Size Matters:
First, this shoe runs an entire size smaller than what I normally wear.  I ordered a half size larger, but it just wasn't enough.  I was able to run in them without socks, but my toes were touching the ends of the shoes.

Minimalist or Unrefined?:
This shoe was actually very comfortable, but there's almost nothing to them at all.  I felt like I picked up a pair of water shoes from the local dollar store, and got ripped off a bit.  There is VERY little cushion.  This is great for someone who cares about being a true minimalist, I suppose.  Unfortunately for me, I just wanted a shoe that would reinforce my change from heel-to-toe running to forefoot running.  I ended up putting these on a shelf in my closet and buying a pair of Brooks Pure Grit, which has more cushion throughout the shoe, but definitely doesn't feel quite right if I try to run heel-to-toe, so it reinforces the forefoot running.

Aesthetics:
This shoe actually looks pretty cool even if it does resemble a shoe you could wear at the beach or lake.

Bottom Line:
If the runner is looking for a "Very Minimalist" shoe, these are great.  If they are looking for a shoe that is meant for forefoot running, but don't want to compromise the creature comforts of the cushion that most people are used to in a running shoe, I wouldn't recommend this one.