I started out with a pair of Walmart's $13 sneakers; they were lightweight and wide enough. The soles became as flexible as skin after a month. After a couple of years they wore out but Walmart had stopped selling that particular wide-enough shoe. If the current shoes would fit, I could really enjoy spending $13 every two years on running shoes.

I now use the expensive (~$90) Leming Footwear(.com) shoes but man, are they comfortable. Thin, lightweight, and very, very flexible.

Ive been running barefoot for about 2 years now, and also run in KSO Trek VFFs when on gnarly trails. I also ocassionaly run in VivoBarefoot EVOs - a great minimalist shoe, very well made, but of course, a little pricy. For work, I wear VivoBarefoot Dharmas - which go quite well with dress/suit trousers. They are extremely comftable and have lasted me 2 years (and still going), so well worth the price tag!!

Here's an article I wrote a while back on the solution to this problem that I found: Japanese Tabi.

http://www.paleomental.com/2012/03/new-thought-for-minimalist-footwear.html

Jazz shoes--the kind of shoes dancers wear for performance and practice--work well, too. Cost runs about $25-$35 per pair, they come in leather or fabric, and while they don't come in a rainbow of colors (no need for distracting colors on footwear when you're dancing in line as a Rockette). There are styles for women, styles for men, and unisex styles.

They have very thin soles that feel barefoot for walking. They sre thin enough to roll and put in your pocket. No arch supports or hard shanks, because dancers need maximum flexibility for their moves. They look great enough to wear on the streets of NYC without attracting negative attention over ugly footwear. The only problem is they tend to run small, so it is best to try them in person at a brick and mortar store (or by ordering 3 or 4 sizes at an online store that is liberal about returns). Just google "jazz shoes" to see what the possibilities are.

While they are not cheap, I have to admit I love my SoftStar shoes - also extremely minimalist, and they also work as both workout shoe and look good with clothing. Just another idea...but yes, water shoes often seem to work well for minimalist shoes. I read one article where someone who ran in the winter wore waterproof socks and then dive booties or something similar - let his feet stay warm, yet kept them dry as well while still giving him a pretty good minimalist/road feel cover for his feet.

I, for one, would love to see your "no-string-between-the-toes" way of tying your Invisible Shoes. I am a full-time barefooter and have been for well over a year now. Since I don't run, I have more chance to carefully place my feet on trails and therefore can get away with it easier. (grin)

For those few places with vigilant "shoe police" though, the sandals would be easiest - especially since they can fold up and fit into a pocket or purse, but I find myself sticking to my moccasins because I hate the thong thingie.

I'm glad this came up because I've always wanted to try some type of barefoot shoe. However, my feet are flat as pancakes. As it is, I have to wear orthotics or I get shearing lower back pain. So, am I out of luck, or is there some version of these that would work for me?

1. invisible shoes.

i also didn't like the nylon thread. + it worn out.
so i bought some elastic in a fabric store. i rethreded them. mine looked more like "glidiator" shoes than a thong. (pretty cool looking).

the sole is a little too thin & pliable for me. (not for cushion). they flop around too much if you try to run. so i only wear them while walking.

2. Luna Sandal

i got them because Ted was pretty cool.

the sole is thicker (1 cm) so stiffer so do not flop around as much as invisible shoes.

i wear them most of the time.

last time i went on an easy 2 hour hike, i was surprised my skin (corn) got pretty sore. (joints were fine.) i wonder if this is because the shoes do not stay put like normal shoes so they rub too much @ foot bottom.

3. (inexpensive) Jazz shoes

they has split soles so you can point your toes better. flat plat form so you can stand on toes briefly).

but they are designed for studio floor. for some surface they soles are slippery.

4. vibram 5 toe

these are the best among. i wear them to Long Fist (where stay put & foot protection are important)

they are a little hot in summer.

i don't know how some can run in barefoot sandals. they don't stay put & flop too much.

walking or trail hiking is ok. except my skin @ bottom of my feet get sore. go figure.

cheers,

Greatresource here! Anyhow, I found some Merrels for $40 at my local Marshall's. They use the same materials as vibrant ! Such a steal! I will say they only had 3 sizes. Lucky for me the display size fit me like a glove!