Barefoot running has become something that is attracting a lot of controversy. It is widely promoted in books, running forums and web sites as a natural alternative for running in shoes. There are many claims made by the barefoot running community as to the benefits of barefoot running such as a reduction injury, a more efficient running style, improved biomechanics, etc. However, despite claims to the opposite by the barefoot running community, there is no evidence to support almost all of the claims that they make. Most of the evidence that is cited by the barefoot running community does not actually show or say what is claimed. This has led to a number of debates on barefoot running and the barefoot running community have shown themselves to be very sensitive to criticism. They have also shown themselves to be incapable to rationally discussing the issues raised and have a well documented track record of attacking the person making the anti-barefoot running comments rather than discuss the issue.

This does not mean that barefoot running is not good for some people. Many elite athletes incorporate barefoot drills into their training routines. What is at the core of the debate or discussions is the use of barefoot running as a training aid vs the philosophy of barefoot running as being better than running shoes. See this French discussion on barefoot running.

Until proper prospective long term trials are done, it is unlikely that this debate will be settled.