HikeArizona.COM

I've been researching both options and would like to see what AZT users are doing (I know some opinions were flowing in the Vasque Boot Test forum).

So what is your preference?

Go to Roadrunner for the shoes. Find what works for you. For the 1st pair, you'll pay more but it may be worth it to be able to try several pair, be properly fitted, etc. Then, once you find "your" shoe, use Amazon Smile (benefits the AZT!), Steep and Cheap, Sierra Trading, etc. for backup and subsequent pairs as you'll know exactly what you need.

Oh, and at Roadrunner just tell them you want trailrunners. If you tell them you're a backpacker, SOME of their sales staff will insist that you do not want trailrunners, keep trying to send you to REI, etc. and just not provide quality customer service since you're not a runner. (Not all staff - others have been very helpful). I've found it's best to avoid that discussion just in case I get that salesperson.

I just order a pair of New balance 510v2 from new Balance. I tried so many stores here but finding my size is hard to due.
I hope the fit good and are here before my next day off.

@sandyfortner
I hadn't looked in on Roadrunner Sports in a long time. Thanks for the reminder! They do carry Altras! I used to buy my narrow Asics regular street running shoes there.

I buy all my running/trail shoes at http://www.holabirdsports.com. They consistently have the lowest price on my shoes (even compared to Amazon, Zappos, etc), plus free shipping. I wear Saucony Peregrine. I used them for my 27 mile hike through sections 25 and 26, and they were awesome, even on the uneven rocky terrain. I have strong ankles from years of trail running, so I most likely will stick with these, unless I'm in cold/snowy conditions like I was this weekend in Flagstaff. Knocked out some of section 32 and was trudging through foot thick snow in some sections. Was grateful for my waterproof hiking boots and merino wool socks for sure!!

I finished a thru hike of the AZT on 11/1. I used Hoka trail runners the entire time. No ankle or other foot issues, but I had to stop a bunch of times to clean grass seeds out of the shoes. The seeds will go through the mesh portions of the shoes and are extremely annoying. A shoe with a GoreTex or similar liner might prevent this. (some short gaiters probably would have worked)

@ttretta
I tired hola bird sports but they did not have one pair of shoes in my size

I prefer trail shoes to boots. I get them a size larger than I normally wear, and a bit wider. As I hike and my feet swell as all hiker's feet do, my shoes have room for the expanding feet. I have used a lot of New Balance trail shoes because they come in wide widths. This summer I did the JMT in a pair of Merrels. Since changing to trail shoes over boots I have had no noticeable foot pain, and blisters have been kept to a minimum. I look at trail shoes sort of like a slipper for the trail. Very comfortable, and kind to my feet.

Yes, there are a few drawbacks, but more complications with heavier boots. I think it is worth the money to experiment with a few different brands of shoes. I have been using Shoebuy.com for awhile. Easy returns, no problem shoe company.

I purchased a pair of Columbia Conspiracy Vapors Saturday because I wanted something in addition to my Merrell Moab Ventilator Mids. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE these Vapors! They are light but you don't feel the rocks, etc. The tread looks like it wouldn't be grippy, but I actually find that they grip better than my Merrells. I was in and out of Horton Creek, they dry within like 5 minutes, and I didn't even get a hint of a hot spot much less a blister. I cannot recommend them enough. Plus I got them on clearance at the Columbia outlet.

Well I have both and with my bad ankle I notice I need to use my boots on rough rocky terrain. But on flatter not to rocky trail runners are great.