ASICS - Novablast 5 TR

This hybrid type of shoe is optimised to handle slightly rougher surfaces marginally better than road shoes. The uppers are usually thicker and there might be a toe bumper to offer a bit more protection than a standard road shoe. So for winter running on countryside lanes they are a really good fit imo. My daily runs take me past a dairy farm and the cows get moved between fields down the lanes. The tarmac gets chewed up and the manure and mud gets all sloshy when it rains. Having a slightly more rugged lighter weight shoe with good bounce is ideal for me. The added grip is essential when the mud builds up as it can be very slippery! Standard trail shoes are heavier and the lugs would get worn down fast by the tarmac. So it all depends on where you're running. I don't see what the problem is myself. Why not have more choice? The Novablast 5 TR's have noticeably better grip than the standard 5's. 

If comfort is the main requirement, I'd highly recommend the Novablast 5 TR. It's well cushioned, suprisingly light, and Asics grip is one of the very best outer-sole rubbers for traction on wet surfaces.

Mount to Coast H1 or Novablast 5 TR. Both are hybrid or gravel shoes and very comfortable, great cushion, just enough outsole for gravel trails. Ran a bunch of both and they're probably my two favorite running shoes.

Hi, check out Asics Novablast 5 TR, Hoka Challenger 7, Salomon Sense Ride 5, and Altra Outroad. These are reliable options that provide enough versatility for use on light trails and roads. The Altra Outroad is specifically designed to be a road to trail shoe, but it is a zero drop shoe. If you haven't run low or zero drop shoes, it takes time to transition to running in them. Novablasts is the same bouncy cushioned road shoe but with a trail outsole pattern that can handle both. The Challenger 7 is smooth on pavement and also good for gravel and dirt paths. These two sound like a good fit from what you described about the course.

Novablast tr are great for park alleys maybe hard packed trails. The upcoming trabuco might be better then the 13s, also I have mafate speed 4 and they are far better in terms of grip and comfort then Trabuco Max 4. Some people say lasportiva has great trail running shoes, and new balance seem to offer grip and comfort in some of their trail runners.

Leadville is fairly non-technical so you should be alright. The Novablast TR would be a slightly better option. Just get some trail runs in with them and make sure you’re comfortable.

I have these but pretty weak on any serious trail. Great for grade 1/2 type trails and on the road when it’s wet.

Yeah I mean they’re not designed for serious trails, but have a nice bit of extra traction and feel just as comfy as a road shoe on the pavement.

Appreciate the Altra Olympus 6 rec! And I definitely plan to try any of these on, just trying to start with a long list -- haven't hiked enough in trail runners yet to know my preferences. I know that Asics trail running shoes feel great even on 20+ mile days for me, but I find that they wear out quite quickly and imagine this might be why I see them recommended less on here.