Departure from Vibram

In sort of the same boat as yourself, i have been running in an old pair of Brooks Mach 9 flats.

Here is the latest model

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-BM12SLS.html

I like them because they have a spike design so really no heel which is good for what you want.

But make sure you get the spike less/flat model

Mizuno Wave Universe

Asics Piranha

Saucony Type A4

Nike Streak XC 2

Adidas Adizero Pro

Adidas Adizero Rocket

Roughly in that order. You might also have luck with spikeless cross country shoes as suggested above, the Saucony Kilkenny and Brooks Mach are both decent. If you want traction, look at the lightest inov8 shoes.

The Asics Piranha is very very low durability. I got a pair, and the sole seemed almost as if it were made of felt. Started falling apart immediately (a chunk of it came off near the big toe on the second run). They are really nice to run in while they last, though.

Puma Street Kosmos are awesome. Favorite shoe so far.

inov8 looks sweet.

Inov-8s are fantastic!!! Their most minimal shoe right now is the f-lite 195s, which are sticky, low heeled, and very flexible. They are more comfortable and functionally sound than XC flats, which I've tried many. You might also consider the f-lite 220s and 230s, which have a bit more cushioning and better for high mileage. While the price is a little steep, they are made for off-roads and highly durable materials. They are coming out with a line of road shoes this spring, which will be even lighter.

Merrell is coming out with a new shoe, looks pretty good:

http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/2011/01/04/merrell-trail-glove-review/

I have been using the saucony kilkenny XC flat for years. They're cheap, and you can get a ton of miles out of them. i have put over 1000 miles on more than one pair almost all of the miles on the road.

i agree with the guy who said no piranhas. i had a pair and while i liked running in them they just got torn up on the trails (i pretty much only run on trails). i agree the soul just started falling apart. i like the onitsuka tai chi shoes. super minimal (probably as minimal as shoes get), but the soul is tough so rocks don't hurt as much as other minimal shoes and it'll last for a really long time. i just got the vibrams too but i doubt i'll ever do like full length runs in them. but like track workouts are good in them.