In reply to yorkshireman:
> Strange - I was blown away by the traction they offered - my first time out was on a local 10km loop I do including some steep, technical descents and the spring snow melt made quite dicey but they really made a different.
I suppose it depends on the terrain. IMO, they are very good alround trail shoes. For pure rock or grasssy hills, there are probably better options.
> I've also worn them in a couple of short, fast races and been pleased - they fit like a slipper, although I think they will be uncomfortable on longer stuff (post 20km).
I have worn them for a 80k race in the alps and they were comfortable all way round (well as comfortable as any shoe can be after that many hours).
> I'm careful not to wear them on any runs that might have significant tarmac stretches as am quite wary of wearing down the lugs.
Yes, wearing them on tarmac does not make any sense. They do wear down really fast.