Barefoot running...good idea?

[Jolt]

I've been reading a lot of stuff lately about barefoot running/walking (as long as one builds up to it gradually) being beneficial for strengthening the feet and helping with proper form and also that modern running shoes may be increasing the risk of injury. What do you guys think? Obviously this isn't the season for running barefoot outside (at least in northern parts of the country) but there's always the treadmill or indoor track. I'm inclined to think that it would be good to work up to running barefoot (or in the Vibram Five Fingers for protection against broken glass and other junk on the ground) at least some of the time given that our feet weren't exactly designed to be in shoes all the time, but a little nervous about trying it.

[Biciclista]

try it on an indoor track. walk around barefoot more. Don't expect your shoe feet to suddenly be comfortable being bare. it takes a while to build muscle and callous.

Your feet were designed to carry you throughout your life. But you've had them in shoes for most of them. People who go barefoot all the time develop muscles in their feet that get soft in shoes. If you do a little searching on the subject you will find there are groups of people promoting being barefoot.
And Those shoes you are talking about, the 5 fingers are great if they fit you. They did not fit me, so that was that.
Another shoe that i found to be very good is the Nike FREE. IT appears that they are being discontinued, but that's what i've been wearing for the last 2 years; as they allow your feet to move like they are supposed to.

[Jolt]

I do walk around barefoot (or in socks when it's cold) at home. In a little while I am going to the Y since the weather has been really rotten here today and I think I will give it a try on the indoor track after finishing the rest of the workout. As for the Five Fingers, they do fit me pretty well (the toes are a little long, but that's not a major issue) so those will be an option for outside when the weather is warmer and I run in places that might have glass etc. Currently I use them when I go to the rock gym.

[Urlea]

I used to run barefoot on the dreadmill. This is before I knew the worth of good running shoes. My knees killed me afterward every time.

When I was in FL this fall I ran about three miles barefoot on the beach. (Pictures of my blisters are on my blog.) One of the best runs of my life and the softer surface didn't cause any knee pain.

My husband uses the Vibram five fingers & loves them. Especially for trail running where it's nice to be able to use your toes to help grip the ground. I plan to try them this spring, but for now am just getting used to toe socks.

I'm sure it's just one of those things your body can adapt to. To me it's worth trying, but I'm guessing it will take time to build up calluses and proper form.

[Crankin]

I don't know about this...
I think every part of my feet and legs would be in agony, along with my back.
On the way home from a ride this summer, I was trying to beat an impending deluge of rain. It was thundering and lightening violently. I was almost back to my friend's house when i passed a man running barefoot, in just a skimpy Speedo like pair of shorts and no shirt. I had to blink a few times before I saw how little he had on! Then he yelled at me because I was trying to give him room and he yelled back that i was in the lane and a car was coming. It was very weird.

[OakLeaf]

I'm just trying to wean myself off orthotics, so I'm not really one to talk, but it seems to me that running on hard flat surfaces like a gym floor is an "advanced class." My instinct is that you'd want a considerable amount of time building your foot and leg muscles running barefoot on trails or beach, before attacking the flat stuff.

I do blame my foot problems on wearing shoes as a child, but that's just a guess really.

Dr. Jolie Bookspan's blog discusses foot health in several posts. I've just begun reading her and finding that her ideas "fit" with other things I'm working on like Chi Running and good body mechanics generally.