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.

Plus 1, plus 2, plus 3!!! 👍❤️😁 Best shoes ever for me!

Try the v alpha . The trek are way too thick it defeats the point of being barefoot style. Try v alpha , you will never look back trust me

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.

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.