There has been a strong move away from the pure minimalist/barefoot style shoe in the last few years. Brands seemed to have acknowledged that it didn't work as well as anticipated. We also don't live like we did 600 years ago, once we get past being a toddler we generally in ill fitting, poorly designed shoes. (school shoes etc) We lose that inherent strength, gait and foot strike. A large number of the brands that went that way have changed to a more cushioned shoe again but have retained the low drop. A large number of athletes/runners got injuries from them and it had repercussions. https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a20783252/vibram-settles-class-action-lawsuit/ At the end of the day you need to make your own decision on a shoe. (I have a pair of those pink Reacts) Ugly or not, they need to work for you. Very few people have the body strength and foot strike to really pull barefoot running, it takes years to get it. As an aside, I know a fishing guide that hasn't worn shoes at all for years. He guides all day, and not on a boat and goes anywhere and is just as fast as anybody. Rocks/thorns/glass/metal no problem. If they work for you, go ahead. If they don't, use something else.
