Gore Tex shoes are slower to dry. I like the Adidas Terrex AX series in all black. There are many Terrex models with minor variations. Fit is the thing and spending some time trying shoes on is the answer.
Low top hiking shoes are optimized for walking, but trail runners are used by many long distance hikers. They shared the same materials and construction techniques. If I was traveling real snow country like the Alps in winter, mid high boots would be a consideration. I do dress casually and I’m not visiting clubs and white tablecloth restaurants. Mid highs don’t look much different than low tops with long pants anyway.
At home I use an aquarium air pump to speed drying for shoes and backpacks. USB models are available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9WW111P
My usual technique is to stuff them full of newspaper for bit to soak up excess water and get them close to a gentle heat source like a radiator or heat vent. Damp shoes will dry as you walk.
Spare socks are helpful and if you wear Merino socks, your shoes won’t stink.
Gore Tex is a winter thing for me. I prefer non waterproof shoes for late Spring through early Fall.
Got the AX5 and love them so far. Had the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX before and they were great, until the soles came apart after like 30 rounds. Can't recommend.
Spikes typically have very little cushion compared to trail running shoes, so it really depends on the trails you plan to run. But unless you’re trying to break some personal record, it’s kinda pointless. I have dragonfly XC spikes that I use for 5k’s but I never do any kind of crazy trails in them. One wrong step on a rock and it’s a sprained ankle. Not a big deal in a 5k with a ton of people around and medical nearby. But out running alone, yea it can potentially be a big problem. XC shoes are also going to wear out a lot faster, especially in the heel.
I have 3 pairs of trail shoes I use if I go out alone. One pair of trail runners Adidas Terrex I picked up super cheap that I just use on flat dirt, and two pairs of hiking shoes, Columbia low tops and North Face high tops for rugged terrain that are both 5+ years old. I can honestly run fine in any of them, just not fast of course.
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