I’m looking to replace my trail-running shoes — looking for something comfy with good support and traction, light weight, and durable.

Hi Ben. I love my solomon XA 3D Pro shoes! I mostly hike in them but I have ran in them couple of times. They are light and could do with some more cushioning but they have been very comfortable for the kind of loads I carry (<5kg). For me low cushioning turns into an advantage as I can 'feel' the ground. I love the lacing system. So far I have had no problems.

No experience with the GoLite shoes, but have read some about premature wear on the 'lugs'. I would second the Salomon XA 3D Pros. I have XCR ones for winter use and the regular ones for summer. Very durable, very light, very stable.

Hi Ben. I bought a pair of GoLite Spike Tails last summer, and while they feel great walking on uneven terrain, they don't do well on slopes where the ankle might twist to the sides… the soles are so high that many times I have had to catch myself as the shoe gave out to one side or the other. Of all the running shoes I've used these are definitely most likely to give you a sprained ankle. I also agree with the problem about the treads wearing out very fast. There's just not enough carbon rubber down there to last very long. However, the fit of the shoes is just about the best I've ever had.

While in France last summer I bought the Salomon XA 3D Pros and can't recommend them highly enough. I don't find the soles need more cushioning at all; they are just right. Mine are the Gore-tex version, and while until now I've disliked Gore-tex shoes of any kind, for some reason these have never caused me any problems with accumulating sweat. I like these shoes so much that I inevitably step into them without thinking every time I go out (I love the simple lacing system, too). The only thing I don't like about them is that the traction in wet weather, on rocks is not the best, but it's not terrible either. I would say these are the best backpacking/ trail-running shoes I've found.

I seem to remember hearing that Timberland is shutting down Golite’s shoe line, but I’m afraid I can’t find the article. [EDIT: Here it is!]

I’ve had success with three models of lightweight trailrunners: Salomon’s XA series (see Miguel’s review above), Inov8 Flyroc 310 (although toebox just 3%-5% too narrow for my liking, esp. for descents), and New Balance 907. The latter pair – it looks like they’ve discontinued it now, but their 1100 series is bomber – have been so perfect for my narrow size 42(EU) feet that it’s the only pair of shoes I bought twice. They were more durable than the previous two, but just a hair heavier because of it, with solid support and little flex (unlike the Flyroc, which has TONS of sole flex).

But footwear’s super subjective, you’ve gotta listen to your own feet. I’ve had great luck going to a local running store with staff who will watch you walk and fit you according to the biomechanics of how you walk. If you can, find a place with a solid return policy and take several pairs for a spin on a treadmill to try them out (most places won’t take shoes back if you run or hike outside with them).

Thanks, everyone. Very helpful (and you've talked me out of buying the GoLite).