S-Lab Sense Ultra

Contragrip wet traction was the best - it was on the XA Alpine and XA Elevate and the Sense Ultra, Sense 6. But since then it has gotten worse. The Ultraglide 1s were pretty terrible.

I use my old trail running shoes for hiking and grocery shopping. I don’t see why you couldn’t combine all that into one pair. What you’re describing can easily be done with something like the Salomon Sense or Genesis.

I used the Salmon Sense, maybe ride it was? Anyway I’ve used it for big hikes in Hawaii, both volcanic, rocky and muddy. Phenomenal shoes

I have wide toe box. So I’m wearing brands like Salomon (ultra, ultra glide) Norda work great, as do arcteryx norvan ld. Anyway injinji toe socks seemed like a gimmick to me. Difficult to put on. Just different. But I got a pair on super sale at REI. Holy cow!! Toes feel amazing, the sock has less torsional rotation and is in the same place on my foot after 10+ hours hiking. Usually in NH white mountains. So no climbing ever going on but it’s pretty rugged terrain everywhere. Has helped with general foot comfort. I was not battling blisters before. I did have waterproof footwear for the start (2 seasons) of my hiking activities. Salomon xmid ultra. I used to get lots of hot spots and some minor blisters. It’s because my feet were getting too sweaty in those. God forbid you plunk a water crossing. Then your wet all day. Anyway light weight mesh trail runners, good toe box width and frontal protection, mega grip soles, runners loop, toe socks or ultra light DTs and a sock change at the 10ish mile mark usually does me real solid now.

I have used Zamberlain, Solomon Ultras, La Sportiva Prodigios, Arc'teryx Norvan, Topo Ultraventure, Altra Lone Peak, and I am currently using Kailas Fuga EX. Zamberlain - sole delaminated La Sportiva Prodigios - most comfortable yet not durable Solomon Ultras - too hot, heavy, fit was bit sloppy. Decent traction Topo Ultraventure - good toe box but not durable Altra Lone Peak - not for me Kailas Fuga EX - Best Grip, most durable, one of the lightest, took a bit of break-in and is now very comfortable (La Sportiva still is most comfortable), great on mud yet durable on pavement, runs narrow but they have a wide model with plenty of room. https://preview.redd.it/6l8apbqae0gg1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3631376751409ad88a8d3d4b91bc11f1133c8e6 sum of the attributes make it my current favorite I am a westerner living in Asia so availability may matter depending on your location. Most use cases are softer trails or mud with roots. Some pavement. Have used them in Southeast Asia and Nepal.

I recomend Salomon slab series, because of its tough upper and strong grip!

New S/labs size down. I’m my actual street shoe size in those, a US 6, when I’m a 6.5 in every other Salomon model. I was fine with my usual 38 in the PP.