Now this is a proper running shoe. Just got them the other day and have ran with them twice now. 3 miles on moderate trails and 4 miles on a treadmill. First, they worked well under each of the very different conditions. Second, they don't really run small. Kind of narrow along the sides but the toe box opens up and provides some room. They wrap around the foot quite well and feel very supportive even though they're somewhat low profile. Nice and secure. They're comfortable out of the box. The shoe promotes a proper mid to front foot strike. But also has some cushion for when you come down on the heel. Sort of a hybrid between the minimalist shoes and regular trail runners. They feel great when in motion. And although the sole is a bit stiff, it provides an excellent foundation over uneven surfaces and is really comfortable. The traction was excellent on some wet/muddy trails. In the gym they breathed well. On the trail they breathed well, because i could feel the cold air coming through. It was about 45 degrees. After a bit though, I didn't even notice. My feet got a little wet, down near the toes, but no blisters or rubbing. On the treadmill i did notice a hot spot after a few miles under the ball of my right foot. Left one was fine, so not sure what that was all about. Not a big deal. It appears that these are well constructed. Light but sturdy, especially when you have them on your feet. Overall, the early signs point to this shoe living up to its great reputation. Just a great all around running shoe. I'd buy them again and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to someone who is looking for a proper shoe to develop a proper stride. Oh, and in every other running shoe i've ever worn i've worn a size 9D (medium width).. And that's what I got these in. They fit great. In my opinion, they don't run small. The last thing you need with tired legs on trails full of rocks and roots is an extra 1/2 inch of toe guard snagging on anything that's not flush with the ground. They should fit a bit snug so you can manuever well, just so they're not jamming your toes together. I think these fit very true to size.
UPDATE: Now have about 50 miles on these...This morning took them out for a quick paced 10k trail run. Trails were moderately technical with roots, rocks, short steep inclines, and some longer gradual slopes. The weather was about 40 degrees and sunny. Unlike my previous trail runs with these shoes, the trails were very muddy today. These shoes were very comfortable throughout and afterwards my feet and legs were just fine, for the most part. The shoes did not do well in the cold, thin mud. On flat ground/mud they were only just okay. Uphill mud they were pretty decent. Downhill mud, they weren't very good at all, particularly the outside outsole. I was slipping alot as the outsole just couldn't hold the trail. Even with short choppy downhill stride. Going head-on downhill they were a bit better. But too much lateral pressure to the outside soles, and i was slipping. I adjusted my rating, taking off one star, b/c these aren't the shoes I will be wearing when the trails are very muddy. On the drier and slightly muddy parts and on the rocks/roots they were great as usual, very very comfortable. They really do seem to make the run easier on my entire body. They're very lightweight but well cushioned in the mid/forefoot and it makes a big difference. These are great trail shoes, my favorite for sure - but they're not a great mud shoe.