I'd just like to toss a
I'd just like to toss a couple of concepts into the "movement" discussion.
Here in Germany, the Green Party started out as "a movement". They made it into Parliament in the 1980s, being scorned by the traditional parties as they showed up for work in jeans. Well, at current writing, they have over 20% on the national scene, even rivaling the Social Democrats as the leading "progressive" party.
What does this have to do with barefoot running? What about those concepts?
Well, the Greens have always been internally divided between the "Fundis" (pr. Fundees) and the "Realos" (pr. Ree-al-ohs). The Fundis push for radical changes, right now, no compromises. The Realos accept incremental changes, adopting more moderate positions that will get votes. The Realos accomplished most of the real changes to the law. Nevertheless--and this is the important part--the Fundis were absolutely vital in pushing the envelope, making way for a more moderate stand that could muster a majority. Now-a-days, Fundi positions from the 1980s are mainstream here, even being claimed by Merkel's conservative party.
So, by this logic: those who say barefoot is the only way to go are Fundis. Realos recognize a place for minimalism since the world may not be ready for mass-purism. (Note: the grouping is a matter of attitude, not of whether you wear shoes.)
Some of us will groan the day that Nike starts selling a truly minimalist shoe (meeting the BRS standard). But, actually, you could call it a day to celebrate, since it means that the idea has become mainstream enough to warrant their efforts. Which means fewer people are getting hurt due to bad shoes and bad style.
As you can see, I am a Realo--but I am also a 100% barefooter. Both are needed. This movement will change the running world--even if the majority are wearing minimalist shoes.
Cheers
Paleo