Running barefoot is cool, but at least to me these five finger high tech socks kind of miss the point. Part of the reason for barefoot running is the "back to the basics" feeling, I wouldn't want to get into another arms race for better equipment.
In my experience it is best to run on on grass first (football or soccer fields) to get used, if it's dewy it feels extra nice, running form surely improves with barefoot running.
Exactly. Buying special shoes to run barefoot is completely unnecessary. The best analogy I can think of is the guitar: at first your fingers won't be tough enough and they'll hurt, but keep at it and you'll develop tougher skin for a pain free experience.
Barefoot running is the same way. Sure, it's going to be uncomfortable at first, and you'll probably end up with some minor scrapes. Big deal. You've basically been wearing gloves on your feet your entire life.
I can just imagine some Kenyan reading this and laughing at the excesses of our lifestyles.
I suppose for some it could be a "back to the basics" thing, but it is more about physiology and the best way to move. As such, there is really no reason to avoid the small improvements that do not affect the mechanics. Such as a thin kevlar layer underfoot.
In my experience it is best to run on on grass first (football or soccer fields) to get used, if it's dewy it feels extra nice, running form surely improves with barefoot running.