The Vasque Aether Techs felt good and I loved the dial-in Boa lacing system. They were light and nicely cushioned. They would have been a keeper if they had been narrow enough. Sadly, I couldn't tighten the laces enough toward the middle - front part of the shoe. They were overall a bit too roomy.
The Salomon's sizing is quite long, so I ordered a half-size smaller than I usually wear. The Salomon Kevlar unique lacing positions continue almost down to the toe box. This created a better fit and more support for my narrow feet, than the Vasque's.
I was able to tighten the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX to be comfortable, and I liked the low profile, but the foot bed was a bit too wide--just a bit though. I think I could have made them work, but I found that the Salomon XT Wings 2 seemed to provide the most supportive fit. The XT Wings have a bit narrower profile than the XA Pros. They have a higher profile and nice ankle support/padding. They felt good, again, this is walking around my house. I have no idea how the high profile will feel when actually running trails. Some reviewers found it too high and rubbed their ankles. Although, I had to pull the laces pretty tight in order to get the supportive fit for which I am looking. It seemed like all the trail running shoes were a bit too wide/roomy for my narrow feet, but I was able to tighten the XT Wings 2 to be supportive.
I also tried on Brooks Cascadias. They felt so good. They tightened up nicely and have a super-cushioned sole. I thought they would be ultra comfortable as a light trail running shoe. They didn't provide enough support for my in step, though, and they weren't rigid enough for rough terrain with small obstacles.
I ordered the Salomon XT Wings 2 in the GTX (gortex) (Zappos didn't carry these, so I ordered from Altrec) since I was looking for warmer shoes for winter. I am able to tighten them enough for a comfortable fit (still wish they were more narrow, though), so I decided to keep them. I've run off-road in them twice, almost 3 miles the first day and almost 2 the following day. I loved the feel, warmth and support they provided. I didn't feel any rocks, twigs, nuts, etc. poking my feet. The high profile seemed to have nice padding for my over-pronating ankles. Overall, I was very pleased.
The third day I put them on, I could barely walk out the door! The pain on my talus (ankle bones) was awful. It felt like they were badly bruised, although no bruises appeared. I hope I can get back into them and maybe figure out a way to continue running in them.
Next I need to find a good podiatrist to resolve the pain in my great toe joint.
I also tried on Brooks Cascadias. They felt so good. They tightened up nicely and have a super-cushioned sole. I thought they would be ultra comfortable as a light trail running shoe. They didn't provide enough support for my in step, though, and they weren't rigid enough for rough terrain with small obstacles.
I ordered the Salomon XT Wings 2 in the GTX (gortex) (Zappos didn't carry these, so I ordered from Altrec) since I was looking for warmer shoes for winter. I am able to tighten them enough for a comfortable fit (still wish they were more narrow, though), so I decided to keep them. I've run off-road in them twice, almost 3 miles the first day and almost 2 the following day. I loved the feel, warmth and support they provided. I didn't feel any rocks, twigs, nuts, etc. poking my feet. The high profile seemed to have nice padding for my over-pronating ankles. Overall, I was very pleased.
The third day I put them on, I could barely walk out the door! The pain on my talus (ankle bones) was awful. It felt like they were badly bruised, although no bruises appeared. I hope I can get back into them and maybe figure out a way to continue running in them.
Next I need to find a good podiatrist to resolve the pain in my great toe joint.
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