TrekSta Sidewinder

Intriguing shoe.

The materials appear to be of excellent quality and the workmanship appears to be top-notch. No complaints there. 

Overall I find them to be a bit too burly/clunky for actual trail running... but pretty decent as trail hiking shoes. They are definitely not like other shoes that I consider serious trail running shoes like Montrail Mountain Masochist, Salomon XA, and others. These are all a bit lighter, more flexible, more nimble, differently designed, than the Treksta Sidewinder. I find the Sidewinders a bit heavier, a bit stiffer, etc. than all of these. Not a bad pair of shoes by any stretch, but I just don't think they're very good for real trail running.

On the plus side:

The sole provides outstanding traction on a wide variety of surfaces. They also claim it will do better on ice due to a set of special lugs. I have not had a chance to test this. But their description of this feature sounds plausible and I have no reason to doubt them.

On the minus side:

Fit for me is not great. I find these to be a bit too wide in the heel and not wide enough in the toe box.

The 'Boa' lacing system. I find it a bit finicky/gimmicky. It has come undone on me (albeit rarely) while tromping through underbrush. And since the fit on me is not great, I really have to crank down on the system to get it tight around my heels (to prevent heel-lift). This causes a really noticeable, uncomfortable pressure point on my foot directly beneath the ratcheting disc. It's a real problem for me.

If these fit your feet better than mine, I think I would recommend them for trail walking. But for me, these come up a bit short; and have been relegated to the back of the closet.