I'm not new to backpacking, but when it come to decisions about shoe's, I pretty much get stuck every time. I prefer trail runners over boots and recently purchase a pair of NB 860's which fit great. http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/detail.asp?style=M860BK3
The only issue I may have is all the mesh used in the construction of a lot of the new shoes out there today. Although they may dry faster, they will be picking up a lot more dirt. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

I also do not like mesh because I do a lot of off-trail and it gets torn up easily. I use low-cut light hikers for this reason. I would rather go ounces heavier and not get filthy and have my shoes last the trip. Do you use gaiters? That at least keeps out the dirt from the top.

Another strategy would be to use a tight weave outer sock so the dirt does not get to the feet. I do not know if any sock would meet that criteria.

Thank you WD for your response. My almost 50 year old feet are very hard to please and this particular pair just feels right. After switching to trail runners a while back with the now discontinued Montrail AT Plus trail shoes, I'm sold. Unless I find something else, I may just have to go with gaiters as you suggested. Either that or just eat dirt, which isn't so bad depending where one chooses to hike. I suppose this mesh invention does have it's benefits but it also comes with it limitations. Thanks Again...

A lot of long distance hikers wear breathable nylon shortie gaiters from Dirty Girl or Simblissity, which don't require a cord under the foot (the part that wears out the soonest. Dirty Girl features many funky fabric patterns and require you to glue a velcro attachment to your shoe. Simblissity gaiters don't require a velcro attachment, but tthey come in only four plain colors. As a velcro hater, I prefer Simblissity, despite the lack of style.

The purpose of these gaiters is to keep sticks, stones, sand, mud, etc. from getting into your shoes. They are not waterproof. If sprayed with permethrin occasionally and worn with long pants tucked inside, they also keep ticks from crawling up your legs.

I know what you mean--the mesh (what's not under the gaiter) lets in plenty of dust, but on the other hand it dries fast after you slog through a stream. At least with gaiters, the bigger stuff stays outside!

I remember I had to carry my older brother across streams so his feet wouldn't get wet. (Your turn Glenn.)

I got a pair of Lowa shoes. They are mostly leather, and keep the fine dirt out nicely.

I also have Trekstas, which I love and fit like gloves, but they do let the dirt in much more.

I won't opine on the shoe itself, as I'm confident that *the* hardest gear/clothing choice by far is finding the right trail shoe. We're not at all "alike" when it comes to which shoe works well, so what's great for one person might be a very poor choice for another.

But on the topic of gaiters --- I don't tend to wear them. In certain conditions I will, but generally I find that wearing long pants keeps most trail debris out of my shoes, and finer dirt/dust gets in through the mesh anyway.

And when I don't have gaiters on, I'm more inclined to take my shoes off at a break; always a good thing to do, but add gaiters into the mix and it's a bit more of a hassle.

“ I prefer trail runners over boots and recently purchase a pair of NB 860's which fit great… The only issue I may have is all the mesh used in the construction of a lot of the new shoes out there today. Although they may dry faster, they will be picking up a lot more dirt. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks”

I just hope they have lateral stability. That’s a great help on scree and talus.
I don’t wear a mesh shoe but something similar: sandals with socks; tight cushy fast-drying socks. They may pick up more dirt but after I walk through streams the foot stays clean; surprisingly clean. In desert, the foot will be dusty but I wash that down at night.

May everyone find their foot zen,
-Barry