Here is my take on it from the ground up.The Vibram outersole is rock solid with an aggressive tread pattern and embedded rubber spikes for additional traction when the going gets rough. I have run over a variety of surfaces including, hard-packed trails, mud, grass, gravel roads and asphalt. The soles provided excellent traction in all situations. They also offer excellent underfoot protection from sharp rocks and gnarly roots so no need to avoid them. I my opinion, the best test of a soles traction is how it grips on wet granite slabs. I haven't had a chance to test the shoe under these conditions but will update you when the opportunity presents itself. I suspect the soles will handle it just fine. The Vibram sole is so durable, I suspect it will outlast the uppers!

The triple density EVA mid-sole offers excellent cushioning without feeling too soft and spongy. If you have to run on paved roads to get to a trail-head then this might be the shoe for you. The Patagonia Release has the most cushioning of any trail shoe I have tried so far, even more than my Cascadias, which I consider to have very good cushioning. If you're into green, the midsole uses 15% recycled materials.

The shoe's upper is treated with a durable water repellent (similar to the repellent used on water-resistant jackets) to help seal out water when you are running in the rain or splashing through puddles. I haven't had a chance to take the shoes through any stream crossing but the shoes should drain well due to the open mesh design of the upper material. This open design also makes the shoe very breathable, great for warm weather running. Rounding out the uppers is a nicely padded tongue and a Dynamic Fit Lacing system with loops that are separate from the instep. The lacing system custom-wraps the upper around the forefoot. I have the say this shoe fits like a glove! Super comfortable.

The Patagonia Release is now my favorite trail shoe for long-distance running over trails with varying surface conditions. I used this shoe during a 50M trail race last week and had no issues with it. On the down side, the shoe is heavy at 14.5 oz but I can't really say I've noticed the weight on any of my runs. It's a well constructed shoe utilizing quality materials and should last a good long time. What else would you expect from companies like Patagonia and Vibram?

I like these. I use them more for general day-to-day activities rather than trail running, but they're comfortable and go eight hours at a stretch with no problem.
My minor gripe is that slightly longer laces would be good, but what is there does stay tied.
Give 'em a try and walk around home for a day and see if it works for you. Return policy is great!

I wear these hiking, biking, and pretty much every day casually. Great, great shoes. Super grippy, fit true to size. Pair 'em up with some superfeet inserts and your feet will love you.

I bought these based on the review from the guy who retired his hardrocks. Great design, great materials but inferior workmanship. The tongues are different lengths, and not padded enough. The lacing system doesn't work; the little loops are too long. The top eyelets are too close to the edge and the plastic piece is different on each shoe. Patagonia just doesn't have the history in trail running shoes to compete with montrail and la sportiva and solomon.

I have 2000 mi on the AT and bought the Release after shredding two pairs of Hard Rocks in the White Mtns.

Good shoe. Love the soles especially the spikes for gripping the rocks. First 40mi, I have no blisters, no excessive wear points and overall good comfort.

We will see after another couple hundred but I have retired Hard Rocks for now.

One note. Spikes are protected by a rubber cone and do not appear to bother floors indoors.