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When we made an unexpected trip to northern California this past summer, I found myself amidst the granite cathedrals of Yosemite National Park...without my running shoes. Heck, I didn't even have good walking shoes. But with two days to spend hiking the Valley trails, I wasn't going to settle for sandals.

Fortunately, there's a hikers' supply store in Yosemite Valley, and they carry a good selection of trail shoes and even some running shoes. With help from an attentive sales associate, I ended up with a great pair of all-purpose trail shoes: New Balance 810 All Terrain Shoes.

These neutral shoes were a great fit for my abysmally wide and finicky feet. (I'm a 5'6" woman and wear a MEN'S size 9 1/2 D). There's plenty of New Balance's trademark ABZORB cushioning material in the heel and forefoot, as well as a pocket of non-pressurized air to add extra impact absorption. The midsole of the shoe is flexible without feeling insubstantial--much more pleasant than the stiff feel of many "trail running" shoes that wear more like hiking boots. The waffled mesh upper breathes well, and hugs the foot gently without pinching or binding.

The shoe has a nice, lightweight feel, but is substantial where it counts: between my foot and the pebble-strewn path.

As far as the mechanics of the shoe go, I think they work great for light hiking, walking, or running, on or off pavement.

That's really the key: if you're looking for a trail-only shoe, you'll want one with more hardcore lugs than these. But these are shoes you can wear all day; no need to change into them when you get to the trail.

I plan on buying another pair before these wear out. I've had them for about four months, and use them regularly for walking and jogging on and off road, and they have held up very well. Check 'em out at my amazon.com shopping link.