Awesome shoes. Sticky enough for free-solo scrambles up to low 5th class (5.4-5.6) with 300'+ of exposed runout. It has moderately hard rubber (good longetivity), yet it also has good smearing ability - probably due to the shallow lugs that like to cling to undulations in the rock. It almost feels like cheating! Very protective shank for running/hiking on talus in alpine environments when bagging 14ers, yet it also has great trail sensitivity for stability. The shielding around the toes and sides is extremely effective when running/skiing down scree, where lesser shoes would leave you with shredded feet. Great shoe for the Utah desert, the Colorado Rockies, all around scrambling fun, and even lightweight backpacking. The construction is pretty bomber. On several tough scrambles - crack climbs and chimney squeezes - my canyoneering companion ripped open the sides on her Keens down to the sock, while the Hardrocks show no damage (only cosmetic wear). Love these shoes - I can trust them with my life on technical scrambles!

My only reservation is it's grip when wet. While on dry rock they feel like approach shoes, I don't trust them anywhere near as much on wet rock. Take real approach shoes or water shoes for technical scrambles on wet rock, or better yet, don't risk your life on those days and do something less exposed/technical.

While many complain about the changes between '08 and '09, the complaints seem to be focused around the change in fit. The earlier ones were excruciating for me to wear, but the '09 Hardrocks fit great! If the new ones fit your feet, get them - you won't regret it!

It worked as expected and functioned quite well. However, the leash seams ripped open rendering the leash essentially useless after less than 4 months of use. Great return policy here, so we'll see if the second pair fairs any better (might have been a fluke) - if not, I'll look at other brands.