My current favorite shoe wear for the trails / mountains:
- Xero Genisis trail sandal. My favorite for low-altitude trails. Thin sole, excellent ground feel, closest to barefoot feel, strapped with ropes to your feet (super comfy). Not suitbale for wet, slushy, slippery terrain.
- Canyon Cliff 2 pro. Earlier versions caused abrassion on the skin(straps, side pillars). Current version feels pretty good when straps are tuned properly (not too thight, not too loose). Canyon offers more protection (thicker sole) and feels more sure / attached to the feet (straps vs. ropes on Xeros) and better grip. Excellent for meadows, forest trails, rocky terrain and even steep slopes. Stick to my feet.
- Altra Mountain King MT-2. My favorite minimalist wide-food, zero drop, breathable trail shoe. My favorite shoe for higher altitude terrain – rocks, glaciers, scree, snow. Excellent ground feel, good grip sole. Better protection than a trail sandal.