This is a well made trail shoe. But that's as far as I can tell you. I'm having a hard time breaking them in. I've tried them with my orthotics, and without (the factory insoles are nice) and with a slew of different kinds of socks. I just can't seem to love these shoes. (I have 8 pairs of running shoes and my mileage varies each week) I do however really like the laces setup. They're quick to cinch up and hold well. The tuck pocket on the tongue is a nice touch.
I'm going to keep trying to break these in and I hope I can get them to work. I have several trail races coming up.
*Now, a couple years later, i have been using these shoes for hashing around the pacific and Asia with very good results! These are some of the toughest shoes I have ever owned. Constantly running through the jungle and rivers, wet, dry, mud, slippery rocks, razor sharp volcanic without a slip, puncture or untie. I have however recently developed a slight tear on the little toe outsole. Still stiff, but not enough to tear up my feet anymore, and I managed to find the magic sock combination too. (Soccer socks)