There is a lot of discussion about barefoot running and other minimal shoe running (Vibram 5 finger shoes, Nike Free, etc.). We are asked about it frequently. Our answer is that we have talked to several who have had significant reduction of back and knee pain after switching to one of the minimalist shoes. Others we’ve talked to developed problems when they tried to go minimal.
In talking with those who run in the Vibram 5 Finger shoes, our observation is that those who have done well appeared to have a neutral gait and were not overweight. They did not oversupinate or overpronate, both of which tend to need more Pedorthic attention than a neutral gait. That is our observation only, not scientific data, but it is consistent with what some of the podiatrists in the following link have observed also.
We have 2 references for you below if you are interested in the merits of barefoot and minimalist running.
This is a link to a forum frequented by podiatrists. It is somewhat lengthy but well worth reading if you are interested in pursuing barefoot or minimalist shoes.
http://www.podiatry-arena.com/podiatry-forum/showthread.php?t=64746
Here is a link to a recent study where injury rates for rearfoot strikers were compared with forefoot strikers. There is the theory that conventional running shoes force a rearfoot strike. Although we don’t agree that the study proves that “It’s official – barefoot is best” the study does show that forefoot strikers did have significantly fewer injuries that rearfoot strikers.
http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/community/?p=3223