Actually many of us now believe these new high-tech footwear choices to be a gait-killing abomination. I mean running is quite a natural thing and we should be quite capable of doing it with just what we were born with. Unless your trying for an ultramarathon on rough gravel paths...
Back in my HS CC days my folks were poor and I just ran with cheap sneakers from the department stores and did fine. After getting really out of shape in my 20's I started back in at running around age 30. After a couple years of cheap sneakers I too went in for a fitting and to buy some real running shoes at well over $100. End result? The next year I got plantar fasciitis. After seeing a doc who said I needed more support in my shoes (which didn't make any sense, the shoes I had got were far more supportive than any prior) I did the opposite and decided to try out barefoot running. Support is something your body should develop, not relying on a sling for proper support (in that case your natural support will fade away). It took a lot of slow conditioning but the results were fantastic and now I don't need to bother with shoes at all.

I know many folks older than I who have switched over and also notice less knee problems (since you learn to run much lighter on your foot, rather than slamming your heels on the ground with thickly cushioned raised heel shoes). But it does seem like the more years you put in shod the more acclimation it will take to reverse all of it. It took me a couple years to get back to where I was and surpass it as a runner.

Regardless what is on your feet just be careful not to over-do things... I'd take the pace easy at first and just learn a good base. A good rule of thumb is to increase your weekly distances by no more than 10% each week. I'd avoid back to back run days until you get into really good running shape, but would highly recommend 3x runs per week.

I am on the verge of my first duathlon... I've run many foot-races over the last 5 years or so but want to add biking in the mix (just got my first road bike last year). I was all setup to do a small duo this summer but the second run happened to be on a stretch of rail trail that was unpaved (crushed limestone or something like that) and I backed out. I ran it barefoot just to see, but that is one situation where I am at a disadvantage (at least in the speed department). So will start looking for an all paved course for next year.

Good luck!