People who ask the question "why run barefoot?" are asking the wrong question. They should be asking, "why run with shoes?".
The root of the issue is that the person asking the question is starting with an assumption (I need shoes) and asking about the base (the feet), instead of starting off at the base, and asking a question about making an assumption.
Let's start with the facts:
- We were born barefoot -- completely naked.
- Running shoes are a fairly recent invention.
- We evolved to be runners.
- To provide warmth and/or prevent heat loss.
- To protect the skin against extreme hot or cold.
- To protect the skin against protrusions such as jagged rocks, thorns, cacti, etc.
- Too hot, the skin on my feet will burn.
- Too cold, my feet will get frostbite.
- I'm running over a field of broken glass and syringes, blindfolded. Or less sarcastically stated: I've kept my feet in shoes my entire life and I'm afraid to let them out, because they are incredibly sensitive.
Well, why?!