XT-6 EXPANSE

The xt6 is a trail running shoes isn't it? If you already have them and it fits, run in those for a bit. Then you can figure out if you want something wider, less drop, different tread etc. Brands fit everyone differently, some people love shoes that give me awful blisters. If you decide you enjoy trail running, then maybe ask this sub what shoes might be best for the types of trail you'll be on and the type of fit you like. Then go try some on, ideally with the help of someone at a store, though I've had mixed experiences with shoe store staff, especially when i was a beginner and didnt know what to ask for.

I’ve done 2 long-term travel stints primarily in non-goretex xt-6s & thought they were excellent. Comfortable, look good, technical enough to handle legit hiking w weight in your pack. A few words of caution: I have not found them to be the grippiest due to the traction pattern / material. While they hold of reasonably well, durability of the mesh upper is not incredible & the “lacing” system is risky in that you have no ability to lock down the shoe if the cable snaps. Lastly (as everyone else has mentioned), gore-Tex is not the move here - too hot & too long to dry once wet

My XT6’s gave me such bad foot pain I am still battling which shoes to wear to correct it a year later. If you have flat feet do NOT get these shoes.

I mean, the Solly XT6s everyone is going crazy for are a softground model with big lugs too. In reality, when the lugs wear down on any of these, then they're still fine streetwear shoes.

trail running shoes are the best compromise. love me some salomon xt-6

Salomon XT-6. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a grippy sole that’s great for hikes but also easy to walk in. The mesh upper keeps my feet from sweating or smelling, and they dry quickly if they get wet. Plus, they’re not bulky and come in a lot of nice color options.

I live in my Salomon’s and hike/run in them 4-6 times a week. I have a narrow heel and find that I have heel slip and therefore blisters in anything more stiff than a trail runner. The Xt-6 works well for me and I’ve had like 4 pairs in a row. The sizing is weird on them so I recommend trying on in store. I also don’t get the goretex versions because I don’t care if my feet get wet 😜. I prefer my shoes to breathe. I’ve had Merrell, hokas and asics as well but found the hokas too soft so they irritated my feet and they were too lifted and therefore unsteady on rocks and roots. Asics were also too soft and more for running only. The Merrells were probably the best hiking boot but i find them bulky and tooo stiff for daily walks. To each their own. I have worked with shoes for 8+ years and can tell you that a strong midsole with good stability will be better for your foot longterm than flexible and cushy runners.

This is not comfortable enough to run. I do some mild hikes in it, but it's not something I gravitate towards. It’s definitely lifestyle shoes.

I have owned 3 pairs of Salomon XT-6’s and I find them to be incredibly comfortable but somewhat lacking in durability. Again I’m on my third pair so for me the pros greatly outweigh the cons but they’re not my go to trail runner. If you’re looking for something else at an even better price point I’d recommend the La Sportiva Bushido II. They’re my favorite pair of trail runners I’ve tried.

My Salomon xt-6, but they get ruined EXTREMELY fast. If anyone has a recommendation of a similar “trendy” trail shoe I’m all ear