“What do you think about Vibram FiveFingers?” has become a common question. The same is asked about “Nike Free”. These are part of a growing trend of minimalist shoes.
Chris McDougall’s “Born to Run,” which came out in 2009 and has sold at least half a million copies, proposes that modern running shoes inhibit free movement. Unlike conventional running shoes, minimalist shoes are very flexible with little cushioning.
So here is my fifteen second answer. Some runners feel better since transitioning to minimalist shoes. But like most things in life, there is a tradeoff. I have seen an increased number of metatarsal stress fractures. Running is an extremely complex physical motion, and distance running (marathon) is particularly strenuous on the body. And don’t forget to consider the terrain (hard concrete vs. softer grass)