I have the non-GTX version of the Gel Trabuco 13. Excellent shoe. I'm sure the GTX model is great too. Since you like the brand already, you'll probably love these. I'm on my second pair of the Trabuco line. I wore the 11's tread down too much for serious trail use, but they are still in great shape for casual wear.
The Asics Gel Trabuco 13 is excellent and I wear mine as you describe. But you mention "wet" trail. If you need waterproof-breathable, then try a low-cut GTX hiker - there a dozens of good choices. For reasonable price and construction, and comfortable out of the box, check out the Merrell Moab Speed Goat 2 GTX. It's low cut too and will work well for both hiking and walking. I have one of their mid-height GTX boot models and they have been great.
I've hiked all over those islands in every conceivable terrain and weather condition including just hiking all day in a driving rain. I carry two pairs of low cut shoes (wear one, the other in my bags). One is a trail runner. The other is a climbing approach shoe. I also carry some light weight scuba shoes I just for full on wading when I expect it. I use the trail runners for any dirt/forest trails. For volcanic trails and trails over rock slabs, I use my approach shoes, which have a full, stiff rand and a sticky climbing rubber sole that protects my feet from sharp rocks which would completely destroy the trail runners. Neither are GTX. If they get wet, I just take out the insoles back at my hotel/cottage and then dry them overnight. Sometimes they can be a little damp in the morning, but walking dries them out soon enough. I've used different brands over the years, but my current trail runner is an Asics Gel Trabuco 13 and my approach shoe is an older model of the La Sportiva Boulder X. They are pricey now, but they have really good models, many of which use synthetic uppers which will dry easier than leather Boulder Xs. But I tried to avoid hiking in high rain forecast days with my approach shoes. If you can only have one pair, then I'd probably opt for a trail runner, especially if you don't plan on doing a lot of craggly rock hiking.
Just get some Asics Trabuco Gel 13 trail runners in your regular street size. If you don't have any weird foot anomalies these will be comfortable right out of the box. They will work on everything on the islands. Or if you prefer a low-cut hiker or a boot, then get the Merrell Moab 3 in low cut or mid-height. They have gore-tex options as well if waterproof/breathable is important to you. Same deal - comfortable right out of the box in your street size for normally structured feet.
Check into the Asics Gel-Trabuco series. I have been wearing these for both backcountry trails in Colorado, running on pavement, the gym, and on local smooth gravel trails. They are lightweight, flexible, with a grippy sole, and breathe well. They are unlikely to hold up for extended backpacking, though. But for general hiking and trail running, they excel. Be aware that you are going to see the soles wear sooner than some of the hikers on the list you gave. Trade-offs. I have Goretex hikers as well and I can tell you that they definitely are hotter and your feet will sweat in them. I have them in cold and warm weather models. They are good in cooler mountain environments and where you might hike in spongy, moist lowlands, and keep your feet from getting soaked from morning dews. Again, trade-offs.
I decided to try Trabucos after running in Cascadias for a few years and I think I’ll be going back to Cascadia. Despite the length of the Trabucos being good I find I have to do the laces up really tight otherwise I feel like I’m sliding around in the shoe even with a heel lock, got bruises from the tight laces during my last ultra.
I loved my Trabucob13s until i stone went right through the exposed foam on the sole. Don't think it'd buy another trail shoe without total rubber coverage again.
Reluctantly looking for alternatives to Trabucos with similar features. I did 1,500km in my Trabuco 9s and absolutely adored them. I’ve gone half as far in my Trabuco 10s and they still have plenty life left in them. However, I don’t like the way the line is going, towards more cushioning – and weird, blocky soles on the 13s!
Ideal features:
- Wide toebox
- Rugged sole
- Rockplate
- Seemingly suited to all terrains, even UK mud!
- Can stash away the laces
- Great heel lock
Is there anything else that meets that brief?
I’m open to exploring a summer shoe and winter shoe rotation. Admittedly the Trabucos are great for not slipping on mud, but they do pick it up a lot. I’m assuming smaller lugs or alpine shoes might make for better mud shoes.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Personally I'm a big fan of the ASICS Trabuco 13. I have done many long road/trail runs and they cope with both well. Well cushioned, comfy and a nice blend of stable, soft for a trail shoe and energy return. Great bang for your buck
Antipolemic
