Hoka - Clifton LS x Satisfy

Depends on the destination. I went to the Rockies in April (snowy hikes) and a good lightweight pair of waterproof hiking boots was perfect. This past summer I went to WA state/Olympic NP that included over 20mi total of day hikes and some time in Seattle—a Pair of Altra Lone Peaks and a pair of Teva sandals were all I needed. For a trip to Italy, just a really comfortable pair of walking shoes (ended up buying some over there as the ones I brought gave me blisters!). If I had to pick only one shoe for everything, it would probably be a light trail running shoe like the Nike Pegasus Trail or a cushy running shoe like a Hoka Clifton.

I've never worn Speedgoats, but I've got Challengers and Cliftons that fit true to size for me!

Specific trail running shoes are a must. Unless your run goes through just wide flat tracks (even if moderately steep), then regular running shoes are ok. For example, I run some of these "flat" runs in my Hoka Clifton and I'm good. However, if your track goes through forest, hills and narrow bumpy, stoney trails, then no, you'll want grip in your wheels. I'm not a fan of the Pegasus, but that's just me. Check out the Speedgoat or the Mafate. Sportiva, Salomon Sense Ride or Genesis... Also now the Saucony Peregrine has get rid of their infamous sole heel "cut" and now sport a one-piece sole back, which makes wanna buy them again. As for the ankle thing, apart from the shoes and of course getting gradually used to the terrain by training your self specially in downhills, there's no shortcuts here, Im afraid: You'll want to have strong musculature there (and anywhere for that matter). Look up for ankle strenght exercises, you can alternatively consult a physio and have some concrete custom routines for your case. Having strong ankles in strong legs will get you far in trail running.

All hokas are like this for me. The 6s are good for 250-300 miles, and when I have to road run the Clifton’s are good for only about 350-400. Treads are always fined but I find the cushion and mesh breakdown and start to present problems. I finally switched to Altras (lone peak), but am just grinding out early miles on them so not sure how they compare yet (but they do feel waaaaay better overall).

Speedgoat or Mafate are the two popular ones. After my 'meh' experience with the Clifton, only shoe to give me arch blister problems until I broke them in more, I've not yet tried out either of the above, as I always find decent enough alternatives at a cheaper price now so many brands are taking the piss with the RRP. So for me it's about finding the best shoe for the biggest discount when unable to try before you buy so a bit of a lottery how you're going to get on with them.

Something has changed with Hokas.  My current pair of Clifton's have 90 some miles on them and the soles look like they have seen 1000.  Retired the last 2 pairs after only about 200 miles.  I was convinced for a while that I somehow bought counterfeits, but one pair came from Dicks and the others from Hoka directly. 

I paid a bomb for Hockers. They didn’t last as long as $20 shoes from Kmart

All I know is the north east shreds Altras.  Merrills and Hoks seem to last longer

I’m on my 3rd season of switching to trail runners over hiking boots. Everyone may have a different experience but for me, my feet have never been happier (Hooka, Speedgoat 5).

I’ve switched almost entirely to trail runners including on a lot,of rugged terrain. I did find that when I was using Hokas that I had an increased tendency to roll my ankle after about ten miles. I like the padding, but have found lower drop shoes to be better for this. Altras are good, but I destroy them in about 300 miles. Trying Topos right now. Not as padded, but low drop with a wide toe box and they seem to be holding up better.

Trail runner will be fine. I was talking to a guy recently that said the AT requires real boots. But even by his argument, trail runners will be fine. The thing with trail runners is when you are tired, it is easier to roll your ankle. I have only found this to be a concern when I was using Hoka. Altras and Topos have less to zero drop and they don’t have this occur for me. Though Altras kind of suck for durability (expect 300 miles unless they fixed things). And Topos have less padding and are not as comfortable.