Vibram - V-Alpha

The Mesa II's are super light, something like 8oz lighter than the Vivo Hydra ESC. I got spoiled by super light shoes and it's hard to wear anything else. now. So I'm a big Mesa fan. Also VFF V-Alphas, they are even lighter. For grip VFF are much better than shoes since you have toe movement to help you grip. Then sandals then shoes. The Mesas are slippery in some conditions which you learn to adapt to after awhile. I don't have the Hydras but I have their other ESC soles and those are grippier than the Mesas.

To be fair, that is over the 5000 miles that they guarantee. But I haven't seen anything worn down quite that far, except for an old pair of Vibram FiveFingers I've had for ages that are also missing pretty much all the forefoot lugs and a lot on the heel. Those wore out mostly from hiking on rocks.

Assuming you are overpronating, try Vibram Fivefingers or something else with a thinner / firmmer sole, narrow heel, and wide toe box. The video below explains why. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s)

Prob not much to add here but I just use my same pair. Been running in Vibram Five Fingers on the roads for years and did my first 15k trail race in September and loved it. Safe to say if I train or race on road or trail I’m using my VFFs.

Ive used vibram 5 fingers, they're ok unless you have lots of sections with smallish loose stones, then it started hurting the ball and heel of my feet. I much prefer Altra now - used to have mk2 but they are discontinued, now lone peaks - they have soft thin minimalistic soles that still give protection to rough surfaces, have a wide toe box and zero heel drop, so you get some of the benefits of barefoot with a bit of comfort

One way to make them last is to only wear them on trails. Wear a different pair of shoes getting to/from the trail. Never wear them walking around the city. The Xero Scrambler Low which are a bit thicker than you mentioned but have the nice Michelin sole. I'm a big fan and do my long runs in these. The Vivo Primus FG don't have good traction in the wet. They're also oddly stiff for the thickness and overall I just don't like running in them. VFF are thinner than you requested, but have awesome Vibram soles. Being able to push down with your toes (like a claw) gives you an amazing grip option other shoes don't. For shorter runs, they feel the best. You can easily find VFF on sale or on ebay for well under $100.

fivefingers are an unparalleled experience. i wear them every day at work. standard cut blue jeans and black fivefingers is a bit strange looking. the shoe is strange to bring with, but there are ways to style it to make it less weird. they look best with shorts and no show socks, or athletic pants with a cuff at the ankle. they are also impossible to dress up so don’t even try.

5 fingers are good but bear in mind they have no stubtoe protection, so a stray rock in the path can really mess up your day (ask me how I know). I’d favor a shoe with a toe box, like vivos.

Ive run in them on and off for 10 years - longest was a half marathon on pavement but usual soft trails with few stones - roots can be a bit slippery - I own like 3 pairs I like to switch between my Altra timps Hokas and then flat vibram fives can make my calves a little sore from time to time- I like them

Teacher here. I’ve been wearing them daily since 2010. I won’t go back. No foot pain ever.

How do you feel them compared to the vivos? Specially in terms of width and splay. I only wear VFF and have 4 pairs, absolutely love these things, it is like the shoe equivalent of commuting in a Lotus Elise haha. However, the biggest pet peeve I find is that they are very permeable, and not just with water but also with dry lose dirt. That's why I was wondering if getting a pair of this or if it would be better to just get a pair of vivo hiking boots. 

Welcome to the club. None of my other shoes or sandals give me the joy and versatility of a pair of VFFs.

i've ran 20 trail marathons on fivefingers. those are as zero drop as you can get. Nothing much wrong with zero drop, you just might need time to adjust.

No Vibram five fingers in the top 25…? Never got an ankle injury because of the quick feeling when your about to get injured

Similar here, going from FiveFingers to Altra Lone Peaks and never looked back

La Sportiva's have the best grip on wet rock. After that any shoe with Vibram Megagrip. Followed by Salomon's ContraGrip. They all work well. Best bet, go to a store and try a bunch on. You have recommended shoes from a bunch of people. Now go see how they fit YOUR feet. Go with the ones you like/fit best. Also as others have said skip the waterproofing. It'll only make your feet hot and sweaty. Gortex is for the winter.

My favorite maybe the Nnormal kjerag, but realistically i just go with some semi worn-out + low stack + Vibram megagrip shoe. I always destroy the midsole / side of my shoe if i am scrambling a lot, and I found the La sporitva white outsole not as grippy as Vibram Megagrip, plus having semi worn-out lugs helps out in rocks.