I’ve always used traditional hiking boots but I have sweaty feet, messed up toenails, and arthritis from gout. Stiff hiking boots were aggravating all of these issues so I recently switched to trail running shoes. I had avoided low cut shoes/boots because I hate getting rocks and debris in my shoes and needing to stop to take my footwear off to clean them out only for it to happen again 20 minutes later. I found an awesome set of gaiters at REI that keep debris from getting into my shoes and now I can hike in shorts which is way better than long pants. The traction and comfort of the Speedcross 6 shoes is incredible and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to bulky hiking boots. They’re running shoes but they seem to work just as well for hiking and I’ve been on two hikes in Alaska without much pain in my feet. They ventilate well so my feet aren’t soaked with sweat and I don’t get blisters. Highly recommend trying a pair. I’m not sure if they will last very long but I’m happy to keep spending the money if they keep my feet in good shape.
It seems everyone uses trail runners these day. I have a pair of mid top oboz that I use for backpacking. They haven’t been the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn; I often use leikotape with them. So I think someday I’ll join the trail runner gang for short hikes but overall I am still suspicious of using trail runners with a heavy pack.