For example, running in minimalist footwear decreases the impact forces on your legs due to the lack of cushioning causing you to land on your forefoot and allow the foot to absorb more shock. In addition, a person who performs all of their activities barefoot, on a daily basis, will save money since they will never have to purchase shoes. A man named, Dr. Nick Campitelli, performed a two year long case study which demonstrated an increase in arch height from running in minimalist shoes. He observed a 34 year old woman who had flexible flat feet, a valgus position of the calcaneus ( the heel bone angles inward when observing from behind), and a valgus knee deformity (knock knees). Her symptoms consisted of knee pain as well as frequent lower back pain and she used custom orthotics in her shoes to try to realign her arch and heel bone. After 6-8 weeks of transitioning into minimalist shoes, she was able to comfortably run in the minimalist shoes. And two years later, Dr. Campitelli reported that she was able to strengthen the postural muscles of the foot, specifically the abductor hallucis muscle(_______________). This is just one example of the many case studies that have been performed and produced successful results that minimalist running can be