Switching to running barefoot from running with shoes is a big change, and your muscles and joints will take time to adapt. As with any new activity, it's best to start slowly and run a short distance barefoot at first.

The three main things to concentrate on are:

1) Lean forward and use your feet to catch your fall, so each step is caused by your falling forward and catching yourself and not by pushing forward.

2) Land softly on your forefoot, with your foot directly under your body and not in front. Landing with your foot in front of your body causes you to brake, so it's best to land with your foot underneath your body.

3) Keep a high cadence/step rate -- 180 steps per minute or greater. Having a high cadence will make each step lighter and softer, putting less force on your feet and legs.

The advantage to running barefoot is greater perception, which allows your feet to react to the ground and cushion the fall. It's important to pay attention to your feet and legs, and land softly.

Christopher McDougall gave this talk at Google about running barefoot:

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