Barefoot vs. Minimal

There seems to be a major difference of opinion in both the actual difference between barefoot running and minimal running as well as between the interchangeability of the words. My interest here is mainly to discuss the interchangeability of the words. For the record, there is a direct difference between barefoot running and minimalist running but does it matter? Try and find any major website that clearly dictates a benefit difference and you'll have a very hard time. Obviously we know that true barefoot is sans any shoe and minimalist is with the use of any number of the amazing 'barefoot footwear' out there! (Ha, how's that for interchangeability?!) My point in bringing attention to this topic is our movement itself. We who enjoy most of our physical activity 'barefoot' probably found this lifestyle for it's health benefits. If those of us in the fitness field know what an amazing technique 'barefooting' is then why argue over such a simplistic difference? When someone tells me they've been running or working out barefoot, I usually ask: Are you fully barefoot or going minimal? (Just out of curiosity and perhaps to throw in a sales pitch). What's the harm in that? The barefoot / minimalist field is such a small piece of the fitness community (and it is the fitness community, runners are no longer the only people involved. Just check out any CrossFit studio or any fitness studio on top of its game). I see no reason to divide our party over our own preference of the words or because we feel somewhat more superior versus someone who is either barefoot or minimal, whichever the opposite of what we are doing. Spread the Light. Community is important. Keep the movement moving forward. And the next time someone asks you about 'barefooting', let them know they have a couple of options! In the end, we're all after the same goal: Optimum Health!