The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of a non-cushioned minimalistic shoe and cushioned shoe during walking at 6 and running at 10 and 14 km∙h-1 in habituated female runners. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the spatio-temporal and kinetic variables of gait in these two shoe conditions. Methods: Twelve habituated female runners completed two trials (cushioned shoe vs. minimalist shoe) with three within-trial speeds (6, 10 and 14 km∙h-1) in a counter-balanced design. Flexible pressure insole sensors were used to determine kinetic variables (peak vertical impact force, average loading rate, active vertical peak force, time to active peak vertical force, and impulse) and spatio-temporal variables (stride duration, cadence, ground contact time, swing time and time to mid stance). Results: Cushioned running shoes exhibited greater energy absorption (690%), recovered energy (920%), and heat dissipation (350%). These differences resulted in the cushioned shoes significantly reducing peak vertical impact (~12%) and average loading rate (~11%) at running speeds 10-14 km∙h-1 while not affecting peak active force, impulse, stride duration, ground contact or swing time. Conclusion: Cushioned running shoes provide significant benefits in energy absorption, energy recovery and heat dissipation, which decreases impact-related forces and loading rates in female runners without changing spatio-temporal variables of gait.