2012 was a good year for minimalist trail shoes. Two of my personal favorites were the VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail and the Inov-8 TrailRoc 235. What is there to like? Both shoes are zero drop, they provide good flexibility, they have gnarly lugged outsoles, a nice anatomic last, and quick-drying mesh uppers. Pretty much all of the properties I am looking for in a trail shoe for hiking, backpacking, and off-road running.