I am a barefoot runner…no, *I* am a barefoot runner!

Thinking about going barefoot – here are a few things to consider….. 1) there are also studies showing that use of barefoot training strategies have been shown to reduce plantar surface areas – over a short term the only way this would be possible would a strengthening of the supportive musculature and/or the actualization of a less pronated foot position 2)yes podiatrists express a concern over the safety issue and possibly directed towards the puncture issue, it would be nice then to see how many patient visits are attributable to punctures.
It does make sense that putting anything in to a restrictive environment would lead to atrophy, or for any organism (the foot is a living organism) that is insulated from minute strain and stress would atrophy. Both soft tissue and bone require strain and stress to continue their development and strengthening.
A major issue that is not often looked at is the issue that most people spend 10+ hours a day in shoes (most of our employers are not so keen on a dress pants and barefeet). There are bio-feedback based insoles that can be used in those shoes to encourage a strengthening of the foot’s supporting muscles. One thing that minimal shoes still continue to do is provide sensory insulation, putting something in direct contact with the foot’s plantar surface can provide the sensory biofeedback stimuli to encourage muscle activation and development.
I would strongly agree with the proponents of barefoot, however as a realist we still need to wear shoes – so we should be looking at systems that make the in-shoe environment healthier and less of an atrophying environment. I’m not 100% sure that making the purist barefoot commitment is realistic for all people, and t for those for whom it is not they can still benefit from stronger feet.