Arc'teryxNORVAN LD 3 Labyrinth/Relic Arc'teryx returns for SS22 with theNorvan LD 3, delivering an optimal blend of comfort, light weight, support, and grip for your longest trail runs. The upper is breathable and durable, and the dual-layer internal construction minimizes friction. The toe box is sized to accommodate splay, and the heel and forefoot stack absorbs shock. Advanced materials – Vibram Litebase sole, InFuse midsole shed grams, and the grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole’s aggressive 4mm lug pattern delivers a confident bite. Technical trail running systems with a focus on freedom of movement and moisture management. High performance trail running systems for extended high output in challenging terrain. Allows moisture vapour to escape, helping regulate temperature and elevating comfort inside garment. Light, durable footwear providing comfort, support and protection on extended trail runs. Located in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness, Arc'teryx is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. Theirunique in-house manufacturing and design centres allow them to constantly evolve and build products the right way. Timeless quality, intuitive design and simplicity result in unrivaled performance at the point of extreme need.
Arc'teryxNORVAN LD 3 Labyrinth/Relic Arc'teryx returns for SS22 with theNorvan LD 3, delivering an optimal blend of comfort, light weight, support, and grip for your longest trail runs. The upper is breathable and durable, and the dual-layer internal construction minimizes friction. The toe box is sized to accommodate splay, and the heel and forefoot stack absorbs shock. Advanced materials – Vibram Litebase sole, InFuse midsole shed grams, and the grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole’s aggressive 4mm lug pattern delivers a confident bite. Technical trail running systems with a focus on freedom of movement and moisture management. High performance trail running systems for extended high output in challenging terrain. Allows moisture vapour to escape, helping regulate temperature and elevating comfort inside garment. Light, durable footwear providing comfort, support and protection on extended trail runs. Located in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness, Arc'teryx is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. Theirunique in-house manufacturing and design centres allow them to constantly evolve and build products the right way. Timeless quality, intuitive design and simplicity result in unrivaled performance at the point of extreme need.
Arc'teryxNORVAN LD 3 Labyrinth/Relic Arc'teryx returns for SS22 with theNorvan LD 3, delivering an optimal blend of comfort, light weight, support, and grip for your longest trail runs. The upper is breathable and durable, and the dual-layer internal construction minimizes friction. The toe box is sized to accommodate splay, and the heel and forefoot stack absorbs shock. Advanced materials – Vibram Litebase sole, InFuse midsole shed grams, and the grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole’s aggressive 4mm lug pattern delivers a confident bite. Technical trail running systems with a focus on freedom of movement and moisture management. High performance trail running systems for extended high output in challenging terrain. Allows moisture vapour to escape, helping regulate temperature and elevating comfort inside garment. Light, durable footwear providing comfort, support and protection on extended trail runs. Located in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness, Arc'teryx is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. Theirunique in-house manufacturing and design centres allow them to constantly evolve and build products the right way. Timeless quality, intuitive design and simplicity result in unrivaled performance at the point of extreme need.
Arc'teryxNORVAN LD 3 Labyrinth/Relic Arc'teryx returns for SS22 with theNorvan LD 3, delivering an optimal blend of comfort, light weight, support, and grip for your longest trail runs. The upper is breathable and durable, and the dual-layer internal construction minimizes friction. The toe box is sized to accommodate splay, and the heel and forefoot stack absorbs shock. Advanced materials – Vibram Litebase sole, InFuse midsole shed grams, and the grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole’s aggressive 4mm lug pattern delivers a confident bite. Technical trail running systems with a focus on freedom of movement and moisture management. High performance trail running systems for extended high output in challenging terrain. Allows moisture vapour to escape, helping regulate temperature and elevating comfort inside garment. Light, durable footwear providing comfort, support and protection on extended trail runs. Located in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness, Arc'teryx is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. Theirunique in-house manufacturing and design centres allow them to constantly evolve and build products the right way. Timeless quality, intuitive design and simplicity result in unrivaled performance at the point of extreme need.
