (p <= 0.001), reduced significantly in the combined group over time (p <= 0.001), and was not different to the control group in post-tests (p = 0.16). The impact peak (p = 0.056) and ankle stiffness reduced in both groups (p = 0.006). Loading rate and vertical stiffness was higher in minimalist footwear than conventional running shoes both pre (p <= 0.001) and post (p = 0.046) the intervention. There has a higher tendency to non-rearfoot strike in both interventions, but more acute changes in the minimalist footwear. A combined intervention can potentially reduce impact variables. However, higher loading rate initially in minimalist footwear may increase the risk of injury in this condition.

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