If you read at the barefoot forum over on runners world, they'll be quick to agree that running barefoot and running in VFF's are two entirely different things! In fact, they use BF, MF and shod to describe the different shoes (MF = minimal footwear and BF = nothing on your feet at all).

The thing that sets VFF's (huaraches, treadless moccasins, & water shoes) apart is the fact that they provide NO cushion. Yes, they protect you, but they do not cushion you at all. Even today's racing flats and many of the minimal running shoes are still cushioned and still elevate the heel.

So really, you need 4 categories: shod, barefoot, minimal flat, minimal not-quite-flat!