I went to these after running in New Balance Minimus Trails for a few months. The Pumas are lighter and flatter and feel great on my feet. If you have not tried barefoot running or minimalist shoes, you will probably not be ready for the lack of cushioning or the extra demands on your calf muscles. If you have tried those things, these shoes are a great alternative to the trendy, more expensive minimalist shoes. They are also recommended for Pose Method. I am running in these without socks and I like them that way. I did get a mild blister on my right pinky toe in the first run. But I think this won't be a problem after another couple of runs.