Let me direct you to this thread: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/i%27ve-become-a-judgemental-sob-and-i-want-to-change/
No thanks, I neither feel that I'm particularly judgmental, nor do I have any desire to change in that regard.
I have bunions and Vibrams are pretty much the only shoes I've found that fit my irregular feet properly and allow me to walk pain-free for hours. Also, I pay less for them than you do for your $110 shoes. So no, it's not all about trendiness, perhaps you could try to be a bit less judgmental. ;)
I am genuinely pleased for you. I never said that Vibrams couldn't be more comfortable for some. Since you're talking about walking, you're not the market I was speaking about at all, which is the distance running community. Shortly after Born to Run became a bestseller, Vibrams exploded in popularity as many runners with persistent injuries sought them out, hoping (and often imagining) that they would have a miraculous effect. It also coincided with Vibram making some unsupportable claims about the efficacy of the product that they were later sued for, and ultimately reached a class action settlement about. The specific claims were regarding the strengthening of the muscles in the feet and lower legs, improved range of motion, "stimulation of neural function," eliminating heel lift, and "allowing the foot and body to move more naturally."
Vibram has since stopped making most of their unsupportable claims, and most (I won't say all, but I will say I almost never see them at serious competitive events any more) distance runners have stopped wearing them. This all took place over a year or so. You'll occasionally see an oddball running barefoot, or someone on the trail with Vibrams on, but the "flash" of popularity and perceived "magical" effect amongst serious distance runners has passed.
So, yeah, I stand by my characterization of Vibrams as an expensive trend that has largely ended. The same money could be spent on shoes which are (for my purpose) effective. I'm happy they're effective for yours. My entire point was that spending more to get something which genuinely works to avoid injury is a good choice versus being penny wise and pound foolish. If Vibrams are what help you avoid injury and discomfort, then five-finger to your heart's content.