I really respect what Xero Shoes is doing. On a personal level, I likely would not be on my current part toward ultra running if I hadn't made this discovery. I know I've previously reviewed some of their footwear and the company as a whole, but I need to add to it. All said, I own the Prio, Genesis sandal, Naboso Trail sandal, Mesa Trail, HFS and Alpine boot. All mens. Plus my daughters have the Prio. I love every one of these (I can't say much about the boot, though, as I've not worn it in snow yet). I most recently acquired the HFS and the Alpine boot. The HFS is sort of like a sexier Prio, with a different (tire inspired) tread pattern. Very comfy without socks, in my experience, and I've done shorter and longer distance at various speeds/effort levels. I believe I did get a small blister on my big toe on my break-in run, but oh well. It hasn't happened since and hardly ever happens to me period anymore. I feel like I could wear the HFS all day, especially on paved surfaces and easy non-mucky trails. The boot is comfy, but again, I've barely worn it - really just to feel the fit. Gotta wait for snow and cold to properly test these out. They feel adequately substantial and warm, while maintaining some flexibility (almost definitely more than you will get in any other true winter boot). I think the Mesa Trail is possibly my favorite Xero shoe, and my favorite shoe ever overall (though the HFS is pretty close, for a non-trail shoe). Now that my feet have seemed to spread a bit (apparently, this happens with some people who transition to minimalist footwear), I kind of wish I'd went up a half size, but overall it's perfect, especially if I am sockless or in thinner socks. I did add a velcro gaiter attachment, which really extends the utility of these for me. I have to admit - A bit before my last haul of Xero shoes, I actually grabbed a couple of more traditional heavy duty trail shoes (Altra King MT 1. and Salming Elements 2). Depending on the trail/conditions and target effort, I do think it is worthwhile to wear something like these over a minimalist shoe. Honestly, I am super comfortable in my Mesa Trails for 85% of my time on trails (including gnarly stuff) but if conditions are rather sloppy and/or the terrain is extra ouch (especially on longer runs), I personally like to switch to my heavy hitters. I also sometimes do this if I just want a break from feeling the terrain (gasp, I know this is sacrilege in minimalist land), which can be a nice change of pace every so often. I could not, however, wear the heavy duty stuff all the time. I prefer my Xeros overall. I also really enjoy Steven's podcast, facebook live stuff, etc. Their marketing is not amazing, verging on just being too much/annoying at times. I think they excel at what they produce, have a healthy perspective on the industry, and I look forward to whatever they will be releasing in the future.