Something for you to think about Robert. I can guarantee all these BF runners used to run with shoes. Why did they take their shoes off? What have they experienced since then that has not encouraged them to put their shoes back on?
Another thing to think about, all the people saying not to run barefoot have never been a barefoot runner. Never given their feet and body time to adapt and see what the results are.

Now ask yourself. Who has more knowledge on the complete subject? Who has more experience on the complete subject? What did they chose?

By all means keep running with shoes, write articles about how to chose the right shoes, but calling barefoot runners idiots just shows how little you know.

In all of the above comments there has been a constant complaint that “we’re just making this stuff up” without any research. And yet, you’ve provided no external resources by way of accepted research or notable doctors to support your claims (except of course your two nameless friends.) By offering you those quotes, we’re providing to you where our opinions are coming from. I also think it’s rather amusing you accuse me of lecturing when that’s all you’ve been doing because you were offended by some word choice that doesn’t change the original point of the article. So until you’re the president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, which I’ve quoted as agreeing with some of our conclusions, your teaching career isn’t deterring me from disagreeing with you.

In summation, your choice of footwear is actually irrelevant to the amount of attention paid – all runners watch where they’re going, but even observant people have lapses.

The only fact of the matter would be that, if both runners are equal in all respects, the shod runner will experience less damage (in fact, potentially no damage) from debris, while the barefoot runner would suffer more (potentially much more).

-Science.

-Dave

Seriously my friend. “Piercing your foot is not going to happen.” You would advise people willing to run barefoot to be unconcerned with stepping on sharp objects?

As far as I’m concerned if you’re so blind to the obvious dangers of barefoot running, the rest of your opinion loses significant weight.

R.

-Dave

A bit of broken glass through the foot is all the solid evidence most of us need.

It’s interesting to note that virtually every person speaking in favor of barefoot includes something along the lines of “it isn’t for everyone” and “it takes awhile to get used to.” The AAPSM also refuses to endorse barefoot running and for much of its existence, reviewed and endorsed safe footwear.

I’m sure there is a barefoot blog out there somewhere that caters to the subculture, but the vast, vast, vast majority of people who run wear shoes. This article is for them.

It’s somewhat frustrating that every negative response focuses completely on one or two paragraphs about barefoot running, but completely ignores the fact that we endorse barefoot workouts when and where its safe. I guess we just differ on the pavement of a major city being safe.

I think its also somewhat interesting that programs exist worldwide to give shoes to people who don’t have them, because shoes are protective. It seems to me this month or more adjustment period is just akin to skin toughening and damaging. Should all people interested in boxing or martial arts spend weeks punching a block of wood? I did, and it toughened my hands the way it was supposed to. But I don’t insult anyone, or take offense, when someone insists on wearing gloves to protect their hands.

In researching barefoot running more and more, I’m not even close to changing my opinion that most people should be wearing shoes. I’ve read reviews from Vibram Five Finger users who, surprise surprise, stepped on something sharp or developed plantar fascitis. Vibram even now makes “rugged” versions of their footwear which is a version with a much thicker, more protective sole.

I plan on revisiting this topic later after more research, but my basic findings indicate that if you want the benefits of barefoot running without the dangers, there are super flexible pairs of shoes that might just do the trick.

We’re looking into it.

Best,

And before lecturing me again on the advice of medical professionals, you should know that I teach at a major US medical school.

-Dave

But barefoot training remains controversial. Many podiatrists cringe at the notion of unshod feet pounding the pavement, where the risks include cuts, bruises and unsanitary conditions. “If we want to mimic barefoot running, shoes should come with broken glass and twigs,” says Stephen M. Pribut, a Washington, D.C., podiatrist and president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. “The emphasis should be on getting the right shoe for your foot.”

More:
There isn’t a lot of scientific study on barefoot training. Research has shown that wearing shoes to exercise takes more energy, and that barefoot runners use about 4 percent less oxygen than shod runners. Other studies suggest barefoot athletes naturally compensate for the lack of cushioning and land more softly than runners in shoes, putting less shock and strain on the rest of the body. Barefoot runners also tend to land in the middle of their foot, which can improve running form and reduce injury.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06157/696125-114.stm#ixzz0qOC3cQqT

And an interview with podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Jeff Hurless:

If somebody new to barefoot running starts doing it, they can get plantar fasciitis. I have a patient who was a tri-athlete and started barefoot running and came down with plantar fasciitis. You can also get a variety of tendinitises or soft tissue injuries. If you’re already a slightly over-pronator, you’re going to really over-pronate and you can get tibial tendinitis. If we lived without shoes, we’d probably have more success at barefoot running. The bone density might be better and muscles would be stronger. But we’re not always on our barefeet – it’s our society and culture to live in shoes and that’s the way it’s always going to be. We’re not in the best position to run barefoot.

Read more here: http://www.healthyfeetblog.com/myths-about-barefoot-running

All 3 of these clips represent what Robert states: Some people are into it, if you’re a solid runner and want to try and take it to the next level, by all means try barefoot running, just be careful. There’s no question though MOST people are going to be exercising with shoes on — and for them — we submit this article on making sure you find a shoe that accommodates your athletic goals.

I think it’s great a lot of the commenters have had success with barefoot running, but the harsh tone suggests that it’s silly NOT to run barefoot, which hasn’t been presented either here or in academic research. The podiatrists I’ve quoted above see some benefit in it but they also caution there can be some negative side effects of it. If you’ve had nothing but good results, that’s fantastic, but doesn’t change the cautions of medical professionals.

You really ought to stop making up things and presenting them as factually researched, and say something like “There are some benefits to barefoot running, like strengthened feet and reinforced good running form, but most people will find they do not want to endure the transition period of re-training their feet, which typically takes many months.” That’s what I usually tell people who ask me. Very few people have a reasonable appreciation for how long the transitionary period is.