[benesch]

Out of curiosity, have you ever tried running barefoot? I spent four years of cross country practice in high school desperately fighting my tendency to overstride. At the start, my stride rate tended towards the high 70s (a healthy stride rate is high 80s, low 90s), and I barely got to the low 80s by the time I graduated.

The first time I went running barefoot, my stride rate was over 90. Instantly. If someone had told me, I would have been spared four years of stride rate exercises.

You might be right to claim that someone who's run barefoot their whole life will have no trouble running properly in standard runners, but if you don't already have perfect form cushioned shoes are not doing you any favors.

[ArlenBales]

As a ball of the foot runner for 15+ years, I have worn Vibram for short distances comfortably but they were always too painful for long distances (15+ miles). My most comfortable non-racing shoe for long distance are ASICS Kayano. I can finish a 15 mile run on those without any pain in my body.