Discussion: Barefoot running

The NYTimes has an interesting article today about the health benefits of barefoot running.

I always thought you were kidding when you logged a barefoot run. But I guess you already knew much of the article. Maybe I'll try it on the golf course!

...Shoes protect our feet and...they also alter our strides and could increase the pressure and wear on our leg joints. People who have concerns about their balance or their knees might consider sometimes walking [or running] barefoot...

I've been running barefoot since I was a kid. I think it helps develop a softer foot strike. I think a lot of the other claimed benefits are pretty dubious. I mostly do it because I like how it feels.