I don't think Tamara (that's my name too) meant any harm you guys. The oxymoron sucks, we all know that. But an oxymoron like barefoot-running shoes only lends more credibility to the real thing, brings people closer to running barefoot and away from traditional boat anchors (and perhaps leads to the boat anchors' demise), and leads to safer, healthier, happier running. I can deal with the term.
What I can't deal with is when a race sponsors a "Barefoot Specific Division" but bans and turns barefoot runners away at the door and only allows VFF or Merrell runners to take part. That pisses me off. I'm all for the footwear Merrell makes, and I will support the company, since I believe it can only lead to healthier running, I'll even humor the oxymoron "Barefoot Shoe Division," should they actually change the name of their division, but using false advertising, calling a division something it is not, refusing to let true barefoot runners to take part in their Barefoot Specific Division ticks me off!
Newton running shoes are the farthest thing from running barefoot and should be classified as a traditional boat anchor, one that has injurious effects. Tamara, you guys really should remove that shoe from your list of so-called "barefoot-running shoes."
