Split Toed Shoes?

Split toed shoes are gaining in popularity and not just with athletes. Running shoes like the Vibran Fivefingers pictured here may look a bit strange but many seasoned athletes swear by them. I've not slipped a pair onto my feet but they look comfortable and having your toes articulated like the way God made them has to be good for keeping balanced.

Runners love the feeling of running barefoot while still having their feet protected, but now even the Hollywood gliterati like Scarlett Johansson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson are wearing them while out and about town. What do you think? Would you slip into a pair of Vibrams and then go off to the mall for a bit of shopping?

To the dismay of many fashion critics, actress Shailene Woodley attended a 2012 Golden Globes after-party while wearing a pair split toe shoes right on the red carpet. The nerve of some people.

More brands have noticed how popular the Vibram FiveFingers have become and are offering their own version of split toe shoes, otherwise known as "barefoot shoes." New Balance, Merrell and Fila all have the split toe shoes to compete against Vibram. Merrell even claims its will strengthen, realign and stimulate your feet.

These types of shoes have been around for a bit but what's new are the big name fashion brands like the king of the red sole Christian Louboutin's "Lion Paw" pumps. These shoes were popular with Hollywood stars like Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker.

I actually think these Lion Paw shoes look a bit creepy.