Trying to play to people’s fears in an effort to stop them from being informed will surely fail. Especially when research from none other than Harvard is being published. Trying to combat information with fear doesn’t work for long (one need only look at some previous US administrations to see that). Indeed, the only effective way to go up against information is with credible and convincing counter-information.

Up until recently, running shoes have mainly been classified in terms of motion control, stability, and arch support. Such classification requires a whole vocabulary of words, such as neutral, pronation, and advanced. When Minimal shoes are included in the mix, though, a new classification is called for. Without more than one category for anything less than the regular, large running shoes out there, most people will remain confused and even misguided when it comes to “barefoot” running shoes.

This is a story of a guy who loves shoes. However, this guy has written a number of posts about the virtues of going barefoot – how it strengthens the feet, making you a better runner. So, how can he encourage people to try going barefoot yet wear stylish shoes himself? Well, a solution that marries barefoot minimalist form with fashionable design now makes this possible.

If you saw a strange, motley looking crew running in Palo Alto Saturday with naked feet, that was us. Contrary to what surely was the conclusion of most passersby, we are not the latest new age cult to hit California. We're merely fans of natural running. Brought together by a common interest in running without shoes, we had gathered with Barefoot Ted (of Born to Run fame) to learn, practice, and improve our running form and have a good time. Both goals were met.