Flexible, minimalist thru-hiking shoes WITH protection?

I've only tried the Lone Peak 2.0, but it's nice and wide, fairly flexible, and one of the few zero-drop trail shoes with significant cushioning.

Try La Sportiva Helios. 4mm drop.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Trail-Running-Shoes-Reviews/La-Sportiva-Helios

Note that La Sportiva nominal sizing is strange – I have to go up one full size in all their shoes compared to other brands.

Altra Lone Peak
What Kate said.

+1

+2 I used Altra 1.5's during my PCT thru and loved them! Great shoes for thru hiking

I'll be going with the Altra Superiors on the CDT. I prefer as little cushion as possible. After hiking so many miles in thin sandals (Bedrocks), the Lone Peaks are too much cushion for me. The Superiors seem like a good thru-hikable compromise.

I'm a fan of the old new balance minimus shoes.
Depends on how minimal you want.
They are much cushier than 5 fingers but way more minimal that the altras.

You could also give the Merrel bare access trail a look.

I know I can't wear the NB shoes because my right foot is too tall. The NB shoes always have an inflexible band over the forefoot.

The Altra Lone Peaks will be my next shoe. Thanks all.

Max,

Are you going on a thru?