So, for those of you who are trainers-on-munros converts: which ones have you gone for and why?
I made the move to trainers about 11 years ago. I do more hill days in trainer style footwear than my (like slippers) Salomon Alp-X Mid GTX.
I've used Salomon a lot, I used to find thier 'trainer with ankle bit' wonderfully comfortable. Mid-40's and my feet spread wider and I struggle to get in with thier trainers now. I also think they are so light and so soft rubber that they wear out too quickly. It wasn't a problem when I had supply of an endless line of sample shoes from the rep for minimum cost...but full price? No.
Adidas Terrex of various models offer a good compromise, really well made and grippiest soles I've ever used, using Continental rubber. Again, I'm finding them a touch narrow at times.
Best shape and mountain shoe I've used is a Brooks Cascadia in GTX and unlined flavour. They have a hidden plate in the insole, makes walking on rocks etc great, that the lighter Salomon and Adidas shoes struggled with. They have also lasted hundreds of miles of off-road running and hikes.
I've also had two pairs of Innov8. Nice shape, but pair one fell to bits *and* had a really noticeable seam on the heel - blister city. The pair I've got now are like the Salomon's just too Lightweight so wearing quickly and I can feel every rock underneath them.
I'm going back to Brooks Cascadia's next, with a pair of stretchy mini gators. To heck with the cost... brilliant hill shoes.
I swap back and forth depending on weather and route.
I'm fed up of the old-school and outdated 'ah, but big clumpy boots are better in the hills'. They aren't, they have thier place, but so do trainer things.