What footwear have you found good for a trial hike that involves a lot of up and down hill, along with shuffling along on the flats to make up time? It would be a 34mile hike if my name gets chosen. At the gym today I talked with a lady whose friend did it previously. She lost most of her toenails. Something I would like to avoid.
Lots of mud if the weather turns wet.
Take a peek at the Sportiva Akasha's- they are the heaviest trail runner that La Sportiva makes (but not overly heavy)- they have a good roomy toe box that many La Sportiva models don't, their outsoles are the best- they made their fame in climbing shoes and put together a great sticky compound along with a good aggressive pattern. I've done 3 of the 4 Bob Marshall Opens with the Akasha's (not the same pair :)) and quite a few mountain races as well. I've even worn them a few times in warmer weather elk hunting (with my boots and load pack in my truck)
