I agree with Bare Lee. The sole of the Moc3s is not solid Vibram sole, although there is thin leather everywhere. The Vibram sole that is there is quite thin. I feel gravel and rough patches when I am where these. Lots of toe room and flexibility. Love them!
My daughter has worn them for a year's worth of daily practices with the high school track team and cross country team, which included lots of summer miles. They are just starting to get some holes. This seems at least as good as the rate I've seen my husband go through more standard running shoes. I have gotten excellent customer service from the elves, too.
Ugly? I think I am reasonably fashionable, and all these are is basic black moccasins. Basic black is in.
My wife is a fashion maven. She likes the Moc3s, but thinks the RunAmocs look silly. She even thinks the Moc3s make a better casual minimalist shoe than the Patagonia Advocates I got. The Advocates also have excellent groundfeel, but are tighter fitting and don't breath very well. If I get another casual minimalist shoe, it'll probably be one of Vivobarefoot's, like the Dharma or something.
For me, the vivo's I've tried on are way too narrow and (purchased) for me, not too mention the price, ye gads!
I can't say, as I've only used them in cold weather. Like you, I get hot foot, which is one of the two reasons I became a casual barefooter many years ago. I can say that on the other end of temps, with hot feet, you should be good down to around 0 F / -18 with the Moc3s if you're moving, maybe lower. We had a really mild winter last year so I don't know exactly what their range is, but on the handful of times I used them they were always warm enough. I think I wore the smart wool socks once or twice though.
