Check out what Barefoot Ted had to say about it on his site

I have a pair and they are a lot of fun. As with any new training element, I think its wise to integrate them gradually. I've found that trying to add them further along into a race build up doesn't work for me (I train specifically to run 5k), so I start adding some barefoot jogging after the first 1-2 weeks of base building. I'll do the barefoot 2 or 3 times per week. I extend the jogging (my max so far is 2 miles at the end of an easy run) in the shoes and begin doing some strides in them after a few weeks. So far I've dropped the barefooting completely once I'm done with the base building period. That is my experience. However, there are others who do far more in the shoes. And, still others who do only a little bit as part of a cool down.

I feel that the barefooting helps strengthen your feet, ankles, and calves. I believe it also helps with improved running form.

As a side note, I've had a lot of fun wearing them on hikes in the mountains (even in colder, wet weather). Its a lot of fun with the sense of connection to the terrain that you get. My longest hike in them was 10 miles.

Pay careful attention to the fitting notes on vibram's website. If you have a morton's toe, these shoes are not for you. Many REI stores are carrying the Sprint model. I have this model and haven't tried any of the others. The Sprint seems the best for someone who wishes to run.

Morton's toe = 1st toe is longer than big toe.

The Five Fingers is a very long lasting shoe--no cushioning foam to wear out. I'm not sure about the FeelMax.

I just read the book and I think it is AWESOME! I'm a beginning runner and have been searching for information on running form...essentially HOW to run and I happened upon Born to Run. As it stated in the book, so many people don't really know HOW to run properly and where do you learn?

The book was well writen and I was fascinated by the Tarahumara, finding myself going to Google to try and learn more, then remembering I was reading something interesting in the book. I think if we can all find that place where we really enjoy the running, essentially find our running roots, then we'll become a healthier, happier people. If you find yourself enjoying the running that much, ultrarunning may not seem as out there!

The talk about the crippling effects of modern footwear really hit home for me. I'm someone who always wears shoes, even in the house. I've starting being barefoot more often and hey, I'm not hurting my feet. I'm starting to exercise in shoes that don't have laces or tons of cushioning and I LIKE IT! It's a surprising revelation for me and I want to keep on exploring. The fivefingers and the feelmax are pretty amazing looking, I may have to try one or the other. It just makes sense that our feet were made to support our bodies and maybe, just maybe, you're supposed to have that pronation. No wonder people get injured if we're trying to cram our feet into something that totally changes our natural gait. Hmm. I like the way my feet are feeling better and stronger after only two weeks of barefootedness, the muscles in my feet do seem to be strengthening.

If you haven't read this book, pick it up and read it. Your entire perspective on "modern" running will be changed!

For clarity's sake, Vibram's site states: "If your second toe is more than 1/6 of an inch longer than your big toe it may be difficult to find a precise fit."

My 2nd toe is about 1/4 of an inch longer than my big toe and I have zero fit problems so don't be too discouraged by what they might say, go check it out for yourself!

Enjoy!

I prefer socks...I was wearing Injinis before switching to VFFs so it's just what I am used to. They do cut down on the smell IMHO as well... although really either letting the VFFs air out in the sunlight, ideally, or throwing them in your washing machine is all that's necessary. Yes, you can machine wash them. I wouldn't recommend drying them in a conventional hot air dryer...again, just let them sit for a while, they dry out quite quickly.