ASICS - GEL-TRABUCO 11 G-TX

Both Asics gortex and Salomon gortex Ive found to be the best I've used.   I get probably 2-3000km out of them?   Say 8km a day of sandstone gravel fire trails and rocky escarpments for a year. I  would get 12-18 months out of them.   Sometimes I just wear out heel rubber and foam is still good so I build it back up using Sikaflex or something to go another 6 month lol 

Check into the Asics Gel-Trabuco series. I have been wearing these for both backcountry trails in Colorado, running on pavement, the gym, and on local smooth gravel trails. They are lightweight, flexible, with a grippy sole, and breathe well. They are unlikely to hold up for extended backpacking, though. But for general hiking and trail running, they excel. Be aware that you are going to see the soles wear sooner than some of the hikers on the list you gave. Trade-offs. I have Goretex hikers as well and I can tell you that they definitely are hotter and your feet will sweat in them. I have them in cold and warm weather models. They are good in cooler mountain environments and where you might hike in spongy, moist lowlands, and keep your feet from getting soaked from morning dews. Again, trade-offs.

I have the non-GTX version of the Gel Trabuco 13. Excellent shoe. I'm sure the GTX model is great too. Since you like the brand already, you'll probably love these. I'm on my second pair of the Trabuco line. I wore the 11's tread down too much for serious trail use, but they are still in great shape for casual wear.

They run small and very snug compared to the prior iteration. Had to take out the insole to get the perfect fit. go half a size for wide feet

I've using mine for around 150k, so far so good. But honestly, I prefer the previous (Trabuco 11), don't know why but the 11 fits like a glove, (I’ve run 1200k on them). Still use them for recovery runs, the mesh in one of the shoes start to rip apart, the cushion is not the same anymore, but for small recovery runs that’s enough. About the Trabuco 12, 2 weeks ago have done a pretty hilly and muddy 20k Trail Run, the grip on these is insane. A lot of runners had problems with grip and a lot of falls. Only one time it fails me, but I was getting out of a small river we must follow for 1 hundred meters and on the exit the terrain is slippery. Because of constant running down (and up), with water and sand/mud inside I had an abrasion in one toe. I've started to notice on speedy down runs around 15-16k mark, in the end I have no skin on the spot. But I’ve already use them to do some runs (20k-30k) and never happened before. The cushion is very good, I have wide feet and they feel comfortable, not like the T.11 but good enough.

I've got the 11's (my first trail shoe) and love running in them. Have had zero issues/blisters.

I like Asics Gel Trabuco. Comfortable, good traction, cushiony enough that I don't need to add inserts. I don't tear through shoes as fast as some others though, but they do seem durable to me.

S-tier: Asicsgrip. Tested it on mossy wet rocks by the waterfall. Beats megagrip

Asics Trabuco (non max!) is stable and similar to your Kayano's. I personally like Nike Zegama 2's as well they are very comfortable and very stable. In trails shoes you are just looking for stable shoes, pronation correction doesn't really exist there. Only really bad shoe I ever had was the Trabuco Max 3, very high stack + very soft. For that same reason you might want to stay away from the Mafate 5

With trail runners you're going to protect your feet more if you're hiking a trail where you are navigating big rocks and tree stumps, etc. Think less stubbed toes and less time removing debris etc . I think overall, you'll be able to hike more trails with trail runners. You can always strap your Sandals onto your day pack for water crossing or for the option. I know a lot of people like the Altras. I've owned four different pairs of ASICS Trabucos. The best thing to do is to go to a store and try them all on because everybody's feet are different. Ps. Get yourself some affordable dirty girl gaiters to keep debris from entering your shoes and you'll be set!