Barefoot Running. Kinda.

The summer after high school I met a guy who hated wearing shoes to the point that he'd acquired the nickname "Barefoot Boy." Though his freedom was inspiring, I've always been a bit nervous to go barefooted through the world.  Fortunately, the good people at Vibram have created an entire line of shoes that are designed to free your feet from the hindrance of regular shoes.

These Five Fingers shoes are sweet.  Though they have shoes for a wide range of sports or leisure, the pair I have my eyes are is the Bikila ($100), designed especially for running.  According to Vibram, the Bikila "encourages a more natural, healthier, and more efficient forefoot strike," not to mention looks pretty cool.

Vibram Five Fingers website
Bikila "technology" site: You are the Technology: beautiful marketing tool for the Bikila shoe