REI is getting pissed off at me for returning the shoes. I went with a trail runner. It feels like a tennis shoe with a little more support. Northface 109 gtx. They feel really good and the reviews say they are good for both trail running and light backpacking. we will see. I went through this in Nov for a backpacking trip at big bend. Bought some columbia brand shoes( i know cheaping hiking shoes) that were confortable walking around in but bad after 6 miles on the trail. My feet were in hell.