I’m beginning to agree with you regarding the importance of toe action. I spent a lot of time walking around in my heel-less water shoes a couple of weeks ago when I was on vacation. I noticed that in order to avoid banging my heel when I walked I had to land on the outside edge of my foot, roll forward along that edge, and then roll inward from small toe to big toe. As I rolled inward my toes gripped the ground (inside my shoe), almost like a zipper zipping up. Have you noticed this? I can see how in certain situations that toe traction action would be valuable. Again, I noticed this effect only for walking. For running my toes don’t play so much of a role.

I also agree with you that in general bike bloggers are a group of adventurous people who don’t always accept that the norm is the best way of doing things, whether that norm is automobiles or running shoes.

My wife and I have been running in FiveFingers for almost a year, and I find I can run more frequently and with less strain than with my traditional running shoes. I agree with you: it’s not about the shoes so much as getting off your heels.

But don’t underestimate your toes! Human toes are designed to operate somewhat independently as they spread our weight over potentially uneven surfaces. Traditional shoes diminish the independent action of your toes, increasing the chance of turning your ankle (even more so if you’re landing on your heel!)

FiveFingers also allow my wife and I to run on trails where sharp rocks and twigs would make barefoot running uncomfortable. And we can run in freezing temperatures, which would be challenging with bare feet.

I view my FiveFingers like the electric motor on my cargo bike – not essential, but a welcome extension to my natural abilities.

I’m looking forward to Part II of your post on this topic!