Hope you’re still enjoying the FiveFingers. I certainly have. I noticed many of the same issues you did. Unfortunately they seemed to have a defect though and have started to fall apart! I wrote a review to explain here: http://www.christopherrcooper.com/blog/4/barefoot…

When running the feeling is really invigorating! they encourage my feet to land on the forefoot first, which has in turn reduced all the pain i used to get in my heels when running in standard running shoes.

I'm a complete barefoot advocate (but like you was a little worried about walking the street with no protection on my feet which makes FiveFingers perfect!

A lot of people, both women and men, complimented me on the shoes and asked where they could buy them. I referred them to CitySports (where I bought them) and to the Vibram Web site. In my limited experience wearing them socially, other people seemed to like them.

As a bonus, while other passengers on the flight had to remove their shoes to pass through security, the TSA folks let me continue wearing my Vibrams which in shape and bulk are closer to thick socks than shoes.

I noticed that since I was enjoying wearing these shoes and I wasn't embarrassed or self-conscious of them, other people didn't seem to dislike them at all. As long as the wearer likes them and is confident, they are fine for some social situations.

I enjoyed wearing them a lot. Walking around with them is like getting a massage and a workout at the same time.