text: *FULL DISCLOSURE: I KNOW THAT WHY THESE SHOES DID NOT WORK FOR ME IS WHY THEY WILL BE PERFECT FOR A DIFFERENT RUNNER; THIS IS MY SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE, JUST FYI**<br /><br />These shoes felt awesome in the store; then, I took them for a run. By mile 2-3, the ball of my foot felt swollen and like it was on fire. I luckily was able to return them to the running specialty store where I bought them and exchanged them for Saucony Zealots. I have yet to run in those, but they SHOULD have more fore-foot cushioning.<br /><br />I did like these shoes quite a bit, besides the lack of forefoot cushioning. They have a very nice, natural stride. They've got great push-back and absorb shock well in the heel. They're light-weight and fast. It's clear they're really well-made and durable. Maybe, if you're a heel-striker, the lack of forefoot cushioning wouldn't matter / would only get in your way?<br /><br />Every runner is different: so I'll say I'm training for a half-marathon, see anywhere from 9:25-11 minute / mile pace on my runs (depending long / short, if I'm tired, if it's too damn hot, etc. etc.). I also have high arches and don't have any pronation issues, so I like a good cushioned shoe with a neutral ride that doesn't weigh too much!