T1

💯try the MRC shoes. Super light and comfortable. Love the 2 zone lacing. Super stoked on both the MTC trail models I’ve gotten recently. H1 is definitely my favorite for mixed runs now, feels so good on road, gravel, even somewhat technical trails. The T1 is amazing for trails and snow. I’ve run mainly in Hoka speedgoats, and Altra Lone peaks for years now. I’d really like to try the Norda 005 and Speedland shoes but I’ll have to find a local shop that carries them.

Right now, Mount to Coast T1 on trails and Adidas Evo SL for road.

Plus one for MTC. I actually really appreciate the separate lacing so that you can have a wider toe box area (and even let it out if you are swelling a lot) and still have good lockdown with the top lacing. I have a few hundred miles on a par of R1 and still under 100 on my T1, but I'm liking them so far

I have the Mount to Coast T1 and have run perhaps 25 miles in them in the past couple of weeks. They're my first peba trail shoe and honestly they feel great. The upper feels like it provides a ton of support, the outsole is excellent and the midsole is just perfect. I've had the R1 for a long time - if these last half as long as them, they'll still be incredible value. Haven't tried the other two, sorry!

I’m going to do my best to answer your question with the experience I have. The pros of military (also often seen as “tactical”) boots is they’re generally heavier duty and, like you said, a work/hiking hybrid. I don’t know when you were in but you may have noticed that a lot of brands for the Army and Air Force have moved towards a sneaker style boot. Some examples of brands doing this are danner, Nike, or under armour. Your Bellevilles and Bates are almost certainly more of a work style boot than a sneaker style boot. With that, the sneaker style boots are not nearly as durable as the heavier duty work style and can wear much faster. The main cons of military style boots are their bulk and weight. Some brands (see above) cut down on the weight by making them into a sneaker style, which is why so many in the force use those types. Another con is their height, 8-10in (for everyone other than SOF dudes) are just over the top for most hikers. MANY hikers and backpackers consider anything over 6in to be excessive as it doesn’t seem to provide actual ankle stability. However, Garmonts are massively popular for a reason so it really comes down to the individual. As someone that has hiked long distances is military boots, “tactical” boots, traditional (think leather based) boots, and trail runners; I prefer trail runners. You probably have seen that pattern already though. I like them for their lightweight, great grip, and relatively low price. I really have loved my Altras but also my Mount to Coast T1s. People kind of sleep on Mount to Coast in the hiking world but ultra runners love them so I figured they’d also be good for backpacking, and I’ve found that they are. Also, if you’re really hooked on something a bit more familiar and heavier duty I really recommend Crispi, those things are borderline indestructible and have a phenomenal fit. Hope this short essay helps!

I also have AP5 and can confirm this. This is literally my only complaint for this shoe. I wish the foam was a little more responsive and comfortable. Other than that it checks every single other box. I did pick up the new Mount 2 Coast T1 and it is now my new favorite (if you remove the trash lacing system and replace with traditional lacing). They do not have a rock plate but I run in an extremely cheese grater rock style area and haven't had an issue with any rocks impacting my feet. The foam is next level. So bouncy and comfortable. Grip is also very good and the upper is comfortable. I can tell they will work great for sessions with a lot of time on feet.

Well they are and will continue to be on sale so just stock up on them while you can in the mean time at least. I've been on the MS4 for a couple years and its been my go too as well, my only issue is I destroy the soles with my scrambling shenanigans. I recently tried the mountaintocoast T1s and I really like them mostly, the foothold is just slightly worse but for non technical/daily runs they are pretty similar to the MS4 I found (with a better sole).