barefoot runner seeks shoes

Depending on what you're comfortable in, and how much you actually plan on running on the road, I'd think you could have a couple options. 

Vibrams are an option, for sure.  If you like how they fit, and they're comfortable, it's a good choice.

The Saucony Hattori could also be a pretty decent choice as well.

You may also want to consider some racing flats.  I would say this might be the best option because you're coming from the beach to the road.  If you've been running on sand for a while, your body will be used to some cushioning from the sand.  You won't have any of that on the road, and if you go to a shoe with no cushion at all, it might really be bothersome on your legs.  So a flat might be the best option for minimal support with some cushion.  I personally like the fit and feel of Zoot flats, but everyone has their own preference.

x2

Altra has the Instinct, which is zero-drop, cushioned, and very "foot shaped". Sockless could be an issue, though.

Merrell has some good things going for next year, but for now the Trail Glove would be the best bet in their line. Nowhere near the cushioning though.

New Balance, either the Minimus Road or Minimus Trail.

Other long shots: Saucony Kilkenny spikeless, Nike Waffle Racer spikeless.

sounds like you're not looking for support, but some cushioning wouldn't hurt.  the Saucony Kinvara's are pretty popular, and dare I say it, but Nike Free's?  Brooks just announced a new lineup that look really stellar.

The bottom line is- read all the reviews, take all the advice, then go into your local running shop and try a bunch of them on and run on their treadmill.  That'll tell you way more than we ever can.  Each shoe fits and feels different- so enjoy shopping.

I am by no means an expert; however, after starting up running again, I found these to be the best shoes for my feet.   They are extremely light, well-ventilated...   Good luck!

http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10753/58793/218734

I went from Newtons to the Scott T2 Comp. Very nice shoe, light, promotes midfoot, cushioned but I can still feel the road well. Give them a shot when you are trying stuff on.

The bare foot trend is ebbing, but not the natural running trend.

The emerging trend is natural hyper-cushioning, a fairly easy to predict polaric swing 180 degrees from the soon to be embraced "evils" of barefoot running.

I'm in the midst of an interesting project on footwear trends, and I have already learned a lot about how footwear evolves and gains acceptance in the marketplace. It's fascinating.

Here are two things that pre date the germination of the trend, and if you are a fan of author Malcolm Gladwell (His books are Blink and The Tipping Point, about trends spread) , you will recognize this:

The maven's acceptance:

The guy on the left is in the Triathlon Hall of Fame, invented the triathlon bike and the triathlon wetsuit. Look at his feet. The guy on the right is the largest triathlon retailer in the world. Connect the dots and predict the future.

Trends tend to swing in a polaric resonance, in almost 180 degrees opposition to one another. If low drop was the technological and cultural "last word", it isn't difficult to predict where the next swing in technological and cultural emphasis will be.

Another confirmation of the swing is the push back to its acceptance. The early-adopters and mavens lead the way, the rest of us follow.

Pretty soon there will be a book... then the lore... then the science... then...

I give it 2 years max.

Jimmy wear's them...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlrWnahTiMo

I am thinking of buying a pair of those Minimus, I have a store ordering in my size to try on. I would like to hear anything else you have to say about the shoes.

Was searching for a blog I've been to in the past and found this: http://barefootrunningshoes.org/

MArk B.

I use New Balance Minimus MT10 for road running.  They work perfectly for me.  Wide toe box and just enough to take the sting out of the pavement while still maintaining a minimal feel.  I use VFF's on the turf...

http://www.newbalance.com/products/MT10/

I have the Minimus Trail shoes. I put Yankz (or some other bungee-type lacing system) on them, and that helps hold the tongue in place and keeps them tight.