Brooks - Mazama

When the grass is wet I like golf shoes, spikes. I swing pretty hard and when it's wet the traction is a big plus. When it's dry sometimes I'll play in running shoes and they work fine for me. I try to stick to models with lower stack heights (i.e. thinner soles). Brooks Mazama trail shoe was a good one but that;s been out of their lineup for a few years, some Altras have been good, Hoka Mach is pretty good for me. When I wear something more built up it isn't good with the shaft length, I have trouble making consistent contact.

My recommendation: Take a pair of trail runnung sneakers I love brooks.. and for before and after your hikes take Bert shoes, they are super versatile, light and compact so you won´t feel them in your backpack.

At this stage I do not understand why people do not have at least one pair of trail runners, I have several and wear them 90% of the time. Did 2 weeks hols last year bringing only my Brooks trail runners in black. Recent 3 wk trip Hoka trail runners and absolutely perfect but it was Spain so bit drier than Ireland. Have gortex ones but find them sweaty and slow to dry. I would say borrow or steal the $150 for non waterproof trail runners and if they get wet you have the Chelsea boots.(assume you are in the US would highly recommend the Brooks trail runners) Actually for most trips trail runners and a second light packable shoes would be the answer to many similar questions here. Plus we do sell shoes here and from my experience trail runners are comfy straight out of the box.