Minimal or barefoot running seems to be all the rage at the moment; these shoes seemed to leave the shelves the moment they arrived and it took me a while to get hold of a pair. I've had them for a couple of months now and have worn them for my occasional running commute (surfaces including canal path, tarmac and some grass), for circuit classes (indoors, gym) and this weekend last my first 'proper' test of them off road (a few laps round llyn Gwernan in N. Wales, surfaces including grass, woodland trail, boardwalk and tarmac). The good points: very light, very zippy with a great feel for the ground which contrasts with my usual offroad shoes (Salomon Speedcross). I found they have made me modify my gait to take short steps and they do tend to make you run more onto the midfoot. On trails with roots and rocks this means you have to 'dance' a little bit round and over rocks and roots as you can certainly feel it if you land bang on a pointy root/rock; this is not necessarily a bad thing, but may become tiring during a long race for example. The first few times I wore them I had a little stiffness in my calves/achilles but this seems to have largely gone now. The bad (or less good at least points): they pong very quickly! Well they did for me! This can be got rid of with a quick wash (they dry quickly) but the alleged anti bacterial lining etc doesnt seem up to much for my plates of meat at least! I don't think at the moment at least I would run or race long distances in these, but they are a great variation to my usual offroad shoes and do make you think about your running style which I reckon can only be a good thing. The sole (vibram) has good but not exceptional grip, ok on hardpack but less grippy on damp grass and wet stone! As regards the vaunted benefits of barefoot and minimal running - this must ultimately be a personal thing. I (touch wood) generally stay injury free: I think shoes such as this need to be introduced gradually into a running regime. I'll be interested to see what NB do with the next iteration of these shoes: I do think the sole may need some re-design if these are intended as a true trail shoe, for most UK conditions at least.