Recommended trail shoes

Brian, see revelsports.com Your 10.5 is there in blue/ gray? $10 less than I paid. Make sure to half size up. I forgot to check their return policy, but free shipping in the USA.

Thanks Craig, I bought the 315s directly from Inov-8. Check it out:

http://store.inov-8.us/index.php/roclite-367.html

They must be trying to get rid of the blue/silver color because they are selling them for $47.50
It costs with shipping $59.12

I want to buy/try the Inov-8 370 to see if I like them also. They are a mid and only weigh 13oz.

Website:

http://inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?L=26&PG=PG1&P=5050973024

+10!! Hard to go wrong with those 2, IME/O.

I should have re-read Monty's post! I saw those 370 mids today as I was surfing. If you order those, please let me know what you think. Anytime someone gives a 10+ rating I get interested!
I'm roaming around in another trial shoe, the Vasque Velocity VST's. They're a more traditional walk where the shoe is doing the work, but very comfortable. They come in a "wide," probably a good choice for my feet. The 2 shoes (315's and Velocity's) are radically different…but I like them both, for different reasons.
I also ran across another pair of mid trail runners by "End Footwear," sold at Alabama Outdoors. A model called "Stumptown" and Stumptown LT's" were both in a previous 2009 BPL article. Had not heard of them, but many times the best piece of gear ends up coming from a young upstart cottage maker. Anyone have experience with "End Footwear?"

Here's a BPL article you may find interesting…..and your Innov8 Mid 370's are part of this story. Note: It more clearly defines the "feel of the earth" feeling I get with the Innov8's. Roger Chaffin describes it very well also in his comments after the initial article.
There's also a picture of the "End" mid-tops in the accompanying article. I think you're onto something with the middies for use in varied terrain.

Brian, find them at mpgear.com they have a 10.5 in stock $40.00 off regular price plus a free pair of socks! Now that's a 10+

Pff…stay away from the remaining stock of Roclite 370's…they all suck….especially around size 11…nevermind that I'm stocking up on these very shoes.

I know, I got alll excited about their site having 10.5 I went to place the order and when you click on 10.5 it changes to out of stock! MY LUCK

Eugene thanks for the warning :D

Nice find on the 2008 thread Craig thanks

The biggy for me on a trail shoe is BREATHABILITY. My feet get super hot and sweat bigtime on a hike. Thats why I'm looking at the 370 rather than the 390 which is gortex. The 390 would be great for snow.

If anyone else has ideas of types of breathable light hikers with good support with 20lb loads please let me know. I'm not hell bent on Inov8. I'm just testing out the new world of hiking shoes rather than boots. Thanks again for everyones time and reply.
I just don't understand why Inov8 would discontinue the 370 with having won awards and the great feedback it received.
I did email Invo8 in regards to this and hopefully I will hear back. If so I will post it up here.

" I'm just testing out the new world of hiking shoes rather than boots."

While you're at it you might give Montrail Namches a look. Same idea as the Inov8 370's, with a slightly narrower last and a couple oz heavier. Great shoe, though. They've been discontinued, but I'd bet they can be found floating around in cyberspace.

Gonna check these out now. They sound like just what I'm looking for.

My 315s came today and they are really nice and light. Very comfortable fit…BUT I noticed that my feet are very sore wearing them for a walk. My feet are weak and they need to strengthen. A little concerned about the narrow toe box. In due time I will see.

Brian, my 315s also came and I was out on a 7 mile hike in steep, rocky, muddy terrain today and came back quite pleased with their performance. I didn't experience any soreness, and that's probably due to a couple of things: One, I've been using trail runners exclusively for some time now, even in winter (390 GTX), so my feet have strengthened in ways that a boot wouldn't allow. Two, I always wear the best available sock. Currently I'm using Smartwool's PHD medium weight hiking sock…the cushioning is supurb! Others swear by the Durntough brand. So you might want to look at that.

At one time I used the green Superfeet insole until Roger C. talked me out of them, but I think they helped me transition from boots to runners. Happy Trails!

I too am looking to get into some trail runners. If you end up liking the Vasque Velocity VST, it looks like REI has the 2009 version for $70. I believe backcountryoutlet.com also has them for a similar price.

On a side night, I've read about durability issues with both the Velocity and with Salomon shoes such as the XT wings. The reviews stated that the soles wore down really quickly. Can any with experience with these shoes comment? Have you had the same issues?

Monty thank you soo much. I actually wear darn tough and have to switch because the cushioning is the best, but my feet can't breath at all and sweat terribly. That creates trouble for me. I would have bought the 390s but again the gtx won't let my feet breath like the 315s do.
I actually just bought a used 315 on ebay to wear in town and strengthen my feet and keep my new pair for my AT section next month.
Thanks again for the sock advise.