Research regarding barefoot running has grown extensively in recent years (Lieberman, 2012). The surge of interest in this topic can be credited to results suggesting that barefoot running is more beneficial for athletes, particularly in terms of injury prevention, when compared to shod running (Braunstein, Arampatzis, Eysel & Brüggemann, 2010). However, little research has been done into how specially designed shoes can replicate barefoot running. Therefore, this case study aimed to compare the biomechanical differences between barefoot running and two specialist shoes that claim to simulate barefoot running. Eight male participants ran at 3.5 ± 5% ms-1 in a barefoot, Altra and Vibram condition. Two-dimensional sagittal plane kinematics were recorded of the ankle and horizontal angle, while a force plate recorded active peak, passive peak and loading rate. No significant differences were observed between the barefoot and Vibram condition. However, the Altra condition exhibited a significantly greater active peak compared to the barefoot and Vibram condition. Furthermore, the barefoot condition illustrated significantly more plantarflexion in ankle angle compared to the Altra condition. Despite results suggesting that theoretically the Vibram shoes replicate barefoot running more so, it was concluded that the Altra shoes are a better preventative of running related injuries, and thus the superior alternative to barefoot running. However, future research is recommended to solidify these results.