Barefoot runners

I've been meaning to get a pair of these and try them out. My educated guess would be to start out on softer surfaces like grass or even a track.

On a somewhat random note, when I looked at this post, there was an ad for Vibrams in the right margin. Coincidence? I think not!

I picked up my pair of Vibram KSOs roughly 4 months ago and love them. I wear them at the gym in various fitness classes I participate in, and also run 3 times weekly (averaging between 7-10k each run). They are awesome and I can't recommend them enough. I live in Ontario and winter is fully upon is, but I still run 2 or 3 times weekly in them.

I have a pair of 5 finger Flows on order which will provide a little more warmth than the KSOsfor winter running, but in the meantime I've paired the barefoot runners with Injinji Toe Socks and find they keep everything reasonably dry and warm(ish). Certainly no colder than a regular pair of running shoes in my experience. Temperatures have been dropping as low as -20 and they are still comfortable to winter run in. In fact, the only problem I've had has been warmer days with a lot of slush or melting snow, in which case one I get a soaker it's very uncomfortable afterwards. That's where I hope the Flows will make a difference.

On a side note, I don't know if it's the novelty factor of having the BF runners, but I actually look forward to my runs, and that's new for me. Up until recently I would not consider myself a runner, and as much as I felt good after a run (did a 5k clinic with a local running group, and then later bumped up to the 10k group), it's never been something I feel like I fully embraced. That said, the moment I bought my Vibrams I wanted to get outside in them -- at first to see if they lived up to the hype, but more recently because I really do enjoy running in them.

It's also kinda fun to run along a road or path covered in freshly fallen snow, leaving behind foot prints that look like a naked foot left them -- I can't help but wonder what people think when they come across them later!

I go for the occasional barefoot run. I have noticed if I go too fast or too far my ankles are a little sore the next day - but it's never too bad as I don't wear shoes very often.
Is there much of a difference between Vibrams and going totally barefoot?

Have you read the book Barefoot Running or gone to the runbare.com website. Full of great information on barefoot running. I run in the Terra Plana VivoBarefoot and am very happy with them.

It looks like Barefoot and Minimalist shoes are really taking off -- in the last month or so I've seen an article or two in pretty much every fitness or running magazine I've picked up that looks at barefoot running and the science behind it. I've yet to see anything negative other than new comers to the shoes need to be smart about how they start off with them and transition slowly until comfortable. The independent shoe store in my town is now carrying a host of Minimalist shoes, including New Balance and Nike versions (that still look like traditional running shoes) as well as the complete line of Vibram shoes, which is great!

I continue to run regularly in mine and I recently just completed a 10k race in my Vibram barefoot shoes (KSO's), and in two weeks will be competing in a 1/2 marathon wearing the same shoes. I love them, and they've completely changed my attitude towards running.