One reason that some of the best long distance runners are from Africa is because they train barefoot. I can't remember the exact number, but by doing this trains & triggers the nerve endings in your feet to react and respond quicker, causing the leg and thigh muscles to be more responsive.
I worked for Nike years ago and use to train sales people on shoe technology, so I also had to learn about foot / ankle / knee injuries in addition to shoe technology. I'm barefoot whenever I can, mostly because I'm Asian and the shoes come off whenever you're in a house. I have an office job so when I'm at the desk, my shoes are off. The VP of Engineering walks around in flip flops in the office but only puts shoes on when customers visit or if he's out on the manufacturing area.
I've been barefoot for almost 3 years, and my feet aren't tore up at all. If you take care of them, it's all good. I have women telling me my feet look good.
I'm fortunate enough to be able to go barefoot at work so for the last decade at least I usually on wear shoes driving, in public, or using the restroom at work. I also didn't wear shoes much growing up and can stand hot asphalt up to about 90 outside. One of my best barefoot experiences was hiking in Maui. 3 hours over mud, rock, and the rainforest floor. The only somewhat painful part was walking over hundreds of small tree roots. While everyone else wore poorly fitting rubber boots supplied by the tour company I was able to just enjoy the hike. The boots gave most of the people blisters, I just got dirty feet.
Exactly! I work in I.T., and have to wear my Vibram Five Finger shoes at work, but as soon as I hit the door to leave, the shoes come off. I've actually been looking at getting these:
