So, like many I constantly look for the perfect shoe for me.
Some other trail runners Salomons, Merrells, Montrails (not Columbia) worked for me ok but I was never totally happy with them. A few years ago I found Garmont shoes and they fit me amazingly. Good enough that I dont worry about camp shoes- I just take out an insole and loosen them at camp. Garmonts line are not trail runners, more hiking shoes, but they have the 9.81 line that is running shoes.
Typically I wear a 10.5. THe 11s feel big since they are made on a bigger last. But recently when I was ordering new shoes [Garmont fits me so well I just get the style I want without trying them on (6 pairs and they ALL fit great)] they were out of 10.5. I recalled the thread from The BPL Odd Couple (Wisner & Gatel) about wearing shoes two sizes too big. These guys are shoe nerds and respected so I trust them on this.
Well I didn't get two sizes bigger, but I ordered the 11s (1/2 size "too big") without much fear of them being too big to be useful.
They are amazing. Only about 50 miles on trail, technical trail, sand, rock field, and snow, but my feel haven't hurt once. even post hike
I mean, I don't know all the techy stuff, I'm just here to vouch for them.
The DL stands for Double Lug, I think because they stacked lugs on top of other lugs for some great traction even in snow. My hiking buddy was looking at my tracks in the snow and commented that he could see the crazy grip in my footprints.
No signs of wear so far.
They dont soak up water. The only time my feet were wet was in 3 hrs of rain/ snow mix.
I use the stock insoles and the blue Sofsole on top of the stock. ( I think I have low volume feet and High arches, but I dont believe in the "benefits" of arch support so I get the low arch insoles)
Every time I hike now I have to talk about how much i love them for at least 10 minutes. My wife is sick of hearing about it
