The VFFS rock! I have been running in them since January of this year and would never want to go back to regular running shoes (like the Brooks Adrenalines I used to wear) now--they feel so clunky after getting used to minimal footwear. The only problem is cold weather--your toes get really chilly! Next winter I will probably wear some flat, flexible water shoes with thick wool socks for outdoor runs. I have also been wearing the VFFs for hiking and intend to continue doing so this summer; so far I have done a couple of 6-7 mile hikes in them and plan to do progressively longer/harder trips as the summer goes on (including a Presidential Traverse late in the summer!). Highly recommended (provided you build up slowly), although I have a feeling that for any AMC trips I will be required to wear boots .