I agree the fivefingers are very expensive for what they are. Having said that I have been assured by the company that makes them that the sole is very durable and the shoe as a whole should last a long time.

There is a good review on barefootrunner.com

I have started running off road in aqua shoes. Lidl were selling them recently for £3.99. I have run in aqua shoes before but the ones from Lidl are very breathable. They are not that grippy and I'm not sure how long they will last but unless you are doing steep descents I would say they are worth using.

Richard