Yes, I’ve read Running Barefoot, CHi running, and all the articles ever published and written countless essays and papers for school on minimalist running, so yes, I do know ALL of the main points and arguments for both sides. With that said::
At the beginning of last xc season (Aug 09) I bought 2 pairs of zoot flats (race 2.0) and started running in them because I wanted the tarahumara running style of barely leaving a trace and running on flats where there is 75% less support to your foot would make me automatically have better form and run like Ryan Hall. Well all through the season, into track season, and through the summer… nothing changed. Then about 1.5 months ago, I started to look up close at all of the ITU runners. not one of them had a heelstrike. None of them (which honestly surprised me). Well me being the stereotypical teenager I want it now mentality went out the next day to do my 11 miler running on my toes. (bad decision) and all runs after that also. My calves were permanently sore for about 3 weeks, but it eventually went away.
In conclusion: (at least my opinion) It is not the shoes that let/make/force you to have better running form. I don’t think form would ever change on its own. Especially not just because “the more you run, the better your form gets.” But now I am running all of my runs forefoot striking and am supremely happy that I made the change to it. Not only are my knees feeling better, but Im also averaging about 30sec/mile faster on ALL of my runs and finishing them more refreshed also.
So for all of the people arguing the newton/vibram (which I have run in) shoes spewing info on how the shoes will make you better, they won’t. You can minimalist style on any pair of running shoes.
Just my thoughts.
Feel free to flame away///
LOL!