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After a very long hiatus, my brother convinced me to get back into running. In doing so I read a book called Born to Run by Chris McDougall. Amazing book whether you like to run or not. Among other things, the book discusses the principles of 'barefoot' running. Some take this quite literally and run barefoot in nearly all conditions. Others apply this more as minimalist running and wear running sandals or minimalist shoes (no heel rise or arch support). I've taken this to heart not only in my running but my day to day life. I've always been one to remain barefoot whenever at home and whenever possible out and about. I'm expanding that, going for long walks barefoot, running barefoot. I've now found some minimalist shoes to wear at work. I'm astonished at how good I feel. The foot was meant to feel the ground and experience physical stress to remain strong and healthy. We have been conditioned to lock our feet in cushioned boxes that cause them to weaken profoundly and take away all tactile relationship to the earth. I think there are many physical ailments that are related to our use of shoes (plantar fascitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, flat feet, back pain, knee pain). Anyone else embrace this? I'm interested in your thoughts and experiences. Peace