I hate to interject Statboy, but 5 Ft Steps are a quasi free action in that it doesn't cost any other kind of action, but you can only do it once. And if you do take a 5ft step, you can no longer use your speed to move any distance. It does not take up a "move action" because you can pair a 5ft step and still use a special ability that costs a "move action" to utilize. You can also pair a 5ft step with a swift action. E.G Paladin takes a 5ft step, uses lay on hands on himself, then takes a full round action to attack.