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)

I'd say definitely don't get hiking boots if you are used to sneakers. Ive done almost all my backpacking in trail runners or approach shoes (for desert/slick rock trips.) Peoole use all sorts of things. Trail runners are basically sneakers with grippier rubber on the bottom and a firmer sole. But there are more minimalist ones like Altra lone peak and vibram five fingers.

I run in Vibram 5 fingers. They look ridiculous, but I'm addicted to the feel. Because of how minimalist they are though, I try to avoid pavement and large gravel. They're zero drop, and I've never rolled an ankle.

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.

Because of her bunion the best shoes will be vibram five fingers. It’s because all of their shoes have a stretchy cloth over the bunion area and it still keeps the toes in proper alignment.

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