These days runners find a dilemma when choosing the type of running shoes to go with . In my opinion most runners are better suited using shoes with more stability. I have seen the research and the marketing used to propel the minimalist (like Nike Frees) and barefoot style shoes (like Vibram). I have to admit it really draws me in to try these shoes out. Then again, I have had a chance to talk to and train many different long distance runners and the same issue seems to come up. Most of them simply do not have the kinetic ability (especially when looking at the feet), to handle the minimalist or barefoot shoes. Some of them can gain the proper ability to run with these shoes (even then they should not start with unsupported shoes), but most I have seen have conditions that can not be changed enough to justify going with the minimal or bare type shoes.
I would go as far as to say only those who have a great running gait cycle with no anatomical debilitating conditions should try to run with the barefoot or minimalist shoes. For everyone else, it would be a bad move to run with these shoes. The main trouble I have witnessed so far is the runner who is not a good candidate for the unsupported shoes will alter his running pattern to deal with the new challenge. Unfortunately, this is coupled with the long distance runner approach to literally "push through problems and pain". The results are different levels of injury and degradation to the joints and surrounding tissue. Keep in mind, I am not stating the shoes should be eliminated from a runner's arsenal, but I am stating if a proper running pattern can not be maintained while wearing them...wear supported shoes and if possible progress to the unsupported shoes. Now, there are other uses for these shoes besides running. Strength and conditioning (outside of plyometrics, maximal strength and aerobic conditioning) training is a great area to use these unsupported shoes. I would imagine any low impact and controlled activity would be a great match to use these shoes. They can actually work to help a person identify dysfunctions with closed-chain (specifically with feet on the ground) exercises and movement patterns. Also, the minimal barefoot shoes increase activation of muscles of the feet. This point is a good one, because activation of muscles (specifically gluteus muscles) at the hip, rely heavily on the muscles around feet and ankles. Good runners have great hip muscle activation and unsupported shoes work well with exercises used to develop better hip muscle activation and ankle mobility.
So when in doubt choose a supported shoe for running and use unsupported shoes for other low impact activities.
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