Your right, I was also very sceptical to the whole barefoot thing.
I have to repeat my own experience.....
I have over the years had lots of different shoes, numerous injuries and several pairs of orthotics trying to right my knee, ahilles , IT Band and calf problems.
It was a physio friend who suggested that it may well be the orthotics and heavily posted road shoes that could be causing the problems.
I read lots on barefoot running on the web and did my own research.
So the first time I tried "barefooting" I jogged and hobbled, tip toed and winced for approx 50 metres. Now there wasnt a fantastic euphoria moment or anything but I can say that the pain I normally got when running wasnt there....Why was that?
I now use a new product that we have been developing it will give you the feel for barefoot while offering a degree of "underfoot protection".
There will be some who will be able to run completely barefoot( Colin Valentine use to do fell races....Yes fell races in barefeet
)
But for others including me I will want varying levels of "underfoot protection" depending on the terrain.
I know if im on a rough rocky route I will need( until I get use to it) either a 2 cushion/underfoot protection shoe like our X-Talon, Mudclaw 330 or Mudroc.
If I want to do a "Trail" run on paths, rocks, grass & road I will either use a 2 cushion ( F-Lite 285) or a 3 cushion ( Roclite 315, 295) If someone feels they still want a trail shoe with a bit more cushioning/underfoot protection theres a 4 in the Roclite 320.
So its a question of knowing that there are times you may want to go completely starkers( feet wise) and others you need a degree of protection.
Our current cushioning levels are 2, 3 & 4 the product I am testing would be deemed a 0.
The "ultimate Fellracer" would be a 1.
The thing to bear in mind is that it takes time to adjust to barefooting or "natural running.
I think it was Terry Tortoise or Nikkalas who said "take your shoes off and stand on a bench and jump off" how do you land? Try landing on your heels and feel you teeth shake & then land on the ball/toes. Your muscles and the suspension system of your feet absorb the shock.
, I now run a couple of miles every day, very slow but concentrating on placing my feet and my posture.
My road runs are done in F-lite 230( 2 cushion)which are very low profile shoes, very flexible.
I'm not advocating that everyone go from wearing shoes to barefoot in one swift move but there is a place for it.
If you still not convinced try and get a copy of "Born to Run" by Chris McDougall chapter 24 is an eye opener.
The main thing is to enjoy your running, sceptical or not