Since the publication of journalist Christopher McDougall's wildly popular 2009 book, Born to Run, the barefoot-running craze has firmly taken hold in the U.S. One sign of this trend has been the proliferation of "barefoot shoes" (admittedly something of an oxymoron) such as the Vibram FiveFingers, a sort of rubber-soled glove for the foot. The benefits of even this level of protective footwear are debated among barefooting buffs; some argue that the documented biomechanical benefits of running barefoot are most fully enjoyed when the soles are, indeed, completely bare. But if you live in San Francisco and want a pair of the outlandish-looking Vibram running slippers, Nomadic Outfitters is your store. Owner Nancy Block is a patient and knowledgeable vendor in a business whose patrons are often annoyingly obsessive about the specifications of their running gear. If you're looking to cast off your clunky, cushioned sneakers, she and Nomadic will help you make the transition with grace.