I really like my Brooks Cascadia 8s. They’re breathable, have good tread, and maybe most importantly have a wider toe box so my toes don’t rub as much. If you’re still getting blisters a lot even after trying different shoes, I’d recommend getting mole skin pads to apply before hiking. It worked for me when I was playing soccer to cut down on blisters and it helped my friend with hiking. You just cut out some a bit bigger than your blister area and apply it right to the skin. I know blisters can ruin the fun, so I hope this helps
If you would prefer to wear GTX shoes or boots, then you need to also pack GTX rain pants (and gaiters if using shoes). Otherwise heavy rain will just enter through the top of your shoes and soak into your shoes through your exposed socks. I've hiked hundred of KM is VERY heavy rain with these combinations, often through wet bog, and never had wet feet.
If you don't want to bother with all that, then just use non-gtx trail runners.
I personally prefer Topo Mountain Racer 4s because I have wide feet. Topo Ultraventure 4s are just fine for the Camino Frances, Inglis, and Portuguese but the outsole isn't suitable for the Primitivo and some sections of the Norte.
If your feet aren't wide, and if you aren't prone to rolling your ankles, I would recommend a plush, high stack trail runner that will also be comfy on hard roads and sidewalks, like Hoka Challenger 8s, Speedgoat 7s (not the 6), or Mafete 5, or some Brooks Caladera 8s (they are being discontinued, so you can find good deals on them) or the new Ghost Trail.
This is my thought exactly. Everyone’s feet react differently to shoes and everyone I know have to try several types before they find the right match. For me, Brooks Cascadia (non-gtx) has been my go to for several years now. They have worked in all conditions, wet, dry, muddy, rocky, etc. one thing I will say is I have to switch them out pretty regularly because I do a lot of hiking during the year and notice when my legs start to hurt after a 15 mile hike, I need new shoes (at least one or two new pairs a year). I am not sure how some people wear the same pair for years?
I like the mud as well but the high alpine is closed until June!
Love the NNormal, these are the Tomir 2, didn't really like the first model which had a weird-ish fit but these are my favorite trail shoes ever. Super comfortable with great durability. I have 800+km on them now and feel like they can keep going for at least 1/3 more.
Only shoe as durable I've owned were an older model of Brooks Cascadia that are now long gone.
I had a few pairs of Hokas and enjoyed them but durability is a major issue. Same thing with Salomon really. My only durable shoe in the pas has been a pair of Brooks Cascadia.
Today I've moved on to NNormal Tomir 02 and I find much more comfort, grip and durability than Hokas - just a thought! On to my third pair!
Most people are fine starting with any trail running shoes. See what’s on sale and fits and start there.
Brooks Cascadia are a nice place to start, but it depends on what’s comfortable for your foot shape.
I only wear boots for snow now and average probably 500 miles a year.
Nagamuraa
