As a minimalist runner, this comment seems all wrong to me.

If we grew up barefoot or wearing huaraches, we wouldn't have to "learn" how to forefoot strike. Thick-soled shoes mess up our running instincts.

> Running requires a stick-like lower appendage, with all the muscle higher up.

It's different with bipeds, yeah? Lots of shock-absorbing magic has to happen in the lower leg.