The typical arguments in favor of barefoot running are far from convincing, in my opinion. The barefoot advocates certainly have a lot to say, but the simple fact is that there is no evidence that shoes are the cause of injuries, or that running barefoot will prevent injuries. The claim that a forefoot strike is most optimal for long-distance running is completely unsubstantiated. Where your foot makes contact in relation to your center of mass is more important than which part of your foot strikes the ground first. Heel-striking is not synonymous with overstriding, and correcting an overstride can easily be accomplished while wearing shoes. Furthermore, all of the elite runners wear shoes, and the available evidence suggests that the far majority of elite distance runners are heel strikers.

Despite all the indications that shoes are here to stay, I believe there is still value in devoting some time to barefoot >> Read full article