Salomon - AERO BLAZE 3 GRVL GORE-TEX

The best ones are the ones that fit!! I have wide toes and wore Solomon trail runners for a long time. I switched to Merrell Moab hikers a couple of years ago. Both are 13 Wide (EEE).

Both Asics gortex and Salomon gortex Ive found to be the best I've used.   I get probably 2-3000km out of them?   Say 8km a day of sandstone gravel fire trails and rocky escarpments for a year. I  would get 12-18 months out of them.   Sometimes I just wear out heel rubber and foam is still good so I build it back up using Sikaflex or something to go another 6 month lol 

Salomon Gore Tex sneakers. My second choice are Saucony Gore Tex sneakers.

What do you want to do? I love my Solomon trail runners but if I'm sliding down shale I'll take the Keens all day long. Both are good brands in my experience.

I have the Catamount 2 and I really like it (ran in them today), but actually prefer the Cascadia. Also, another vote for skipping GTX. You probably don't need it (or want it) for most runs.

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

I love shoes. So allow me to get a little carried away for a minute. Anyway, trail shoes are less likely to be bouncy like road shoes because they're more designed to prioritize stability and durability. I'm exclusively a road runner, but when it's winter I do rotate in some trail shoes with lower lugs for the snow and sleet. The closest I've found that are less firm and more cushioned and a little bit bouncy (but nothing crazy)... Nike Pegasus Trail GTX 4 or 5. Hoka Clifton 9 GTX are cushioned weatherized road shoes - not really bouncy but definitely cushioned. Saucony Triumph 21 also has a storm shield version or something like that. The foam is a cushioned TPU. You could probably do some light trails with it. And finally, Salomon Aero Blaze 3 comes in a GTX model - same bouncy foam as the Aero Glide 3 with a reinforced outer sole for light gravel trails and the protection of Gore-Tex. It's fun for a winter shoe. I think you could pull it off on packed dirt. Finally, I'm waiting for a pair of Hoka Speedgoat GTX spikes that are designed for snowy and icy trails. Not sure that you'll get bouncy energy return from those though!

I like Oboz boots. I also like my Solomon trail runners. I've done massive days in both, totally depends what you are more comfortable in. I do personally find benefit in some ankle protection and waterproofness. Some folks poopoo that... but I bet they have wet feet.

However, I wear these, and they fell apart within the first month. Weak lace loops ripped and the waterproof fabric is tearing. Keens are still the only shoes that last longest, stay waterproof and don't wear on the outside over time compared to any other shoe I've tried

Yes! this is a great point. I always hate wearing my Salomon trail runners in the city on sidewalks… I do it because I absolutely need trailer runners and my other pair of shoes is usually something more dressy.