Characteristics of good trail runners

Decent tread. Or even an extra pair with super aggressive tread if you know you know it's going to be muddy or if you are going to be doing a lot of uphill/downhill off trail hiking.

A rock plate. For protection on rocky trails.

That will eliminate probably 75% of trail runners right there!

I use old New Balance wt 100's (unfortunately the update does NOT have a rock plate) and Inov-8 268's.

– Elizabeth

Were those aftermarket insoles Superfeet? If so, I found them much too hard and have more success with the Spenco hiker insoles.

How much difference is there between the Moab Ventilators and the NB479's? I like low top hiking shoes over trail runners.

Any shoe, no matter what, should NOT cause pain. If they do, there is something wrong between your feet and the shoe.

Remember that their primary purpose is running shoes, not hiking. Given that, you have to be aware that like street running shoes, trail running shoes are engineered as certain types; stability, cushioning, pronation, supination, etc. So first you have to know what kind of "runner" you are given your foot strike, gait, etc. and start by choosing the correct type of shoe for you. Then proceed to see which brand/model of your required shoe type will suit you best for backpacking.

For example, if you really need a cushioning shoe but buy a stability or pronation shoe instead, you could end up injured, no matter what other "features" the shoe has that you though were nice to have for backpacking.