Barefoot/minimalist Follow-up

They are "close" to barefoot, and will allow you to strengthen the structures of your foot. Doing so while walking and general wear will do so with less chance of injury (though will also lengthen the process).

I don't run in my VFF's, but I do wear them as everyday walking around shoes.  Like mentioned above, they allow your foot and calves to strengthen but still allow you to walk around in public where being truly barefoot is not allowed.  Even just walking around in them, you kind of have to work up to it (depending on how much you are on your feet).  I would not recommend buying a pair and then immediately taking your family to Disney World or doing an all day hike or you will be in a world of pain!

For some of us, they are also way more comfortable than most traditional shoes.

Good question. My son (13) got a pair at a marathon expo in October. He doesn't run, but wore them all the time, including to school. Now that it has gotten colder he went back to regular shoes. He said they never bothered him, was also wondering if he was getting any benefit.

is it true the bikila's aren't reccomended for daily use and walking around?

Personally my PF starts to hurt if I wear shoes with too much support in my daily life. Went on a date night last week for my girlfriend's birthday and busted out the dress shoes. By the end of the night I could feel my feet getting a bit uncomfortable. During the summer I wore my Vibrams around. When not wearing those, and currently right now as it's getting much colder, I stick with a pair of Pumas I have that are very flat with no support. Seems to do the trick.