Vapor Glove Series

Shoutout to the King Mt2 from Altra. Feels like old school Altra. I think it's meant to be a Munro shoe but I've found it does really well on rock. The velcro strap also means switching between looser fit for plodding miles and tighter fit for responsive scrambling is super handy  That said I do most of my scrambling in merrell vapour gloves so maybe I just have low standards 

Merell Vapor Glove for ever. (Always the "last year" model, to keep it cheap, they also became my "casual" shoes.)

Merrell wrapt are nice, i tried the merrell vapor glove too but i like how the wrapt are a little more rigid. Just wish the outsole lasted a bit longer. But i do walk on concrete a lot with them.

I've started off with the 6's. Great show wear it daily and run with it, but similarly looking to make the altar shift for a little more comfort / support.... Recurring bursitis is not fun

Have had the 3s for ages, now got the 6s, my favourite shoe ever I think, just bang on in every respect (for the majority of the year).

I have medium - wide flat feet and love them. Half a size up (so usually UK10/eu44, but 10.5/45 in these. They are my favourite trail runners yet. Edit: pictured is Trail Glove, I have Vapor Glove which looks almost identical. Would assume similar fit but couldn't say for certain.

Pedals: whatever is cheap and in stock at my LBS. Right now I'm rocking Bontrager yellow plastic whatever's on my tourer and Wellgo aluminum whatevers with those little Allen key studs on my hard tail. Does my shoe stick? Does it spin? Is it greaseable? That's all I care about. For shoes I just wear whatever I have on, most commonly a set of trail running shoes. I take Merrell Barefoots for touring specifically, mostly because of their ease of washing, light weight, and versatility. Don't overthink it.

If you like the ride of the AP5, you must be partial to a firm and protective shoe. Btw, V6 is coming out soon and I was able to try it on - it does seem to have more space in the toebox, but perhaps a slightly softer and more flexible right. (I think it will be a good update). Other options you might check out - TNF Infinite 3 - while it is still available, just make sure you size up by 1/2 so your toes don't get squeezed. Also On Cloudultra 3 - a little softer, but still not squishy, also has a fiberglass speedboard for some protection. Have you tried the Tecton X 2? That's a firmer foam with carbon plates, wider toebox than the AP5. Also look out for the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 in the spring - that one might be perfect - firmer midsole, very good fit and stable.