After hiking & backpacking around a decent bit with a good few styles of shoes, I have found my answer : The Salomon X series [1] The SalomanX are the lightest

After hiking & backpacking around a decent bit with a good few styles of shoes, I have found my answer : The Salomon X series [1] The SalomanX are the lightest hiking shoes I've tried, while simultaneously feeling rugged. They easily have the grippiest sole of any shoe I have tried. There is no shoe I'd trust more on wet rock. The lacing system is chef's kiss. I would wear them in the city if they looked fashionable. I've never had blisters with them, and option for a wide-configuration is perfect for my feet. I am a low-top dude. I find that ankle freedom allows me to place my foot in a manner that doesn't cause sprains rather than the restrictive nature of faux-ankle support mid-tops. I'd go for their hi-top versions if I was hiking in powder, but that's about it. No amount of ankle-support is going to keep your shoes dry if you step in stream or an unknown puddle. Lastly, any situation that needs deep grooves probably needs crampons/micro-spikes anyways, so having them built into the shoe is kind of redundant. To the article's credit, the Saloman's do feel more like a beefed-up sneaker than a toned-down hiking shoe. [1] https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xa-pro-3d-v8-gtx-wide.html#color=30079 https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xa-pro-3d-v8-gtx-...