Hoka - EVO Jawz

As a fan of the Speedgoat 2 and the EVO, I shifted to other brands until the Mafate 5 came around (which I love for longer/slower runs). I tried the Speedgoat 7 in the same size as my Mafate 5... And I'm going to go up a half size. The toe box is much lower volume than the Mafate 5 (and tapers like older Speedgoat models).

Got a 1000km on my speedgoat 3, 800km on my evos ( which I still use on dry trails) and 480 on my 5's. I don't think 5's will see 600. Haven't used them since May.

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.