This is a great shoe for some conditions. I think the shoe works well in wet, soft or muddy conditions. However, I think it’s a little rigid for hard pack, firm or rocky conditions especially if you like a shoe with some cushioning. (Take into consideration my size: 6ft, average arch, 185lbs) The lacing system is exceptional and, from my experience, the only thing that comes close is the North Face BOA system. The Salomon system is easily adjusted and the excess stows conveniently in tongue pouch. Additionally, I’ve never had any problems with the laces loosening during a run or coming un-stowed from the pouch. All-in-all, I rate this shoe high in wet and soft conditions, however I’ll grab one of my other trail shoes when the conditions are hard packed or dry.

A side note: I also use a pair of these shoes for mountain biking because of the firm platform, the lacing system (stows away and stays out of the chain), and they’re water proof. (I don’t use clip-ins but that’s a separate discussion topic)

This is a good shoe and I have no issue with its performance. However, anyone that might normally wear a half size shoe (size 12.5) could have issues getting a good fit. In most cases, for me, 12 is too small and 13 is too big. However, I bought a 13 because I thought a little more space would be the better option than getting a shoe that was too small. Not with this shoe, there is way too much room in the mid-foot and toe box for my foot. I tried different thicknesses in socks and adjustments with the laces but just couldn't get the fit I like to have in a trail-running shoe. I didn't give up without a fight I put a 100 miles in them...but now I wish I could trade them for a size 12.

I've had the forerunner for over a year now and I've got to say it's an essential piece of training equipment. Having the ability to track distance, heart rate, average pace and a bunch of other data is both informative and motivational. Additionally, its ability to store data from multiple sports is also handy if you're a runner and a biker or hiker etc...In my experience the battery, true to Garmin's word, lasts about 10 hours when fully charged. Which for me means I've got to charge it up once per week. The standard package comes with two wrist bands, I'm not a big guy, but I use the larger band, especially during cooler months when I wear it over a long sleeved tops. It has plenty of size adjustments. Although it's bigger than a wrist watch I wouldn't call it bulky and I've never been to distracted by it's size or weight while wearing it--regardless of the activity (running, biking, hiking). If you workout in the same general area everday you probably won't have issues with it connecting to the required number of Satellites. However, if you travel or move workout location more than a few miles apart it can take a few minutes to link. That being said, I've used my current 305 in both the USA and Europe and the longest I've waited for a link is about 10 minutes...I'd say the average is more like 2 minutes. keeping a link has never been problem either and I run and bike in pretty thick wooded areas. You don't have to be a professional to enjoy the benefits of the Forerunner but I warn you once you've started using it you won't be able to run, bike, or hike without it ever again.

This is a very good product. I started using a Forerunner 301 a couple of years ago and it worked really well. If you run/bike on trails, in the city (tall buildings), or any area with limited visiblity to the open sky, you might have problems keeping a satellite link. If you need GPS training aid with a heart rate monitor and can scratch another $80 together I'd recommend going with a Garmin Forerunner 305. The 305 was updated with a better/stronger antenna which allows it to keep better satellite links. If you don't need a heart rate monitor take a look at the Garmin Forerunner 205. The 205 is equal to the 305 without the heart rate monitor. The 205 is also cheaper than the 301 or 305. Bottom line, the 301 is older technology with fewer functions than the 305/205 but it is still a comparable piece of equipment.