There has been a lot of publicity and debate recently over the benefits of running barefoot versus running in running shoes. Some of the debates have been interesting to follow with a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of the the research. Barefoot runners have been widely touting some questionable research on barefoot running and been responding negativly to challenges of their belief in barefoot running.

Obviously in this context, barefoot is not a good idea for those with diabetes. The high risk for foot complications when weight bearing, especially in the presence of neuropathy means that footwer is essential for this population to protect the foot from damage. Doing otherwise or recommending otherwise is irresponsible.

More on the barefoot running debate and the techniques of barefoot running. Barefoot running is becoming a hot topic in many countries.