I just got these shoes in anticipation of the wet NW WA trail season and took them out for a spin. The fit is true to Montrail sizing and comparable to the fit of my Hardrocks. However, they are not the same feel as the Hardrocks. The Masochist is lighter, flexier, and more responsive to trail conditions. I liked the way it gripped and allowed good lateral movement and trail hugging when hauling downhill. However, there is little “spring” in the cushioning, which gives the feeling of a flat, slapping foot stride when running on flats or downhill, and a temporary case of shin splints (even if you never get them like me). I also found that my feet heated up pretty quickly in the Gortex. I am not prone to hot feet, so this might be a problem if you are. I hope that in colder wet conditions this problem will subside. Lastly, where the tongue folds into the shoe it tended to cause a pressure point. A ticker Smartwool sock and a little break in time will help it subside. Overall, a decent shoe, but only if you need the water protection.

These are the best skins on the market. They are easy to size and fit to your skis, they glide and stick really well, and fold up to a reasonable size to fit in your jacket or pack. Some recommendations: If you have wide skis, I would recommend using the piece of plastic netting that comes with the skins out in the backcountry. My skins are pretty wide and it takes two people to pull them apart if I fold them onto themselves; also on sizing, my skis are 124 at the widest width and I got the 120 skins and they are perfect. You dont want or need you entire tips covered, so you can usually go with the smaller skin as long as it is within 5 mm. Have fun out there!