Last updated at 12/04/2023 04:47:41
originally posted on arcteryx.com
I've put in many hundreds of kilometers of technical trail running in both these shoes (Norvan LD3 GTX) and the previous model (Norvan 2 GTX), and thought I would post my thoughts on how they compare. First off, I have a wider forefoot, which can be tricky to fit, but both the last used for both this and the previous model work very well with the shape of my foot. Both have stayed comfortable on long runs (20-40km) without significant hot-spots or chafing. The rubber compound and tread pattern used on both has exellent traction, on everything from wet rock, roots, and logs, to hardpacked snow. Especially impressive sticking to the kind of steep granite slabs we get around Squamish (I've even done some low 5th-class crack climbing in them, with reasonable success). ... MoreI've put in many hundreds of kilometers of technical trail running in both these shoes (Norvan LD3 GTX) and the previous model (Norvan 2 GTX), and thought I would post my thoughts on how they compare. First off, I have a wider forefoot, which can be tricky to fit, but both the last used for both this and the previous model work very well with the shape of my foot. Both have stayed comfortable on long runs (20-40km) without significant hot-spots or chafing. The rubber compound and tread pattern used on both has exellent traction, on everything from wet rock, roots, and logs, to hardpacked snow. Especially impressive sticking to the kind of steep granite slabs we get around Squamish (I've even done some low 5th-class crack climbing in them, with reasonable success). Coming to the differences between the models: the new model uses a closed cell foam on the entire tongue, which even though perforated to help it breathe, is MUCH hotter than the open cell foam used on the tongue of the Norvan 2. My feet sweat dramatically more, even in cool conditions. Along with this is a generally more solid and cushioned feel, very noticeably thicker midsole, and higher voume toe box. This can be a double-edged sword: less sensitivity for sure, and a slightly higher tendency for me to snag my toe on roots and rocks (especially when I first switched from the Norvan 2), but also better protection that has probably saved me from some injuries in trips and stumbles. Another big difference seems to be water resistance. The GTX liner of my Norvan 2 shoes was so poor in terms of water getting through that I almost wondered if I got a bunk pair, or they somehow forget the membrane. Even brushing agaist dew covered grass or leaves in otherwise dry conditions would immediately soak through and cause wet feet. In comparison, the water resistance of the new model (Norvan LD 3 GTX) seems excellent - combined with gaiters, I've recently been putting in long runs in slushy snow, and coming away with almost completely dry feet.I'm slightly concerned to see that the latest iteration of these (Dec 2022) seems to be unisex instead of men's-specific sizing. Hopefully the shape of the last hasn't been changed! Once I find a shoe that fits my foot well, I like to keep buying it. As much as marketing dictates that products should be constantly "new and improved", as a customer I would much prefer you stick with proven designs rather than constantly changing, especially for something as critical and hard to match as foot shape.
originally posted on arcteryx.com
I have been buying this shoe from the first Generation and the Ld3 nailed all the problems with the first models! I have currently been using this shoe leading up to training for cocodona 250. I used them at work lugging up sixty pound gravel bags up steep trails, road runs, and technical trail for training. These shoes are what I have been looking for that I could not find in all the other popular brands. They dry quick provide grip and comfort all day. They don’t have crazy arches on the side of the sole and the lacing provides great comfort. I can confidentially say these shoes are amazing in my eyes because I used them for the 2023 cocodona 250 and truly tested the shoe in every aspect possible including my daily work life style! Like all the Arcteryx gear that ... MoreI have been buying this shoe from the first Generation and the Ld3 nailed all the problems with the first models! I have currently been using this shoe leading up to training for cocodona 250. I used them at work lugging up sixty pound gravel bags up steep trails, road runs, and technical trail for training. These shoes are what I have been looking for that I could not find in all the other popular brands. They dry quick provide grip and comfort all day. They don’t have crazy arches on the side of the sole and the lacing provides great comfort. I can confidentially say these shoes are amazing in my eyes because I used them for the 2023 cocodona 250 and truly tested the shoe in every aspect possible including my daily work life style! Like all the Arcteryx gear that has saved me in unexpected weather I will continue to use a brand that does not provide me with just okay products but goes beyond that! Thank you for making a an amazing shoe!
