I don't make many gear recommendations, since it is all so much a matter of personal preference. But the New Balance Minimus UL running shoe is once more available. It goes in and out of production in slightly different versions.
The pair on the outside was version 2 or 3 and has probably been on 6-7 years of hikes. The new pair on the inside is version 4, very similar to the original (and best) version 1 though slightly heavier
They make great stream crossing and camp shoes and can be used for hiking for a few miles if you need to dry out your main footwear by hanging on your pack.
They are light enough that I also wear mine, if dry, inside my sleeping bag at night (covered by the blue hospital booties to keep the bag clean) . That facilitates any need to get out of the bag quickly in the night and to get out of the bag in the morning.
The Vibram sole is quite protective and grippy and will be adequate for the usual JMT crossings. The top is less protective, if you happen to jam your foot between two sharp rocks, but OK for JMT crossings.
On more difficult crossings found on many of the side trails, I remove socks and insoles of my boots and cross in the boots for better foot protection. Then I can wear the UL runners for a time as the boots dry out.
They dry quickly. For crossings and in camp you don't need socks. For hiking with them, I would wear Coolmax liners or Injini toe socks.
A little heavier than some Crocks but more secure on the foot. Lighter than most trail-capable sandals that people wear as combined crossers/hikers.
My physical therapist, coincidentally, turns out to be a huge fan and uses them running as well as water shoes. He particularly likes the rigid heel cup. (For most people, probably not enough cushion for a runner)
For the weight-obsessed, my size 10s weigh 7.8 oz each.
-- John Curran Ladd 1616 Castro Street San Francisco, CA? 94114-3707 415-648-9279
John Ladd