I'm located here now.

So this seems to be trending right now, running barefoot or in Vibrams. Saw a friend walking in Vibrams and had to ask what they were, just like everyone else. And get a pair, just like everyone else.

Purportedly, the key difference between barefooting and shod is the strike. Most shoes have a thick sole with lots of heel support, forcing you to heel strike and send the impact straight up your leg to your knees. Barefooting is a more natural ball and toe strike, which bounces the arch and spits the energy back out into the calves and forward momentum. Go research it some, pretty neat stuff.

I've been running and walking in KSOs for the past week and a half. Stupidly ran in them the first day and spent the next 4 days with calve muscles so tight that I limped everywhere.

Now that my muscles are loose I've been running my work commute (roughly a mile) and the feeling is amazing. Running in shoes and barefoot or with minimalist shoes on is an entirely different experience. I feel lighter, and each springing step while running is a thrill. I can run further and longer at my usual pace, but I find myself wanting to find fast-paced music and just completely tear out.

My legs feel amazing and running on sidewalks and streets has never felt this wonderful. I'm still building up my muscles, but this is turning into a new runner's high for me. I'm eager to run now more than I have been before. And not as much worry about wearing out my knees, either.

Look into it. Vibrams are pricey but terribly sexy. Now to find some minimalist shoes I can wear at work without my SVP getting irked.