originally posted on arcteryx.com
I couldn't be more please with these shoes and their performance on and off the trails. I was in need of some new hiking shoes and I prefer trail runners to actual hiking books for their light weight and streamline fit. I knew I was going on a big trek so I opted to try these out as an alternative to my Sportiva hiking boots which, were bulky and wouldn't fit in my travel pack. I had gone on a few hikes with these shoes around the bay taking them on trails and on pavement to break them in before hiking the full 40 miles around the Andes Mountains. These shoes did not disappoint, I was the only person on the trek that didn't develop blisters. They handed well on gravel, rocks, stream crossings, rock hoping, and were also around town and through the airport! They are ... MoreI couldn't be more please with these shoes and their performance on and off the trails. I was in need of some new hiking shoes and I prefer trail runners to actual hiking books for their light weight and streamline fit. I knew I was going on a big trek so I opted to try these out as an alternative to my Sportiva hiking boots which, were bulky and wouldn't fit in my travel pack. I had gone on a few hikes with these shoes around the bay taking them on trails and on pavement to break them in before hiking the full 40 miles around the Andes Mountains. These shoes did not disappoint, I was the only person on the trek that didn't develop blisters. They handed well on gravel, rocks, stream crossings, rock hoping, and were also around town and through the airport! They are gortex so my feet didn't get wet and they shoes were still breathable so event through we had long hiking days, my feet weren't that sweaty.
I've put in many hundreds of kilometers of technical trail running in both these shoes (Norvan LD3 GTX) and the previous model (Norvan 2 GTX), and thought I would post my thoughts on how they compare. First off, I have a wider forefoot, which can be tricky to fit, but both the last used for both this and the previous model work very well with the shape of my foot. Both have stayed comfortable on long runs (20-40km) without significant hot-spots or chafing. The rubber compound and tread pattern used on both has exellent traction, on everything from wet rock, roots, and logs, to hardpacked snow. Especially impressive sticking to the kind of steep granite slabs we get around Squamish (I've even done some low 5th-class crack climbing in them, with reasonable success). ... MoreI've put in many hundreds of kilometers of technical trail running in both these shoes (Norvan LD3 GTX) and the previous model (Norvan 2 GTX), and thought I would post my thoughts on how they compare. First off, I have a wider forefoot, which can be tricky to fit, but both the last used for both this and the previous model work very well with the shape of my foot. Both have stayed comfortable on long runs (20-40km) without significant hot-spots or chafing. The rubber compound and tread pattern used on both has exellent traction, on everything from wet rock, roots, and logs, to hardpacked snow. Especially impressive sticking to the kind of steep granite slabs we get around Squamish (I've even done some low 5th-class crack climbing in them, with reasonable success). Coming to the differences between the models: the new model uses a closed cell foam on the entire tongue, which even though perforated to help it breathe, is MUCH hotter than the open cell foam used on the tongue of the Norvan 2. My feet sweat dramatically more, even in cool conditions. Along with this is a generally more solid and cushioned feel, very noticeably thicker midsole, and higher voume toe box. This can be a double-edged sword: less sensitivity for sure, and a slightly higher tendency for me to snag my toe on roots and rocks (especially when I first switched from the Norvan 2), but also better protection that has probably saved me from some injuries in trips and stumbles. Another big difference seems to be water resistance. The GTX liner of my Norvan 2 shoes was so poor in terms of water getting through that I almost wondered if I got a bunk pair, or they somehow forget the membrane. Even brushing agaist dew covered grass or leaves in otherwise dry conditions would immediately soak through and cause wet feet. In comparison, the water resistance of the new model (Norvan LD 3 GTX) seems excellent - combined with gaiters, I've recently been putting in long runs in slushy snow, and coming away with almost completely dry feet.I'm slightly concerned to see that the latest iteration of these (Dec 2022) seems to be unisex instead of men's-specific sizing. Hopefully the shape of the last hasn't been changed! Once I find a shoe that fits my foot well, I like to keep buying it. As much as marketing dictates that products should be constantly "new and improved", as a customer I would much prefer you stick with proven designs rather than constantly changing, especially for something as critical and hard to match as foot shape.
