Barefoot/ minimalist running shoes?

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Does anyone have any experience of this? I've been doing some reading online about this, and I'm seriously considering buying some minimalist trainers (I don't think I'm quite ready to go hardcore just yet!).
I run regularly, mainly 10Ks and Half Marathons, and have been having some issues with my calf and heel (on different legs!). It's not constant, but often enough to be annoying!
I'm aware that I'd have to take a gradual approach, and I'm ready to do that - my next Half isn't until September.
So does anyone have any experience of barefoot/minimalist trainers? Does it do what they say (ie reduce likelihood of injury - as long as you build up distance gradually)? Am I barking up the wrong tree? My DH Has the barefoot trainers, and he swears by them - but he is a bit of a loon (hes a triathlete who thinks cycling 190 miles in a day is relaxing!).

Sounds just like my DH! He swears by the Vivo Barefoot ones and runs in them all the time but as you say you have to start off gradually. Which if you are a very regular runner is sometimes hard to do but do try starting off literally with 10 mins or less and build up. I've just got some new Nike free run ones - I personally don't get on that well with running in barefoot style shoes but these ones are great for just general exercise eg stuff I do in garden ( kettlebells) and would be great in gym,
If I went to a gym..

Hi there - I use the Vibram five fingers (or rather will do again once my baby arrives in a few days and I re-start my running routine a few weeks down the line :)). I have had mild stress fractures in the past so I was always on the look out for different alternatives. The theory is that typical trainers (which have been getting more and more bouncy every year) do not let you run properly and put stresses on joints, rather than letting your body use the muscles to absorb shock. I have not had problems with stress fractures / shin splints since, and know of others who swear by them for avoiding such injuries.

I love my five fingers - but you really do have to ease into them slowly - irrespective of how much you already run, unless a lot of your training is on e.g. soft sand. First time I tried them I did 5km and couldn't walk for a couple of weeks. You will run on the balls of your feet / mid foot, rather than the heel, which uses the calf muscles a lot more. Make sure you stretch the soleus muscle after running.

I also love the increased feeling of being connected to nature (ok - slightly hippy, but it's true!) - not found a problem with running over stones etc. I've worn them before hiking as well and just loved them.

You can get loads of different types now - I've had mine for quite a few years so have one of the early designs, but love them. Make sure you get a pair that fit well - the different designs might fit differently. You can also get special socks to go with them (warmer in colder climates).

Thanks for your replies
I think you've helped me decide - I'm going to go with the minimalist trainers, not the barefoot ones (to be fair, after looking at the cutaway of both types, there isn't a huge difference!). I shall take it slowly - I'm assuming that it'll be ok to run in my old trainers whilst I'm building myself up in the new ones? So that I'll gradually build up the minimalist ones and decrease my old spongy ones? I'm getting quite excited now - I just have to wait until I can get to some shops to try them on now! I've been under house arrest with ds1 and chickenpox. Back to normal tomorrow (or until ds2 comes down with it )

Yes - fine to alternate with old trainers. Try to think about mid-foot planting, rather than heel planting with both options (which is a much more economic way of running anyhow).

Good luck with the running and hope the chicken pox clears up :o

I just bought a pair of Saucony Kinvara. They are super-lightweight. I'd really recommend them. Have you read 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall? It's fascinating on the topic of barefoot/mininalist shoe running.

I've recently taken up running and used vibram 5 fingers from the start, love them and never had any injury problems:)