Good Trail-Runner to Backpack With??

I have both Salomon XA Pro 3d and my latest favorite the La Sportiva Wildcat. I just ordered four more pairs of the Wildcats for my PCT hike to go along with two pairs of Salomons and another Wildcat.

Both are lightweight, though the La Sportiva are about 2 oz. lighter. Both are very comfortable out of the box. Two differences between the two are the lacing system and the width, the Wildcats have a wider footbox.

Sure there are a 100 other favorites but these are my two.

I like the La Sportiva Lynx which has been discontinued and replaced by the Raptor (pretty much the same).
They seem to have a narrow heel cup which works great for me, are extremely comfortable, and provide very good torsional stability.

I like Inov-8. I'm currently using Roclite 370's, but the 315 is pretty much the same shoe in a low top style.

My trail-runners are New Balance 410 shoes, purchased from Big 5. I love em'. The body is mostly dark mesh so they dry really fast. They are sturdy enough for hiking with LW loads, yet lightweight enough to use w/o a problem as "camp shoes", because they slip on so easily, but hug my wide foot when I lace them up tight for hiking.

I'd like to move on to some Innov8 shoes sometime but they are kinda expensive, and I'd rather put my money to other uses right now.

Evan, keep an eye on the Inov-8 web store, especially toward the end of the year when they put discontinued shoes on clearance. They'll probably be around $50 a pair. I'm still kicking myself for failing to stockpile Roclite 370's. At least I got 7 pairs of 315's. I'm hoping they clearance the Terroc 330 soon.

Innov 8 mailed me a wrong size and then wanted me to pay return shipping. I will not do bidness with them again.

Mark, I think you're going to get every suggestion under the sun without a little more guidance.

Are you looking for a full-volume shoe? Width (narrow, wide)? Minimal toe-heel drop? Cushioning? Do you require stability? Aggressive outsole/ lugs? Lowcut? Midcut? These might be some bits you could provide to help get better feedback than a "greatest hits" sort of personal response from our broad and diverse BPL membership. All the shoes suggested so far are quite different in design philosophy, intended purpose, and features.

No two feet are created equal, no two shoes are going to work for everyone, and the transition from hiking boots to trail runners may be more of a process for you than just lacing them up.

Can someone post the link to be inov8 web store i can't seem to find it

Fit is the most important thing in choosing a trail runner. Try on as many different brands as you can and don't settle for anything less than a perfect fit. You'll know it when you find it.

Doug –

http://inov-8.com/

https://store.inov-8.us/

I bought a pair of Vasque Blur trail running shoes a while back and I love them — they fit great. I have worn them on several hiking trips, Smokies and Rockies, and they held up great. They look kind of weird with a silver arrow on the side, but I got a good deal on them from my local outfitter. I am not a runner, but they seem a little bulky for trail running. Sturdier than my previous pair of New Balances. But it all depends on the fit. These just happen to fit me perfectly.

+1 on the Blur.
I have a long narrow foot (normally 13-C), especially in the heel. Blurs have been great.

I forgot I started this Thread. I went Backpacking and just came home and basically asked the same question.

I wore Salomon Aero Exits. Comfortable even on the razor like rocks on the PA section of the AT. Problem- rained all day today. My Salomons are very ventilated. Couldn't dry because the rain and the d@mn dew on the grass and shrubs.

I need arch support, strong toe box, and some water protection maybe.

Thanks