The trail running shoe is a New Balance MT1010v2. Since it appears it's in limbo until v3, it created a mad rush on available stock, which is why all I could find in size 12.5 2E were these neon blue numbers. Still, I've been hiking/running in these the last few years, and they absolutely rock. I'm up to 25-30 miles per week, and never have any issue when hiking. (Note the Vibram sole.)
Also, I got the Luna sandals pictured above as both a camp & trail shoe. (The size 12s weigh 10.5 ounces - they also have a Vibram sole + goat leather insole.) They're modern copies of ancient leather/thong sandals developed by this guy:
http://www.lunasandals.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They are weirdly secure - you can actually jog in them (if you have proper form) and they should work really well on established trails like the PCT/JMT in non-rocky (ie pass) sections.
I'm planning on going from Onion to Portal in a few days, but won't be taking them due to snow. However, we're car camping @ Horseshoe over the 4th, and I'm definitely going to wear these up to the Cottonwood lakes.
I'm also going to bring them along to the HST meetup - they should rock on all the standard trail sections. Heck, I'll probably wear them after the Pothole on Shepherd, since they are so comfortable.
