Runners in the community frequently find themselves surprised by how far the Enduris punches above its intended role, one user who “originally bought the enduris as a training shoe” ended up trusting it for the full Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim after “enjoying the rocker and midsole enough” to ditch their Hokas entirely. The shoe's “nice wide platform, great cushioning, and a solid ride” make it a credible all-day companion across training and race contexts, though it isn't without friction, at least one owner was selling their pair after just 28 miles due to arch collapse causing “a pretty bad blister” on the medial side. The consensus is one of cautious enthusiasm: a genuinely capable shoe that rewards the right foot shape, but one where fit issues can emerge quickly if the geometry doesn't match.
What holds up
Nitrogen-infused TPU Dream midsole with Vectiv 3.0 plates creates a lively, bouncy ride without feeling unstable
Serrated laces and improved heel counter provide secure fit and comfort
Spacious forefoot accommodates wide feet without being sloppy
Performs equally well on fast singletrack and all-day adventures with elevation gain
Reliable traction even on wet trails
What to know
Fit is finicky, may need to try half size down despite running true-to-size
Forefoot Vectiv plate may rub on inside of ball of foot depending on toe length
Outsole isn't class-leading compared to competitors
Expert verdict
No other shoe could combine price, performance, versatility, and comfort like the Vectiv Enduris 4. Use-case is always important when selecting a trail shoe, but the Vectiv Enduris 4 is so versatile that it offers a one-and-done option for most trail runners.
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 is perhaps the most complete shoe we've ever tested for tackling trails. The Enduris 4 offers a lively and comfortable ride, an accommodating fit, and unmatched versatility.
If your foot fits the mold, the Vectiv Enduris 4 is the rare trail shoe that earns its place on both daily training runs and bucket-list efforts like the R2R2R, without ever needing to be swapped out for something more serious.
Reddit's Hoka community paints a divided picture of the Transport line. For those it fits well, it delivers, one user logging “6-8 miles each day” on a walking tour found it “so comfortable, with a good tread and good stability” and “no blisters”, naming it their favorite shoe. But fit inconsistencies surface repeatedly: wide-width buyers report the shoes are “barely wider than old Vans slip-ons”, and at least one traveler who sized up for comfort was still “out of action” after “20k steps each day” just two days into a holiday. The consensus is that the Transport rewards those who nail the fit, but punishes those who don't.
What holds up
Vibram outsole provides unmatched traction on all surfaces including wet terrain and dirt
Durable Cordura upper resists scratches, pokes, and dirt accumulation
Quick-toggle lace system makes on/off effortless
Excellent arch support and stable heel cup for extended standing and walking
Dense sugarcane EVA midsole resists compression after miles of walking
What to know
Stiff at first but loosens up after a few walks
Less breathable than mesh alternatives due to thicker, more durable materials
Heavier than other walking shoes due to robust construction
Expert verdict
After a quick break-in period, they became one of the most comfortable shoes in our lineup. The Vibram outsole is very grippy on all surfaces, even wet. All surfaces were no problem, especially dirt.
The Hoka Transport 2 builds on the original's do-everything appeal with a more comfort-focused feel, making it an even better option for daily use, travel, and casual adventures. Its clean, understated design still hides a rugged foundation.
I just picked up the transport 2 in 12 wide, and they're barely wider than my old Vans slip-ons. I've worn plenty of non-wide shoes that are wider than these "wide" Hoka.
We walked about 6-8 miles each day. I wore DarnTough merino wool blend socks with them. This shoe was so comfortable, with a good tread and good stability. No blisters and never felt too hot. Kept my feet dry on the few rainy days we encountered. It is my favorite shoe!
If you can confirm the fit beforehand, ideally in-store, the Hoka Transport's Vibram outsole and all-day cushioning make it a genuinely capable city-to-trail shoe that keeps feet dry and blister-free across 6, 8 mile walking days, but the narrow wide sizing means gamble-buying online is a real risk.
Hikers and trail runners consistently praise the Lone Peak 9 for its standout fit and grip, one user declared it “the first shoes ever that my feet cannot touch the side walls even when fully splayed out” after years of searching for true width, while another reported “super great traction and my feet did not hurt after 3 full days” of off-trail hiking in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Those who've tried competing brands note that “nothing works like the lone peak” for zero-drop width and midfoot room, with many landing on the 9+ as their permanent choice after testing a dozen alternatives. The honest caveat from the community, however, is durability: several users flagged that the shoes “start breaking down and becoming too soft and become uneven,” and heavier hikers on relentlessly rocky terrain may want to look at a more cushioned sibling like the Timp.
What holds up
Signature wide toe-box and zero-drop setup provide natural running experience
Rock plate and gaiter attachments add trail-specific protection
Improved MaxTrac outsole offers better traction than previous versions
Wide, zero-drop design feels sluggish and slipper-like to some runners
Can feel dead and under-cushioned, especially during faster runs
Standard model's rubber wears out faster than competitors
Too roomy for runners who prefer snug, traditional trail shoes
Expert verdict
For a reliable all-arounder, especially for those who want a more natural running experience, it's tough to find more for the money. Yes, there are cheaper shoes, but on trail, where protection and traction really matter, we don't recommend sacrificing for less.
