Salomon Speedcross GTX have never failed me, I thought the 6 series damaged a bit easily, but if you go direct with Salomon you have a 2 year warranty to fall back on
Salomon has a waterproof variant of the speed cross that you can take a look at if you want something really light (although that's basically your alpha cross), or, for a little more weight, I recommend trying their X Ultra shoe or boot (I only have experience with the 3). I think you'll find a shoe is a bit more vulnerable at the ankle compared to a boot, but well fitted pants that cover your ankles or gators should help in conditions you're describing. I'm not sure why the waterproofing didn't work well with your alpha cross, but you may need to reapply the dwr coating, as it wears out over time. Oh, and having hiked in boggy areas, I'd ignore comments here recommending against waterproofing.
Trail running shoes with gore tex.
Examples: Salomon speedcross 6 gtx or Nike Pegasus trail gore tex. I use/used both and have great traction in snow, mud and icy conditions.
I have worn Salomon Speedcross GTX for years. My last pair I got in July 2024 and I put on them over 2,200 miles (in a year). I said it was time and now I have a new pair but I still wore my oldies today. Habits are hard to break.
I guess you have to try them on. I also have wide feet. For some reason, mine fit perfectly. When it gets icy, I put cleats on over them for a little bit more traction. On hiking buddy got them too. Neither of us have twisted an ankle. Maybe we are lucky. The only time she has fallen was when she tripped on a branch running away from a bear!
I think once the type of shoe has been established it comes really down to preferences. Different models and manufacturers fit different to different people so the most important is finding something that feels comfortable. Something to consider is the sole of the shoe. Personally I like something that has really bites into the ground, but courses around me all tend to have turf teepads and quite soft ground for the most part, but I could see them being bit uncomfortable on harder and more grippier surfaces. But besides the basic point of trail running shoes there are no right or wrong answers, it is all about comfort, preferences and price point.
Edit: For reference: I’ve been liking Salomon for myself, currently have Sense Ride 5 that I wear in the dry summer time and Speed Cross GTX 6 for wet/colder conditions and to some slippier courses in general.
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Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
Adixon1188
