So far I love these shoes, am preparing for a marathon, no blisters, no rubs, I did 16 miles yesterday and my feet are fine.  Very pleased, and i love the color combination, a little colorful but not too flashy.  I think I'm sold on brooks, I was always a NB wearer but I think I might be a permanent convert.  I like a wider toe box and these deliver, no pinching on that little toe.  Of note, I usually wore a 7.5 in NB but I bought the 8 in these and they at first felt a little big but they are perfect, no toes hitting the tip of the shoe on those downhills.  Happy trails!