I have been buying this shoe from the first Generation and the Ld3 nailed all the problems with the first models! I have currently been using this shoe leading up to training for cocodona 250. I used them at work lugging up sixty pound gravel bags up steep trails, road runs, and technical trail for training. These shoes are what I have been looking for that I could not find in all the other popular brands. They dry quick provide grip and comfort all day. They don’t have crazy arches on the side of the sole and the lacing provides great comfort. I can confidentially say these shoes are amazing in my eyes because I used them for the 2023 cocodona 250 and truly tested the shoe in every aspect possible including my daily work life style! Like all the Arcteryx gear that ... MoreI have been buying this shoe from the first Generation and the Ld3 nailed all the problems with the first models! I have currently been using this shoe leading up to training for cocodona 250. I used them at work lugging up sixty pound gravel bags up steep trails, road runs, and technical trail for training. These shoes are what I have been looking for that I could not find in all the other popular brands. They dry quick provide grip and comfort all day. They don’t have crazy arches on the side of the sole and the lacing provides great comfort. I can confidentially say these shoes are amazing in my eyes because I used them for the 2023 cocodona 250 and truly tested the shoe in every aspect possible including my daily work life style! Like all the Arcteryx gear that has saved me in unexpected weather I will continue to use a brand that does not provide me with just okay products but goes beyond that! Thank you for making a an amazing shoe!
I couldn't be more please with these shoes and their performance on and off the trails. I was in need of some new hiking shoes and I prefer trail runners to actual hiking books for their light weight and streamline fit. I knew I was going on a big trek so I opted to try these out as an alternative to my Sportiva hiking boots which, were bulky and wouldn't fit in my travel pack. I had gone on a few hikes with these shoes around the bay taking them on trails and on pavement to break them in before hiking the full 40 miles around the Andes Mountains. These shoes did not disappoint, I was the only person on the trek that didn't develop blisters. They handed well on gravel, rocks, stream crossings, rock hoping, and were also around town and through the airport! They are ... MoreI couldn't be more please with these shoes and their performance on and off the trails. I was in need of some new hiking shoes and I prefer trail runners to actual hiking books for their light weight and streamline fit. I knew I was going on a big trek so I opted to try these out as an alternative to my Sportiva hiking boots which, were bulky and wouldn't fit in my travel pack. I had gone on a few hikes with these shoes around the bay taking them on trails and on pavement to break them in before hiking the full 40 miles around the Andes Mountains. These shoes did not disappoint, I was the only person on the trek that didn't develop blisters. They handed well on gravel, rocks, stream crossings, rock hoping, and were also around town and through the airport! They are gortex so my feet didn't get wet and they shoes were still breathable so event through we had long hiking days, my feet weren't that sweaty.
