Quote Originally Posted by nscrbug View Post
However, I do have a toe-numbing/tingly issue on my right foot which generally flares up anytime I run over 3 miles. I'm not sure if it's a friction/swelling issue, a nerve issue, or what...but it's really annoying and frustrating...and I've tried dozens of different running shoes in hopes of resolving this problem with no success so far. I would love to try a minimalist shoe like the VFF's, but fear that I will still have the toe pain issue. Any ideas on how I could go about making the transition a little easier and less painful?
Take off your right shoe and sock. Look at the sole of your right foot. Look at the ball of your right foot. Is there a nice callus (or thick skin) under the ball of your big toe? There should be.

Is there a callus or thick skin under the ball of your pinky toe? There should be.

Is there a callus or thick skin under the ball of any other toe? NOT such a good thing. From what you describe I expect there is one under the ball of the second (index) toe or the one next to it. Or maybe between the ball of the big toe and the index toe.

If there is a callus or thick skin, you probably have a dropped met head which is causing compression on one of the nerves that runs through the ball of the foot.

It's not a big deal, it's pretty easy to correct with exercises, and it often goes along with a postural pronation issue.

Let me know if you need the exercises.

(I'd get them rolling before starting the barefoot running, so the running can help you get the metatarsal arch back up to strength)