I always used to wear gators....one day after completing a descent down a scree slope on the Hardrock course, I came upon a former winner of the race sitting, emptying out his shoes (I couldn't because my gaiters made it too difficult). Anyway, he told me that he never wore gaiters and rather, preferred to take a break and dump out his shoes. It let his HR come down and forced some rest. We continued on together, he with empty shoes and me with rocks under my arch. The nest aid station, I had to take the time to take off my gaiters and shoes, dump out the rocks. I didn't put the gaiters back on and haven't worn them since. Look at all the top finishers in the trail races and you won't see gaiters on their feet. If you're going to get them, then DG or Joe Trailman are the best for running. Steve

Okay - I must have been tired, or in a hurry, or both, when I posted this the first time - bacause i managed to spell both words in the Topic title wrong!! Thanks for the varying inputs. I may try Dirty Girl, just to see how they work. They're cheap enough, at this point, since I have most other gear I need.

I have Dirty Girls and love them. I don't even use the velcro on the back of the shoe, they stay in place just fine without it. I use them for all my races and some of my long runs, otherwise I end up with the entire trail rolling around in my shoes.

Love my Dirty Girls and get lots of comments from other runners.