looking for a new hiking boot/shoe

For boots, the Vasque Breeze have done me well in Az & they come in wide & waterproof versions.

As far as, "I know many like the use of trail runners, but not sure if those would be a good choice for the more rough, off trail terrian."

Every one of my buddies in Az prefer trail runners to boots and have been in many more difficult areas than I have been.

I'm becoming a bit of a broken record in threads like these, but my advice is always the same.

Next time you go out on a short backpacking trip, simply wear the comfortable pair of running shoes you undoubtedly already own instead of wearing your traditional boots.

You get to spend $0, and in the process, learn what it's like to backpack with lighter, more breathable shoes.

I find the only way to that anyone makes the switch from traditional, heavy boots, to lightweight running shoes is to just try it out. Seeing is believing. Try it out in a low stakes situation and you will get to see what it's like first hand.

There is very little that is special about "trail runners" versus your run-of-the-mill running shoes. Just wear whatever is comfortable and let the rest of us BPL junkies with no time to go out ourselves debate endlessly about merits of one trail runner versus another. :)

If you do off trail stuff in the sierras on all those boulder fields, switching to running shoes could be tough on your feet. Take it slow and don't push yourself. You can do anything once you have conditioned yourself. Find running shoes with plenty of cushioning.

I always found running shoes too soft, I have "walking' shoes' (new Balance) with lasts like running shoes that are much firmer and work well on trails.

So is there anything out there that is a cross between a traditional boot and trail runners?

I actually dont have running shoes….not much of a runner. I have knee problems and the reptitive pounding on my knee joints hurts too much to run. SO i dont have any experince in running shoes.

This looks like it might be a cross between boots and trail runners.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/merrell-proterra-mid-sport-hiking-boots-for-men~p~7293p/?filterString=mens-hiking-boots~d~360%2F&colorFamily=01

I have no experience with these type of hybrids, but they do exist, apparently!

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra CS WP Trail-Running Shoe… Has been my choice for the last ten years or so, on my 4th pair… I use these for most everything daily, I work outside… But on that note I use a mid ankle shoe when hiking above tree line on longer trips… Then Salomon makes shoes for me and everyone else also buys them, what I mean you need to find a shoe manufacturer that makes shoes for your foots last &/or shape… I also have stopped wearing cushioned socks I have been using just one pair of the thinnest wool socks I can find… No blisters, no hot spots, my foots pads are not sore after a long day, once again a happy hiker foot wise…

Hey, Dan,
I have had great luck with Trekstas. My feel are very wide and they work perfectly for me. They are light, have decent traction and there are several models. Not sure how the Treksta leather boot would hold up un your desert areas, but here in Oregon, on lava fields, they have worked just fine. YMMV. Hope this helps.

Matt

http://www.trekstausa.com/

Treksta Nesfit system:

http://www.trekstausa.com/technology/nestfit