WRT the virtues of bike shoes - just remember that cycling is not creating the impact running does. Cycling is a not a weight-bearing sport. The shoe is there for powertransfer as much as anything. Having shoes that fit well and are set up with the bike to keep your knees & hips in line is quite important - especially if you do a lot of miles. Running (barefoot/five-fingered or shod) is a different sport and has completely different issues.

I was a sprinter in my youth and am now able to use the form and technique I learned then ( although modified for distances) to help me cope with an increasingly tired body. I think there is something in the barefoot philosphy although i do most of mine on the beach and wear shoes ( newtons) on the road. Running barefoot can definitely help you be more aware of how you are using your feet and therefore, develop better technique but for a long race, I still prefer shoes. Having said that, its shoes that are on the "racing flats" end of the spectrum that I use.