I bought a pair of these last year after an ankle sprain took me out of running for a few months. I initially intended to use them to build up foot and ankle strength but ended up transitioning fully to minimalist running because they feel pretty damn good. I've used them for a year, and just ordered a new pair to replace my old ones. All the usual caveats to minimalist/barefoot running are in the last paragraph of the review.
These shoes are very comfortable, feeling almost like slippers. There's a roomy toe box and they do not grip your foot too tightly at any point. After traditional arch support trainers this was a strange experience, but now whenever I wear a tighter trainer (such as the Merrell Trail Glove) my feet feel constrained. I initially had a bit of pinching on the upper surface of my right toes where the shoe flexes and developed a minor blister. This stopped after the first week or so and only occurred in one of the three pairs I currently own, so it might be that my feet adapted to this pressure area. Holding them in your hand they feel quite heavy, but you don't notice any weight when they're worn. There's a removable insole which more dedicated minimalist runners will want to remove, but I've left in. Even with the insole hard running can be punishing on your feet as with any minimal shoe. Warmth isn't too much of an issue as the sole does a good job of insulating you from the ground even in very cold conditions, and the upper is quite warm. There is also some rain/splash resistance to the fabric, enough to keep your feet dry in light rain and from puddle splashes.
They're at least as grippy as a standard trainer, but less than a most trail-based ones. I have run in these on tarmac, concrete, paving, flagstones, wet sand, gravel, rock, ice, snow, and mud/grass. They only really struggle for grip on wet mud, grass and wet very smooth surfaces like flagstones. You could use them for trail running as well as road running, but might struggle a bit on muddier tracks. You don't feel as grounded on wet mud in these as in a fell running or trail shoe, but they're a solid all-round choice.
In terms of build quality and durability I have no problem in recommending them. I have a pair that has done at least 500 miles runing over a 1 year period, as well as being used as a casual shoe and has held up remarkably well. In fact the Evo II replaced the converse allstar as my all-purpose trainer, I've even worn them to work. They have been through rock festival mud, run across muddy wooded hills, been trodden on in nightclubs, had unspeakable things spilt on them and even come out relatively intact from a mosh pit. Fortunately they machine wash without too many problems too.
I have no hesitation recommending this shoe to someone interested in minimalist running. It's a good multi-purpose shoe ideally suited to road running and light trail duties. You won't have to replace them too often, and they're available at a similar cost to competitors. They also look pretty striking and unique in grey/red and a lot of people have commented on them worn as casual shoes. My mates have mocked a bit, but most people have been positive. The bottom line is that I own 3 pairs which should be an idea of how much I like them.
Minimalist running caveats:
If you have no minimalist/barefoot running experience you should not expect to put this shoe on and be able to run as normal. Transitioning from normal running takes time and a profound change in your running style. I would recommend that before trying minimalist or barefoot running that people read around the subject and try running short distances in a cheap, disposable shoe such as aquasocks or plimsolls to see how it suits them.
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Toll: Schuh & Laufgefühl - Vorsicht: mögl. Achillessehnenreizung
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