Karacal Trail Running Shoe - Men's

I think it's Horses for Courses with footwear. It's not a one size fits all solution, you've got to pick the right bit of kit for the job. In addition it depends on your level of fitness and getting your body used to hiking with loads  Generally for walking, I'll wear trail runners all year around. Grippy non maxed cushioned ones, generally I like La Sportiva Mutants or Karcals. These are really popular and designed for mountains/long distance. Yes your feet will get wet but they'll dry off, whereas goretex boots will never dry out.  For anything technical or day hiking, I'll take approach shoes. Great on rock and really supportive while being comfortable. The La Sportiva TX4s seem to be the most popular choice. For winter or when I know I'll be on rough ground or bogs. I'll take lightweight B2s, these are really waterproof, very supportive and the stiff sole is good for rough ground. Less comfy than trail runners, but still pretty good. My advice would be trail runners, if you're going somewhere boggy invest in waterproof socks. Also get vapor barrier socks or bread bags, of you're camping. When you get to camp take your wet socks off, put dry ones on and then the bag/vb socks over. This will stop your new socks getting wet and will dry out your shoes.

Ah okay that makes sense! It could be the shoes then. Or, more likely, you just need practice. I remember years ago when my city-boy of a husband moved to the mountains near my family, he fell down a lot just walking around. He was early 20s, an avid hiker and rock climber, but had never lived somewhere persistently hilly. It took him a while. My family and I laughed at him a lot, but eventually he got his footing, so to speak. I think you just need to slow way down. Also look at trail runners with sticky rubber on the bottom. I run in La Sportiva Karacals or Jackals and they're very grippy. I still have to have common sense and not step on a slanted wet root at top speed, but sticky rubber makes a big difference.