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First off, there's nothing particularly wrong with "five fingers" except that they are individually toe'd shoes. For running on almost any surface other than smooth clean track, these shoes are simply frustrating and overpriced from a function standpoint. However, I understand that at the current price of this drop the value may be less of a factor when compared to other similar shoes that aren't discounted in such a manner.
IMO, I found these shoes more of a gimmick/fashion statement than anything else. To elaborate on my point about how these shoes are "frustrating" is that you will, without a doubt, experience various things getting stuck between the toes. You can expect rocks and twigs of various sizes to get lodged in between the toes numerous times. The webbing between the toes is what I found to be the weakest link in the design of these shoes. They wear out and tear well before the life of sole and only invites more issues with various debris entering the shoe.
All that being said, I've never experienced owning a shoe that sparks so many conversations with random people before (3-4 dozen over the lifespan of both pairs of fivefingers). In my opinion I found this somewhat fun. I was able to give numerous people insight into the world of minimalist running simply because I was wearing shoes which individually fit each toe lol. how many times do you think that has happened with my New Balance Minumus? Zero if I don't count people who where already familiar with minimalist running. That being said, I always gave people my honest opinion which simply boils down to "nothing is actually wrong with the shoe, it's just that the novelty of individually separate toes wears off fairly quickly and that if I had the opportunity to choose between a standard close toed shoe and the individual toes, I would undoubtedly chose the close toe'd shoes.
So, to summarize, I think this is a fairly decent drop and a great intro to the minimalist running. Just expect that you'll grow out of the "fivefinger" style of shoe fairly quickly. At least that's my opinion so take it for what it's worth to you. I would recommend several other shoes over the fivefinger desgin after what I feel was a fair chance.
Sure, stuff can get caught in between your toes, just like when you are barefoot. All I had to do was flex my toes and the pebble or twig would fall out.
The only time I don't wear them for running is in the winter (too cold) and when I am pushing a running stroller because sometimes I will bang my toes on the stroller in moments of poor coordination and can sprain a toe.
i think hey are worth trying once. You'll either like them or you won't. But take it slow if you are used to padded sneakers, so you don't hurt yourself.
I love my fivefingers. I have had 4 pair now over the last 5 years. I also am a massive fan of the NB Minimus line! I think both are great options, so why not have both?! I've not worn through any toe webbing, personally, but I have had the soles start to peel back on the tips of the toes. Nothing a little shoe-goo didn't remedy, however. YMMV.
To use my reply to someone else on this thread:
I've used both the Evo, Sport LS, and a version I can't remember the name of... all for Paddling, Hiking/Camping, Biking and Snorkeling. The Sport LS I wore for near 2 years straight while living in Key West: I'd bike to the water, walk into the water, proceed to snorkel around for hours, bike home, and let em dry in the sun. I wore them on boats, into the water, back on the boats and so forth. They are my go-to when Kayaking, and my 2nd set of shoes for backpacking (water crossing, comfort, whatever comes at me). I don't feel like you need the water-sport vibrams to get your usage in the water. I just love the shoe for these style of activities. That being said, if you want them specifically for JUST water sports, I imagine you can't go wrong with that version. As CMFRANK stated: they take a while to dry. Walking in them wet never bothered me, camping or otherwise.
I wouldn't recommend using them camping while hauling 40lbs (I've done this on a couple 3-4 day, 30-40 mile treks and it was hell on my feet after some miles on day 2+... not to mention, when fatigued, I'd kick every root or rock on earth and bang up my toes while cussing profusely.) I love them when camping light in the summer, though -- I'll creek to get to spots, hammock over some running water, and tie em to my lines. (note: the 40lbs was NOT trying to ultra light, and carrying extra gear for other people... and 3L of wine in a box on top of my water -- totally worth it, haha!)