Xero Shoes’ Minimal Footwear Research Grant
Xero Shoes’ Minimal Footwear Research Grant supports doctoral students and early-career researchers studying minimalist footwear to understand its effects on movement, performance, injury, and lifelong physical activity.
Browse similar grants
Funder: American College of Sports Medicine Foundation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Portal opens) | November 13, 2026 (Application deadline) | April 30, 2027 (Post-award documents) | August 31, 2028 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: $10,000; one award annually; 12-month grant term
Summary: Supports doctoral students and early-career researchers conducting human research on minimalist footwear’s effects on biomechanics, performance, injury, and physical activity across the lifespan.
Key Information: Applicants must hold ACSM national membership in good standing and maintain their membership level throughout funding.
Description
The American College of Sports Medicine Foundation administers this grant with funding from Xero Shoes, a company specializing in lightweight minimalist footwear for walking, running, and athletics. The program supports human research examining minimalist footwear’s impacts on biomechanics, performance, injury, and physical activity across the lifespan. It is intended for full-time doctoral students and researchers within two years of receiving a postgraduate degree or completing clinical training.
The initiative pairs research with scientific dissemination: recipients conduct research in year one and undertake scientific activities in year two, including presenting the funded work at an ACSM meeting. Recipients are also expected to share related publications and presentations with the Foundation.
