What an interresting article and some really good advice. I particularly liked the fact he was not too fanatical about it, opinions always seem to be so opposed that it causes arguements, perhaps his moderate stance on going barefoot will encourage others to give it a try who wouldn't otherwise just because so many barefoot enthusiasts are so in your face and extreem.

Scince I started barefooting and running in minimal footwear, I have felt the begining signs of all the Beginning barefoot injuries he talks about apart from the Achilles Tendon. All of them have been solved by backing off a bit and the blisters on the toes by not pushing off. The hardest one to shake I have found was tight calves.

I have been surprised by the changes in my feet too. I was expecting my soles to become much harder, they are certainly tougher, but are still fairly soft and smooth. On Thursday I went for my first barefoot run in the rain (not because I have been avoiding it, just because it has not rained for ages!) When I got back into the house and walked accross the tiled hallway I noticed that my footprint had changed, as my feet have got stronger my arch must have raised as before I have allways had a typical pronators footprint. This may also be why my feet seem to have got shorter. My feet are also more muscular, especially my big toe. I now find it quite tight in VFFs, whereas before it was never really an issue.

I have been a bit of a coward about running off road barefoot, everything I have done so far has been on tarmac, I think I may be ready for it though!

James