First off let me just say TY TY TY to Shane and the guys(gals) working at Altrec.com.  Amazing service and knowledge about outdoor gear...these peeps are enthusiasts who know their stuff.  Contacted them to inquire about a set of Xcountry running shoes, Shane and I discussed what I would be doing(beginers adventure race) and he directed me away from the shoe I was considering and to the XA PRO 3D.  Now I haven't run in them yet but they are comfortable and snug in the right ways as well as light and just feel great on my feet.  They also have some nice other touches such as a small pocket built into the tongue where you can tuck that dangly and annoying extra lace(im sure other shoes have it but none I have had). They also have a nice firm sole/upper so I don't get the feeling that hitting a rock or a dip in the terrain is going to = unavoidable sprained ankle, the upper should provide better lateral stability then normal road runners yet is well vented allow for good air flow and cooling.  Basically there is nothing I would have wanted to know that the product to this point hasn't met.  Altec did such a good job fitting me to the shoe that this shoe is exactly what I was looking for.