A year ago, I was seduced by the siren song of "Born to Run" and the idea of "barefoot running." After meeting with a Chi Running coach and working on my technique for almost a year, I was still nervous to go with an un-cushioned shoe (and these have little-to-NO cushioning/arch support). However, I've now discovered that with proper technique, the traditional running shoe support and cushioning isn't necessary and actually inhibits my running experience. I now wish I hadn't hesitated on these shoes as my running has never been better and more enjoyable, not to mention faster!

I started my footwear transition by running in them only once a week on short runs and then slowly increasing my mileage. Besides a little soreness in my calves (which was expected), I have loved these shoes from the beginning. They are so light and flexible that putting on my old running shoes feels like I'm wearing cement blocks. I do mostly street running and have great traction on the snowy, slushy roads in Montana. I wear thin socks for warmth and the fit is slightly snug but still feels great.

As for the fit, after much research I thought I would need to go up a size. My running shoes are typically a size 8 (I wear size 7 in casual/street shoes) but I thought I better try these on. After cruising around in a pair at REI, I found that size 8 was huge. I ended up ordering a size 7 from Amazon, which feels great. In hindsight, I think a 7.5 would have been perfect with my feet expanding/flattening on longer, harder runs. The toe box is nice and wide (I have a SLIGHTLY wider-than-average forefoot) yet the heel still fits like a glove (I have a SLIGHTLY narrower-than-average heel/ankle). If you're concerned with heel rubbing and blisters, I would suggest wearing thin socks for your first few runs until you've broken them in.

In summary, this is an EXCELLENT shoe. It will take time to transition from a traditional running shoe to a low-profile shoe like this but once you do, you'll never go back.