I got these shoes based on the positive reviews, but I was never able to take them out for a spin. I ordered a half-size up, as recommended, and they felt really good on my feet. However, there was a little room at the toe, and my big toenail kept catching on the edge of the sole where it met the stretchy upper. I did not think it would be okay to run it. I tried ordering my normal size, but they were too small with no room at the toe. I wish I had been able to keep them, because otherwise they felt very nice, but I didn't want to wear them if I didn't think I could keep them.

I ended up buying a different type of minimalist shoes, and compared to them, these do have more of a tread on the bottom. I don't want to call it a cushion, but I think it would protect your feet from rocks and roots more than the ones that I bought do.