I've used the LD 3 as my training shoe for a year now, and have occasionally pressed it into use for big scrambling days. Here's a cross section of a normal week for these shoes:1. 5K training run on town streets / dirt trails.2. Vertical training run on steep local trails.3. Grand Teton via Owen Spalding route.4. Recovery run on gym treadmill.As you can see from the above, the shoe is hyper versatile, and I trust the rubber with my life. A few things to consider:1. The shoe does not have a super tight toe box. This is great for comfort, but might leave you wanting something a bit more precise for sustained scrambling.2. The rubber is very trustworthy once broken in, >50 miles or so. Out of the box, the sole is a bit hard for scrambling.3. The Long ... MoreI've used the LD 3 as my training shoe for a year now, and have occasionally pressed it into use for big scrambling days. Here's a cross section of a normal week for these shoes:1. 5K training run on town streets / dirt trails.2. Vertical training run on steep local trails.3. Grand Teton via Owen Spalding route.4. Recovery run on gym treadmill.As you can see from the above, the shoe is hyper versatile, and I trust the rubber with my life. A few things to consider:1. The shoe does not have a super tight toe box. This is great for comfort, but might leave you wanting something a bit more precise for sustained scrambling.2. The rubber is very trustworthy once broken in, >50 miles or so. Out of the box, the sole is a bit hard for scrambling.3. The Long Distance padding feels very nice at the end of a long day or recovery trot. Foot sensitivity is still more than adequate, but again a more precise shoe like the SL might be a better fit for ultra technical trails.I am a 10.5 in most USM shoes, and this sizing is perfect for me. Perhaps a bit on the large side, which is nice when accounting for altitude related swelling. The lace garage is such a nice, considered feature, as well - keeps everything nice and tidy when running hard.
I normally wear a size 12. I bought these in a size 12 and they are, at least, half a size too big for me. It was my own fault. I purchased them at the Arc’teryx store on Saint Catherine’s after a long walk around Montreal on a hot day. I wish the sales clerk in that store have been aware of how big they fit. When I later complained about how big the shoes are to a SA at Arc’teryx on 17th Ave. in Calgary, he mentioned that, in his opinion, that Arc’teryx shoes equipped with Gore-Tex normally fit about half a size too large. He’s a knowledgable sales associates & I have left positive comments about him, previously, on this site. Other than the shoes, being too large for me, they have performed fairly well. I have flat wide feet, and I believe that the shoes provided ... MoreI normally wear a size 12. I bought these in a size 12 and they are, at least, half a size too big for me. It was my own fault. I purchased them at the Arc’teryx store on Saint Catherine’s after a long walk around Montreal on a hot day. I wish the sales clerk in that store have been aware of how big they fit. When I later complained about how big the shoes are to a SA at Arc’teryx on 17th Ave. in Calgary, he mentioned that, in his opinion, that Arc’teryx shoes equipped with Gore-Tex normally fit about half a size too large. He’s a knowledgable sales associates & I have left positive comments about him, previously, on this site. Other than the shoes, being too large for me, they have performed fairly well. I have flat wide feet, and I believe that the shoes provided me with adequate support. My only other complaint is Arc’teryx laces, which stretch and stretch and stretch. I shouldn’t have to double knot my laces, if I’m just going down to the grocery store, to pick up the slack.
I've ben running in these for the past several months and they've become by go-to pair for almost all of my runs. There is plenty of cushion that makes them comfortable for big days without sacrificing too much sensitivity. The traction has blown me away a few times, particularly in muddy conditions when I've tried to make them slip and they still stick. I've also liked the water resistance. Unless water makes it to the upper part of the shoe, my feet stay totally dry, and the breathability helps them dry out quickly after creek crossings or time in snow. The rubber coating around the edge of the shoe makes them durable and has protected my feet from plenty of accidental rock kicks.The only times I reach for another pair are for runs with extended stretches of ... MoreI've ben running in these for the past several months and they've become by go-to pair for almost all of my runs. There is plenty of cushion that makes them comfortable for big days without sacrificing too much sensitivity. The traction has blown me away a few times, particularly in muddy conditions when I've tried to make them slip and they still stick. I've also liked the water resistance. Unless water makes it to the upper part of the shoe, my feet stay totally dry, and the breathability helps them dry out quickly after creek crossings or time in snow. The rubber coating around the edge of the shoe makes them durable and has protected my feet from plenty of accidental rock kicks.The only times I reach for another pair are for runs with extended stretches of technical rock, since the added cushion and fairly deep lugs on these decrease their sensitivity. That being said, they've still help up to short 5th class sections, and a shoe that performs better in technical terrain would be sacrificing the long-distance comfort that these have.Overall, I've really been impressed with what these shoes have handled. After a couple hundred miles in mine, they're still in good shape. I'll be getting another pair of these once it's time to replace them.
