The barefoot craze - brought about by the magical confluence of the unintentional introduction of a whole new shoe (Vibram 5-Fingers), the re-discovery of and publication about the Tarahumera (Running People) in the Copper Canyons of New Mexico and the enthusiasm of the eccentric "Barefoot Ted" (look him up) has suggested that perhaps the generous offerings of the big running shoe companies are more for their profit than ours.  I'm sure there are more causes behind the craze and lots of people who still need big soft cushiony, motion controlling shoes. However, there is something undeniably legitimate about the claim that the human foot is well designed all by itself and does not need a bunch of shoe added to it in order to work efficiently.  It could be said as well that if you do not have a broken bone, you should not wear a cast.  Especially since, when the human body is reduced to near immobility, it will atrophy.  This is demonstrated by cast wearing as well.  Granted, taking one's cushy running shoes off and speeding down the asphalt for a six miler in November is not a good place to start.  When a cast is first removed, it takes time to redevelop unused muscles and tendons.  So, getting started in increments both in terms of distance and degrees of bare-foot-ness is a very, very good idea.  Also, a good idea to have someone who knows what they are talking about coach you.  The NADA contributes beneficially to the barefoot craze on several levels.  First of all, it is a minimalist shoe, but it is still a shoe that will protect your baby butt soft skin from the mean sidewalks.  Second, the NADA has been designed for the express purpose of helping a new barefoot/minimalist runner develop their muscles and tendons for the old stresses being newly placed upon them.  It even comes with a DVD!  And last - it looks really cool!  Keep in mind however, it is made for a very specific purpose.  It is not for speedwork, not for marathon training and not for mountain climbing.  The NADA is for training your body to work well without cushy, motion control shoes.  Use it for that and you'll love it - anything else... not so much.