I am a beginning runner doing about 2 miles a day, but all the running shoes I tried, even expensive ones, hurt my feet in odd places and were too hot.  Without socks, they hurt even more.  I read about the Merrell Barefoot Run Pace Glove, and decided to try it out.  These are perfect!  Mine did not even need breaking in.  I have a very narrow heel, and with these gloves my heel does not slip out, another complaint I had with regular running shoes.  I have not tried them on rough terrain where there are rocks, so I can't say how well they would protect your feet.  But running on a sidewalk, grass, or the treadmill they are just great.  The laces enable you to make them as tight or loose as you want.  I always loved running barefoot as a kid, and now I can do it again with a "glove" that protects my feet.