Barefoot runners?

I decided I was not at the knowledge level that I could be with regards to this topic, so I did a little research, and lo and behold (big shocker), it looks like I was wrong. Lots of studies out there actually concluded that running shoes are actually worse for you then running barefoot. That's not to say you should start running barefoot through the streets, as there's still rocks, glass, nails, and other debree that can harm you easilly. But apparently, if you can run on a treadmill or some other smooth surface that you are sure has no debree on it, there are some structural changes that happen that can reduce both acute (like ankle sprains) and chronic (like planar faciitis) injuries. I guess the supporting soft tissue on the sole of the foot flexes more and the skin hardens after prolonged barefoot running. This reduced arch problems, increases tendon strength in the arch and ankle, and promotes correction for pronation. All really good to know for me as I have a pretty pronounced pronation of the arch. I might have to give it a try on the treadmill in my house.

Hey, I ain't too proud to admit when I'm wrong.

Remember, our feet are designed for SPRINTING not for long runs, we don't balance all that greatly when we jog, nor are our bodies aligned very well for it.

Would you also be willing to say that the human foot is made for distance running - not sprinting. I didn't want to argue with you earlier but I believe that that statement is incorrect and should be corrected.

In a sprint out bodies are tilted even further forward than in a jog and therefore even more out of balance. The arch of the foot provides a spring effect. When sprinting the runner runs more on the balls of the feet. In distance running (jogging) the runner should land more mid-foot. We are built more for the long haul more so than speed.

Remember, our feet are designed for SPRINTING not for long runs, we don't balance all that greatly when we jog, nor are our bodies aligned very well for it.

Would you also be willing to say that the human foot is made for distance running - not sprinting. I didn't want to argue with you earlier but I believe that that statement is incorrect and should be corrected.

In a sprint out bodies are tilted even further forward than in a jog and therefore even more out of balance. The arch of the foot provides a spring effect. When sprinting the runner runs more on the balls of the feet. In distance running (jogging) the runner should land more mid-foot. We are built more for the long haul more so than speed.

Ahh, I wouldn't be willing to say that.
I don't know about you but when I sprint, I'm in absolute full control. I balance far better on the balls of my feet then on my heels (as do most humans). As an example, put your feet together, close your eyes, and stand straight up on your full foot, now have someone push you. Quite easy to fall over isn't it? Now perform the same function on the balls of your feet, far harder.

What I would be willing to say is that we have evolved to a point of adequacy in distance running. Remember, we (quite recently in evolutionary terms) developed a heal and arch to compensate for our move from quadruped to semi-biped to biped. Sprinting still takes in the natural forward leaning motion our legs were originally designed for. our bodies were never really originally designed for 2 legs, and we are still evolving to get that right.