Those are Vibram FiveFingers..... one pair can cost around $200,
easy.
FS wanted to get me a pair for my birthday, but as I told her,
I'm flat-footed, and I really need the arch support that a good
pair of 'stability'-type running shoes can offer. Give me good ol'
Asics anytime.... hell, the SAF has switched to Asics, and I'm
using eMart credits to order them.
Barefooted or quasi-barefooted running is a bit of a fad which I
doubt would ever catch on. As much as I agree that a good running
gait is important, I seriously doubt that I want to cast off my
shoes in order to achieve it.
I quite enjoy wearing them for long walks/hikes. The merrells
are a good alternative for those who do not want to stick out in a
crowd or have problems wearing the five fingers due to unusual toe
lengths.