Almost there...

Since the last update, I've decided to just use rubber tire tubes and use a wrapping technique to create my product. Rubber is a good material to help provide traction for runners but also prevents the spread of the virus that smallpox lesions carry in case a runner/everyday person comes in contact with people in the event of a smallpox outbreak. Rubber is relatively cheap and easy to find. Rain, wind, shine, mud - rubber won't be affected by weather. For one protective device, you need 26 inches of tire tube. It is foot fitted [there are 2 buttons with multiple slits for different sized foot], thus it won't slip off in the middle of running. Originally, I was going to line the inside with canvas, but later found that the addition of canvas makes the tire tube stiff, not as flexible by itself. The way I've wrapped it around the foot, the prototype only covers the heel and the forefront of the foot - the only places that comes into contact with the ground for a barefoot runner. Essentially, the person is making their own shoe - that provides the minimal protection of the heel and forefront of the foot and allows the runner to feel as if he/she is still running barefoot.