There are some big differences between the VFF Bikila and other running shoes... having worn them now in rotation with my Brooks adrenaline (which are support/control sneakers), I can say that they are significantly lighter, have way more flexibility and there is no difference between the heel-toe drop which makes it a very different foot strike for me.

The Brooks Adrenaline sole is pretty significant, too and the VFFs are way thinner.

In the end, I don't really care what anyone calls VFFs, barefoot running, minimalist running, whatever...I wear them because they're comfortable.