This looked and felt solid, extremely durable. I think they are something between running and hiking shoes. I did not like them a running shoes for training and running a marathon on snow and ice (Antarctica). Felt somewhat boxy, rigid. Plus, the shoe laces are awkward and they do not have the option of pulling laces through holes closer to your feet (useful for better fitting 1/2 size larger shoes). I tested them for 1-2 miles and decided to return them and go with the trail version of my regular running shoes (Brooks).