I love my Arc'teryx norvan ld3s. I deliver the mail for a living and I wear these all day long and I have very pain prone feet suffering in particular with metatarsalgia in my left foot which I have never noticed since I started wearing the ld3.I don't know what that midsole is made of but it is unbelievable. You can land hard on these things and you don't feel a thing. The grip is fantastic as well. My only complaint is that they are overly roomy. Even with an extra insole they still feel big so I would definitely size down by half a size. Maybe even a full size. Super comfortable upper with possibly overly long laces but these are minor complaints. Also some questionable color choices in past years. I have ordered a Gore-Tex pair for the winter months half a ... MoreI love my Arc'teryx norvan ld3s. I deliver the mail for a living and I wear these all day long and I have very pain prone feet suffering in particular with metatarsalgia in my left foot which I have never noticed since I started wearing the ld3.I don't know what that midsole is made of but it is unbelievable. You can land hard on these things and you don't feel a thing. The grip is fantastic as well. My only complaint is that they are overly roomy. Even with an extra insole they still feel big so I would definitely size down by half a size. Maybe even a full size. Super comfortable upper with possibly overly long laces but these are minor complaints. Also some questionable color choices in past years. I have ordered a Gore-Tex pair for the winter months half a size down and I can't wait to get them. I honestly am thinking about buying two or three more pairs in case they change the design significantly. I have also run in these over 10 miles in snow and concrete and they really felt great. A bit warm in the summer months if you are actually out there running on concrete. Huge improvement over the ld2s.
I have very hard feet to fit (medium width but ultra-low volume with high arches) and they are super sensitive to rocks. I have tried so many shoes and nothing was working. These are great! Very well cushioned without any rocks getting all the way to me tender souls. Nice wide toe box. I have to add a second footbed to take up the extra volume in the shoe and to provide enough arch support, but I have to do that in all my running shoes. I love the 6mm drop as my high arches can’t do zero drop. The one rub is literally a rub on my ankle bones from the relatively high collar. That said, they are flexible enough that even after 20 miles I didn’t feel any discomfort. I’ll be buying several pairs of these as they go on sale because companies always ruin things by ... MoreI have very hard feet to fit (medium width but ultra-low volume with high arches) and they are super sensitive to rocks. I have tried so many shoes and nothing was working. These are great! Very well cushioned without any rocks getting all the way to me tender souls. Nice wide toe box. I have to add a second footbed to take up the extra volume in the shoe and to provide enough arch support, but I have to do that in all my running shoes. I love the 6mm drop as my high arches can’t do zero drop. The one rub is literally a rub on my ankle bones from the relatively high collar. That said, they are flexible enough that even after 20 miles I didn’t feel any discomfort. I’ll be buying several pairs of these as they go on sale because companies always ruin things by releasing new and “improved” versions which don’t always workout.
