Barefoot running, is it a new fad, a good idea, or just a way to get hurt really easily?  I read Born to Run, and thought that not only was it a good book, but many of the ideas and bio-mechanics behind barefoot running made sense.  So like many people I went out and bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, and after spending last summer training in them, short runs only nothing over six miles, I was hooked.  I could really tell a difference running last years Pikes Peak Double.  On the Marathon day coming down the Barr for thirteen miles my feet never did the usually "slap, slap, slap" that normally occurs toward the end of the downhill due to fatigued dorsiflexor muscles.  Training barefoot, or with five fingers really does help you to improve your form, become more aware of your posture, and most importantly it strengthens the muscles of the lower legs and feet.  Now the caveat emptor, you must not start out running too far in these shoes, and if you can not comfortably complete a five to six mile run with shoes I am not sure I would recommend jumping into Five Fingers until you strengthen your body.  I still continue to do most of my training with shoes, but adding a few miles in a second run in a day or finishing off the last of a run barefoot really does yield results.  Again, I can not over stress to start off slow!!!  Listen to your body and build your mileage slowly.  I recently had a client that tried to run too far too soon in these.  Thankfully it only resulted in sore muscles for a few days and not something that required any professional intervention, or any lengthy time away from training.  The fitness industry seems to have many fads that come and go, however I think that this one is here to stay, and if the evolutionary theory behind barefoot running is true it will stay for a while.  Again start SLOW and if you are not sure about your form or mechanics get advice from a professional or someone that is knowledgeable in barefoot running.