walking barefoot

Well, this is my opinion, and I'm not a doctor and have no special knowledge about podiatry. Personally, I walk barefoot most of the time in my daily life. In home, outside, and while I exercise, but I don't run. I wear boots when I wear anything and that's just for the glassy-concrete areas and going to the store, etc. If you have any foot problems, arch instability and the myriad of others, it would probably be better to run with shoes that support those problems so they don't give you the other problems when they're stressed like joint pain, back pain, etc. If you don't have any foot troubles though and you have good form and run properly, I can't see much harm in it, just be on the lookout for any pain.

There's recently been a resurgence in the walking/running barefoot camps. Vibram has recently come out with a Five Fingers shoe, which I've been told feels like you're barefoot but still protects your feet as well as provides a bit of cushioning. I'd say give it a try. Start out slow & be very mindful of what your body's telling you. You'll run a greater risk of shin splints being barefoot, but if you take it slow & do it correctly you should be fine. Good luck!

Namaste

I have heard about the shoes that simulate walking barefoot. I am in podiatry. I have worked with a total of 3 drs at the same office for the last five years. This may be a controversial subject, but all three drs I have worked for say absolutely not! Especially on the treadmill. Of course, when they say that, they are talking to people who are at the office for a reason. It is very possible that you have a foot type that can tolerate it. Running is just very hard on the joints, most joints. Bevery careful and watch for pain in your heel/arch area. If you let that go untreated it can take months to heal. And make sure you stretch (runner's stretch especially) before you get on.