So I see that this thread has been somewhat busy, so I wanted to offer my two cents. I ended up running short distances with my Vibrams within a broader running program, but I did not end up switching to them completely.
I have looked at the podiatry link and found the discussion to be EQUALLY ANECDOTAL as this forum. The post starts with a bunch of ANECDOTES! As pointed out later in the forum, most of them are by regular runners that thought they could just switch the shoe and keep the rest of the training the same.
Obviously there is some serious adjustment that goes on in one's entire body when adjusting to this new gait. I have studied human anatomy and found that while I had learned the names of these muscles, I had never felt them until my first barefoot run.
The real verdict on these shoes can only be reached after doing rigorous, scientific, peer reviewed studies. While we wait for those, all our data is anecdotal at best.
I personally have seen a lot of benefit from regular use of these "shoes". However, it doesen't make sense to go crazy. Some lucky people might be able to all of a sudden switch, but for the rest of us, common sense is mandated.
PS: here's the best post from that link:
I am quite shocked at the lack of critical thought associated with most of these posts. Whether barefoot running or wearing Vibrams it is essential that a person work very slowly into this significant change in their training. Did any of these people follow appropriate protocol in moving from running shoe to barefoot or vibram running?! We are blaming the shoe on MAJOR STRATEGIC TRAINING ERRORS. We have to remember that it will take several months to adapt and accommodate this new stress. Just as in the folks who have never run in their adult life need to pick up this new skill (i.e. running) very slowly. I must also add that I would never recommend that someone run exclusively in these shoes and never for marathon mileage. For those of you on this post that have claimed injury to barefoot or vibram running, try the following:
1) Integrate barefoot training in a technique and drill focused warm-up on an accommodating surface such as grass. There will be no actual "running" to start, just technique drills and a single leg strengthening exercises. Time: approximately 10-20 minutes. Frequency: 2x/week. Continue with regular training minus 10% in regular shoes.
2) Progress warm-up over a period of 2-3 months. At the end of the 2-3 months should be the first sign of consistent running. This would be no different than the "Learn to Run" programs offered to adults who have never run, at your local running club. Warm-up + an easy interval or walk/run on an accommodating surface. 2x/week. As above, continue with regular training minus 10% in regular shoes.
3) SLOWLY PROGRESS or continue using this type of training as an implement to improve your running form.
Some important questions to ask:
1) What type of foot does this person have.
2) Have they been running in motion control shoes, stability shoes, neutral or racing flats?
2) Lower extremity alignment and function (i.e. anteverted femur, poor proprioception/balance, weak hip abductors, etc.)
3) Technique (do they actually know how to run with good form?)
4) Previous injuries
5) Weekly training load (training intensity x volume)
I have looked at the podiatry link and found the discussion to be EQUALLY ANECDOTAL as this forum. The post starts with a bunch of ANECDOTES! As pointed out later in the forum, most of them are by regular runners that thought they could just switch the shoe and keep the rest of the training the same.
Obviously there is some serious adjustment that goes on in one's entire body when adjusting to this new gait. I have studied human anatomy and found that while I had learned the names of these muscles, I had never felt them until my first barefoot run.
The real verdict on these shoes can only be reached after doing rigorous, scientific, peer reviewed studies. While we wait for those, all our data is anecdotal at best.
I personally have seen a lot of benefit from regular use of these "shoes". However, it doesen't make sense to go crazy. Some lucky people might be able to all of a sudden switch, but for the rest of us, common sense is mandated.
PS: here's the best post from that link:
I am quite shocked at the lack of critical thought associated with most of these posts. Whether barefoot running or wearing Vibrams it is essential that a person work very slowly into this significant change in their training. Did any of these people follow appropriate protocol in moving from running shoe to barefoot or vibram running?! We are blaming the shoe on MAJOR STRATEGIC TRAINING ERRORS. We have to remember that it will take several months to adapt and accommodate this new stress. Just as in the folks who have never run in their adult life need to pick up this new skill (i.e. running) very slowly. I must also add that I would never recommend that someone run exclusively in these shoes and never for marathon mileage. For those of you on this post that have claimed injury to barefoot or vibram running, try the following:
1) Integrate barefoot training in a technique and drill focused warm-up on an accommodating surface such as grass. There will be no actual "running" to start, just technique drills and a single leg strengthening exercises. Time: approximately 10-20 minutes. Frequency: 2x/week. Continue with regular training minus 10% in regular shoes.
2) Progress warm-up over a period of 2-3 months. At the end of the 2-3 months should be the first sign of consistent running. This would be no different than the "Learn to Run" programs offered to adults who have never run, at your local running club. Warm-up + an easy interval or walk/run on an accommodating surface. 2x/week. As above, continue with regular training minus 10% in regular shoes.
3) SLOWLY PROGRESS or continue using this type of training as an implement to improve your running form.
Some important questions to ask:
1) What type of foot does this person have.
2) Have they been running in motion control shoes, stability shoes, neutral or racing flats?
2) Lower extremity alignment and function (i.e. anteverted femur, poor proprioception/balance, weak hip abductors, etc.)
3) Technique (do they actually know how to run with good form?)
4) Previous injuries
5) Weekly training load (training intensity x volume)
), but I'd like to ask you guys - can you wear them as just regular go-about-your-everyday-business shoes? I'm thinking during the summers, to and from work (walking on sidewalks), shopping, errands, housework etc. I think they might be just a tad too far-out to get away with at my job 