I take gear reviews with a grain of salt and that all depends on how hard people use their shoes in certain types of terrain and foot shape anatomy.Recently had a pair of Norda 001 stolen but did not want to spend the premium price on another pair because it's $100 more. Decided to give the Norvan LD 3 a try. True to size with my foot shape, compared to going half size up to the 001. The cushion is on par with the 001 and feels better than most max cushion shoes out there even though the LD 3 is not max cushion. Toe box is generous, but Altra and Topo Athletic wins the game in that category. I usually get heel slippage but this shoe keeps my heel sucked in and secured without having to use the extra eyelets. Nice gusseted tongue although but it does get hot. It is ... MoreI take gear reviews with a grain of salt and that all depends on how hard people use their shoes in certain types of terrain and foot shape anatomy.Recently had a pair of Norda 001 stolen but did not want to spend the premium price on another pair because it's $100 more. Decided to give the Norvan LD 3 a try. True to size with my foot shape, compared to going half size up to the 001. The cushion is on par with the 001 and feels better than most max cushion shoes out there even though the LD 3 is not max cushion. Toe box is generous, but Altra and Topo Athletic wins the game in that category. I usually get heel slippage but this shoe keeps my heel sucked in and secured without having to use the extra eyelets. Nice gusseted tongue although but it does get hot. It is more road friendly due to the moderate traction and the lugs are good for most terrain and I can get away with the traction in high alpine terrain, scree and other rough stuff. Look elsewhere if you prefer aggressive tread. Great for the long haul with a smooth stride. You can certainly go fast and hard although I prefer the SL for that purpose. The LD 3 hits the sweet spot for me and it's a great looking shoe for casual wear. Please make an all white with green laces please! It'll be a banger! I do wish there was a similar shoe that is more breathable and drainage for the hot and wet days.
Bought these at the beginning of the summer. I've now put 310 miles (500km) on the shoes, entirely on trail. Went on a road trip from CO to WY to MT to BC and these shoes handled everything phenomenally. Longest day in them was 30 miles (48km). Every run my feet felt fantastic. Never a single hot spot, and my feet felt better after runs than they have in any other shoe. I've been running in Salomons, Brooks, and Hokas and these blow every one of those out of the water. From rolling single track to 3000' (900m) scree surf descents these never let me down. Despite being on rather rocky/rooty/scree filled trails the majority of the time (I ran The Rut in MT in these), these have held up FAR better than any other trail shoe I've had. Especially in the soles which are ... MoreBought these at the beginning of the summer. I've now put 310 miles (500km) on the shoes, entirely on trail. Went on a road trip from CO to WY to MT to BC and these shoes handled everything phenomenally. Longest day in them was 30 miles (48km). Every run my feet felt fantastic. Never a single hot spot, and my feet felt better after runs than they have in any other shoe. I've been running in Salomons, Brooks, and Hokas and these blow every one of those out of the water. From rolling single track to 3000' (900m) scree surf descents these never let me down. Despite being on rather rocky/rooty/scree filled trails the majority of the time (I ran The Rut in MT in these), these have held up FAR better than any other trail shoe I've had. Especially in the soles which are somehow both sticky and long lasting, I have so much confidence in my footing in these regardless of the trail being wet granite slab or rooty trail. My last few pairs of Hokas would have tread blocks peeling after 100 miles or so. I think I can pretty easily get another 100+ miles out of these shoes before retiring them and they will still look better than all my hardly worn Hokas.Are they perfect? No, but nothing is. My biggest complaint is in regards to the sock liner. Never have I seen a more worthless sock liner. I have recently started using superfeet insoles and they fit beautifully in these so it wasn't really an issue, but if you don't regularly add an insole they could be a bummer.As others mentioned, there is a bit of material in the upper. The inner neoprene/mesh sleeve really serves to lock in your instep like no other shoe, however they can run a little warm due to this extra fabric. Considering I live in New England and we had the fortune to play in Western mountains this summer, it's not been an issue. However these may not be the best summertime desert shoe if that is your stomping ground.Compared to Hokas and especially Salomons these run a bit wider in the toe box and higher volume, once I added my super feet they fit like a dream.The lace pocket is oddly tight to get into, and the laces are frictionless enough in the eyelets that you practically have to tighten the shoe from the toe box every time you put them on. The laces never come UNtied, you just have to make sure you get allll the slack out from the toe box on up or they feel loosely tied shortly into a run. Once I figured out how to lace them (start with them feeling almost overly tight, once you walk around/run the laces seem to even themselves out), I haven't had to stop to retighten them, but it was a learning curve at first as they always felt loose 10 minutes into a run. It's possible that the slick laces help alleviate pressure points over your instep by spreading the load? I wouldn't change them just in case.