The Altra Lone Peak 9+ (and 9) trail-running shoes offer excellent value with a wide toe box and natural fit that appeals to runners with finicky feet.
For hikers and trail runners who need genuine wide-foot accommodation and reliable traction across varied terrain, the Altra Lone Peak 9 delivers a fit that competitors consistently fail to match, making it the rare trail shoe that owners return to version after version, rocky miles and all.
Hikers who've logged serious miles in the X Ultra line consistently return to it, one Camino pilgrim noted “there's a reason that you see tons of them out on the trail,” pointing to a track record that goes beyond marketing. Those comparing it directly against older Salomon models found the Contagrip outsole “more durable than what they used on the XT-6,” addressing a known weak point from previous generations. New owners have reported being “extremely surprised on how light they are compared to their looks,” a common first-impression that holds up across varied terrain. The one honest caveat the community flags is the Gore-Tex version's breathability in hot climates, as one Southern US hiker put it, “your feet will be soaked on a summer hike in Gore Tex, not from water crossings, but from sweat.”
What holds up
Lightweight at 1 lb 6.6 oz for the pair without sacrificing performance
Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps feet dry on muddy trails and shallow crossings
Contagrip outsole with chevron-shaped lugs grips reliably on mud, wet boulders, and scree
Substantial toe bumper and thick upper materials protect against stubbed toes and abrasion
Advanced Chassis provides good lateral support and stability on uneven terrain
What to know
Felt tight around forefoot and midfoot out of the box, requiring break-in
Quicklace system makes it difficult to achieve snug fit throughout the foot
EVA midsole is not ultra-plush, firm rather than soft underfoot
Low collar limits waterproofing depth; gaiters recommended for deep water crossings
Expert verdict
I hiked over all sorts of terrain in Alaska, from sticky, clay-like mud to wet boulders, slippery logs, and loose scree. The X Ultra 5 handled it all with ease, allowing me to confidently navigate daily off-trail adventures.
The X Ultra 5 strikes a really nice middle ground: light enough that it's easy to move quickly on the trail but substantial enough to handle technical terrain and long-term use.
I've had good luck with the X Ultra 5s on similar terrain - the Contagrip outsole seems more durable than what they used on the XT-6. The 360s are solid too but I'd lean toward the 5s for better longevity based on what you're describing.
I've used the ordinary X-Ultras for years while on pilgrimage, and am generally a fan. They're not perfect in every respect, but are very sound in most, and good value for what one pays for them. There's a reason that you see tons of them out on the trail.
For hikers tackling varied terrain with 1,000, 5,000 feet of elevation gain, the X Ultra 5 GTX delivers a rare combination of trail-tested Contagrip durability that outlasts previous Salomon models and a surprisingly lightweight build that doesn't compromise underfoot support, making it a dependable long-haul shoe you'll actually want to put on for the hard days.
Community reception to the Keen Seek is cautiously optimistic, one ultramarathon runner who tested them firsthand called them “a pretty fun shoe and a really good offering from Keen”, while the broader enthusiasm stems from Keen's legacy reputation where “my old keens lasted for like 10 years”. Still, longtime Keen wearers flag a persistent tension: the brand is celebrated for its “wide toe box” but criticized because “the soles tend to come apart or delaminate long before the rest of the shoe wears out”. The Seek's durability-first marketing pitch directly targets that known weakness, leaving trail runners watching closely to see if the foam and outsole can finally match the upper's longevity.
What holds up
Built-in padded tongue and wide toe box provide exceptional comfort for extended wear
Bouncy, energetic sole with cushioning that feels responsive underfoot
Anti-odor technology keeps feet fresh during long days
Available in variety of muted and bold colors
Durable construction rated for 925 miles of use
What to know
Not waterproof, not recommended for wet terrain or rain
Slippery sole provides less grip than Hoka Speedgoat on technical terrain
Not ideal for serious trail runners seeking maximum responsiveness
Breathable textile upper means less protection from brush and debris
Expert verdict
Keen continuously makes some super comfortable footwear, and the Seek, its new trail shoes, are no different. With Keen's classic wide toe box and cushioned, energetic sole, I would happily wear these trail shoes for hours.
The Keen Seek are some of the comfiest shoes I've ever had the pleasure of putting on my feet. Although the lack of waterproofing and slippery sole means I wouldn't recommend them for wet environments, if you live in a hot, dry place, the breathable textile upper would make the Seek a slam dunk.
I like Keen because they have a wide toe box. I wear them every day. Unfortunately the soles tend to come apart or delaminate long before the rest of the shoe wears out.
If the Seek's outsole holds up under trail miles the way Keen's uppers historically have, buyers get a wide-toe-box trail shoe built explicitly for longevity in a category where most competitors wear out in 400 miles.
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