I'm not sure if you've talked about his problems before and I missed it but I would think its hard for us to give specific advice without knowing more exactly what his injuries and issues are. I mean barefoot running is great and all, but I don't think its necessarily going to cure every possible leg and foot issues that one could have. I don't know much about Altas but maybe they arent working for him? I've tried some minimalist shoes that didnt work out to well also.
As for going minimal part time, well I suppose everyone might handle that differently. I don't have any issues, for the first half year I pretty much was only minimalist/bf when I ran or at home. And I still routinely wear very maximal steel toed, steel plated, kevlar lined, several pound boots.
But I know about stubborn SOs. My wife often complains about her feet. And her mom is a PT and specializes in sports injuries. Unfortunately she is of the 'you need more support' crowd. Her latest advice for my wife is those super thick soled shape up things. And my 6 yr old's shoes have thicker soles than almost any pair of shoes I've had, and weigh more than most of mine.
As for going minimal part time, well I suppose everyone might handle that differently. I don't have any issues, for the first half year I pretty much was only minimalist/bf when I ran or at home. And I still routinely wear very maximal steel toed, steel plated, kevlar lined, several pound boots.
But I know about stubborn SOs. My wife often complains about her feet. And her mom is a PT and specializes in sports injuries. Unfortunately she is of the 'you need more support' crowd. Her latest advice for my wife is those super thick soled shape up things. And my 6 yr old's shoes have thicker soles than almost any pair of shoes I've had, and weigh more than most of mine.