I bought these for my wife (one size smaller than men's size according to Solomon and they fit) after using my own pair on steep trails near my home in the mountains where the snow gets hard in shady areas ice compacted. This isn't everywhere on the trails but creates "impassable" sections. These shoes have amazing traction in icy areas that are downright dangerous in a regular running or training shoe. And they work great on the rest of the trail, namely mud, rocks, mud, etc.