What is your opinion of Vibram 5-finger shoes?

I wore them for a while and only ran on a treadmill. They force you to change to a more natural stride. My run improved. Was it the shoe? Who knows. They are great to wear in public if for no other reason but to embarrass your kids.

Vibram recently lost a lawsuit because of their claims to improved stability, stamina, and muscle building in small areas of the foot/leg. These claims were proven to be untrue and fictitious although it does give the feel of the "minimalist" running style (e.g. barefoot). I had a pair once upon a time and I regretted it. I run much faster with more stability under my foot.

They work great if you use them correctly and ease your way into them. I was running a 11:00 1.5 mile when I started wearing them and they helped my form and I worked my way to running a 08:22 1.5 mile. Sure, some of that was hardwork and perseverance, but I was a heel striker and VFF's got my strike point in a better position to make running more comfortable and enjoyable.

But don't rush into using them! Start slow and working up speed and distance. They're not for everyone out there, but the only people I've seen get injured using them are people who wear them and still heel stomp (I cringe when I see this) or who use them for long distances where a little more cushioning is needed. Use them right and they will reward you.