Overall: A well written book, with sufficent clarity and detail to make sure I never attempt anything as insane as these people have. It's good to know such runners exist - I'll never meet them, but thanks to this book, I know of them, and you can't help respect not just their abilities, but their attitudes in a media ignored event. In this book lie some of the truly great runners unknown to the majority.
'TRIES TO BE ALL THINGS TO ALL RUNNERS - ENDS UP BEING NONE'
Strengths: For a mixed terrain shoe, feels quite good on the road.
Weaknesses: Grip gets lodged with mud - but wouldn't any shoe? Little heel cushioning.
Overall: I only wear these for mixed terrain or trail running. They seem fine on the road/hard track, but collect mud on the sole in the grip, as I suppose most do. My main gripe is how hard they felt around the ankle for the first 30 miles, until I broke them in. There also seem to be minimal cushioning on the back of the heel (especially compared to my road running Kayano), since a small bone spur gets blistered easily. No other problems, given I'm a runner on the hefty side, but I'll be looking for a more comfortable all terrain shoe next time.
Strengths: No blisters, no pain, no problems. Need minimal care (at least, that's what they get!)
Weaknesses: Expensive
Overall: Knowing diddly about the technicalities of running shoes, I relied on the advice of the local running shop to equip a novice and hefty runner. I'm now on my second pair of Kayanos, and there have been no problems apart from the occasional twinge under my left heel after a run, but this seems down to my choice of socks! A small bone spur on one heel gets well cushioned too. Pricey they may be, but I haven't found a reason to try any other shoe for road running.