I've tried the Nikes, but I prefer some of Merrell's running shoes. They keep changing models, so I can't give you a link to the exact ones I've bought, but [0] and [1] look similar. These are both zero-drop models, meaning the heel is no higher than the forefoot; they bend well under the ball of the foot; and the toe box is very wide and roomy.

[0] http://www.merrell.com/US/en/bare-access-4/17570M.html

[1] http://www.merrell.com/US/en/trail-glove-3/17571M.html

Merrell has backed off their old barefoot line and quality. The trail glove 1 was great. I still have a pair with no tread left and they're still great anywhere but mud. On trail glove 3, they started adding arch support. Now there are none without some support in the arch.

If you can find old stock Reach in your size, they're a great more formal shoe. Leather upper and a similar sole to the trail glove 2.

I like Vivobarefoot shoes. They seem really well made; last a long time. Pretty much all I've worn for the past five years.

> Nike's thin soled line

Not sure if you mean those Nike Free shoes, but I've loved wearing those in the past. Seemed to reduce foot injuries when I was running track and cross country.

Vibrams or something like those Nikes seems like a great middle-ground -- it's not a Boolean choice between being barefoot and wearing wooden clogs.

>It sounds to me like what kids need is something closer to a strong sock

I haven't tried the adult shoes, but this company makes kids sized too. http://www.softstarshoes.com/kid-shoes/youth-shoes-size-1-5....

huarache sandals work fairly well for some