these are not normal shoes. if you run roads, fire trails, paths or high use trails forget em. but if you run technical trails where footing matters, where lightness matters, where you might be taking them off and on and/or theyre going to get wet - these shoes are as good as it gets so far. theres not nearly enough cushioning for taking them on the road, but for picking your way thru rocks, scrambling, jungle, adventure races and mountains theres enough. i dont think many brands have tackled this genre seriously yet - precision shoes. ive worn the salomon range for years, doing 80+ miles a week in the mountains on committed trails, and tho i still love em, this is the shoe thats come closest to suiting that terrain. they feel really light even when wet and fit surgically, tho folks with wide feet may not like them. ive got a scrawny foot myself and can feel the taper. the degree of flex is very nice. stiffer than a salomon and part of the precision package. the uppers were ready straight from the box, but the shanks took another 2 decent runs to work in. the hi-tech lacing gizmo i like, tho it could do with further evolution. it flexs well with the motion of the foot in a way laces never could and the one-handedness and speed doing it up shows you how much energy you put into messing with laces, even those things salomon uses. the wiring could come another 3/4 inch down the foot tho i feel - to make this a truely awesome precision shoe. and i feel the north face idea of putting it on the heel is more efficient too, tho would suffer on serious rocky terrain. the grip on the wheel also could be chunkier. the sole is good, but is the weak point. it sheds mud and sand well which is vital for marginal trails, but i feel could be stickier and have a more climbing sensitive inner toe. that with the rigid shank would make this the ultimate mountain running sole. all in all, theyre the most evolved in their class - vasque know what theyre doing and have taken the idea seriously. i wont be getting them out for leisurly jogs or flat stuff, but for committed trails and up ravines im happy to finally have something that feels specific. and i will be waiting for the next generation.