Zack, one shortcoming I keep running into with lighter mesh hikers is the lack of durability in the upper. I'm still using the heavier Crossleather because (for me) they are the only thing which holds up well. Something to think about.

There are a number of lower, but not super-minimal shoes which have a grippy sole. The Salomon Speedcross might be worth looking at if Salomon's suit you. The Lasportiva Crosslite/Crossleather/XCountry series has excellent grip in mud and loose terrain. The XCountry is more minimal than the others, and a fair bit roomier. The Inov8 X-Talon is also well regarded.

I own a pair of NB MT00's, and I like them. Quite a bit. But they are extremely light, almost an exercise in how minimal an upper can be. I don't believe they would hold up to extensive rough terrain hiking, and would not protect for long against serious abrasion. They're just too lightly built. They would work for a while but wear out quickly.

Occasional day hikes, trail runs and the like, yeah. I like them. But I would suggest the MT110 or maybe a Brooks Pure Grit for regular trail duty. Both are, I believe, 4mm drop and plenty light...but quite different from each other. REI does or did carry both.

The Vivo Neo Trail is a nice shoe. But it's not very breathable and dries very slowly. The low ankle height means anything deeper than a minor puddle gets you wet feet and the fabric doesn't dry well. I like mine, very comfortable and well made, but imperfect for wet terrain hikes.

Meanwhile the newer, lighter, cheaper Breatho Trail breathes and dries much better, but I don't like the tongue design. Specifically, the tongue is an integrated part of the upper (not a separate part) which forces it to "bunch" under the laces a bit across the top of my foot. That could be peculiar to me but it is an issue.

Edited by KillerB on 04/26/2012 22:15:40 MDT.

I use the Merrell Trail Gloves. I also bought them from REI so I could return them if they didn't work out for me. I love them and wear them casually as well as hiking. I hike in Southern California where trails consist of all manner of sized rock, packed dirt and scree. You can sense what is under foot but not feel it. I rarely get an ouch moment. I found them to be very durable both upper and tread. I've used them in all 4 seasons (snow) and they work great. I don't use gaiters and never have an issue with debris entering the shoe. They have a wide toe box but fit, well, like a glove. I highly recommend them.