I'm 6'5", 215 lbs, and I wear a size 14 running shoe (street size 13). FWIW, I'm nearly 64 and based on my "education" from the BPL community decided to try an alternative to my well-tested and well-loved Limmer Midweights (about as traditional a hiking boot as there is!). Bottom line, my Limmers have a place of honor in my closet, but there they stay. I'm a convert to trail runners…AND…I'm a believer in the concept that a well-designed heel on a trail runner is a prime ingredient in preventing ankle turns. Plus, in a trail runner, I'm more likely to use my forefoot (rather than heel) as initial ground contact (think more like barefoot style walking) with the result of less risk of ankle inversion/eversion.
Now, a caveat…fit trumps almost everthing! No matter how well-reviewed a shoe, fit/comfort matters most. Translation: you have to actually try shoes to know if they fit.
This year, I've hiked in Keen Voyageur, Merrell Chameleon, Montrail Hardrock (low, 2008 model), Inov8 305 and lastly…the reigning champion…Asic Gel Trabuco WR (not the GoreTex one).
The fit (for me) is superb and the gel inserts work marvelously well to smooth the rough trail. The forefoot rock "plate" protection is very effective (second only the Montrail Hardrock) but in combination with the gel in the forefoot means I end the day with tired BUT NOT SORE feet.
They dry relatively fast after wetting and breath well to keep my feet from overheating. Like most non-membrane breathable shoes, a dusty trail will leave your feet very dirty, but that's a small price to pay for all-day comfort…and no need for extra camp shoes.
FWIW, I use the Superfeet Orange inserts in them and like the combination very much. YMMV, but for a large size trail runner, this shoe really works for me.
