The controversy of barefoot running
Barefoot running is becoming a popular option to running with running shoes. Theoretically, we were created to run barefoot to live, to hunt and move from camp to camp. Since that time concrete got invented and we need something to protect our bodies from that hard environment when we run on it. The effects of these impacts on the body long term are not clear. The barefoot running community is growing, but so is the anti barefoot running commentary.
Those who run barefoot and promote it make a number of extraordinary claims for the benefits of it. They claim that the barefoot running biomechanics is more efficient than running in shoes. They like toclaim that there are less overuse injuries in those that run without shoes. However, there is no research evidence to support that running barefoot is better or even the best way to run. Supporters of barefoot running point to a lot of evidence, but when you look at what they are claiming, then the research did not actually say what is being claimed. The barefoot running community is dominated by many who are almost religious like about it and often it is difficult to have rational discussion about the evidence with them. It is almost like trying to have a religious argument with someone - something that no one is going to win.
This does not mean that barefoot running does not have some benefits; it is just the unsubstantiated claims being made for its benefits that are the concern. Barefoot running probably should be used by all runners, in moderation and as part of a balanced running or training program to help them develop their full running potential.