[inglorian]

I've never seriously run barefoot, but I can confirm that it improves your balance and form to walk barefoot as well.

When I had issues with my hiking boots on the Appalachian Trail, I took up barefoot hiking and noticed an immediate change in how I stepped: more on the balls of my feet and less on my heels. And you'd be amazed what your feet can get used to; the first two weeks were hell, but about a month later the rocky, sharp, debris-covered ground didn't bother me at all and in fact I had LESS foot fatigue than I experienced while wearing boots.

You do get some serious calluses though, which as a female I was less than happy about...