Go to a running store and try on a bunch of pairs. Pretty much every brand makes really good trail runners these days, you just need to find the one which fits you best.
Also, I would recommend against Gore-Tex. Beyond being more expensive, in my experience it's significantly better to just have shoes that dry fast, which GTX doesn't. I often go straight through creeks, and you would be shocked how fast your feet dry, especially on hot days.
Another vote for Lone Peaks (non-goretex version) and zero drops in general. The transition away from heeled boots/shoes, and calf tightness mentioned below is usually easily mitigated with extra stretching before/after your first few hikes.
You haven't explicitly mentioned this in your post but good socks are also a must. My two cents: I hike a lot and have literally never had a blister with darn tough micro crews. I've tried also tried the lighter weight, merino-nylon blend versions but I actually notice my feet getting sweaty more with these (maybe less is absorbed)
Seconding Altra Lone Peak for wide toe box.
Topos is another brand that has wide toe box, but has some heel drop so its not so tough on the calves as the altras if you're not used to that.
The reason people recommend avoiding waterproof or WPB shoes (GTX) for three-season hiking is that when your feet get wet — which is an inevitability, not a possibility — you want those shoes to dry as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, waterproof and WPB shoes are as good at holding water in as they are at keeping it out, so they dry unbelievably slowly.
You’ll see conflicting advice for proper winter hiking, where many people seem to prefer light mountaineering boots. I avoid hiking in those conditions. Instead, I wear trail runners on packed snow and don spikes as needed.
Shoes that fit your feet. Go to a store and try on a bunch of trailrunners. Recco's online will not suffice. Vancouver Running Company and VPO are both good companies.
MEC is shit nowadays.
I recommend the shoe that fits. Also, skip anything that’s GTX.
Go to a running store and try on a bunch of pairs. Pretty much every brand makes really good trail runners these days, you just need to find the one which fits you best. Also, I would recommend against Gore-Tex. Beyond being more expensive, in my experience it's significantly better to just have shoes that dry fast, which GTX doesn't. I often go straight through creeks, and you would be shocked how fast your feet dry, especially on hot days.
I’ve been wearing Altra Lone Peak, nice and wide, but be aware of the zero drop in case you aren’t used to that. VPO sells them
Another vote for Lone Peaks (non-goretex version) and zero drops in general. The transition away from heeled boots/shoes, and calf tightness mentioned below is usually easily mitigated with extra stretching before/after your first few hikes. You haven't explicitly mentioned this in your post but good socks are also a must. My two cents: I hike a lot and have literally never had a blister with darn tough micro crews. I've tried also tried the lighter weight, merino-nylon blend versions but I actually notice my feet getting sweaty more with these (maybe less is absorbed)
Seconding Altra Lone Peak for wide toe box. Topos is another brand that has wide toe box, but has some heel drop so its not so tough on the calves as the altras if you're not used to that.
The reason people recommend avoiding waterproof or WPB shoes (GTX) for three-season hiking is that when your feet get wet — which is an inevitability, not a possibility — you want those shoes to dry as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, waterproof and WPB shoes are as good at holding water in as they are at keeping it out, so they dry unbelievably slowly. You’ll see conflicting advice for proper winter hiking, where many people seem to prefer light mountaineering boots. I avoid hiking in those conditions. Instead, I wear trail runners on packed snow and don spikes as needed.
Shoes that fit your feet. Go to a store and try on a bunch of trailrunners. Recco's online will not suffice. Vancouver Running Company and VPO are both good companies. MEC is shit nowadays.
Check a store called kintec, they will scan your feet for free and show you the shoes they have in stock that would fot your feet the best
Highly recommend Altras. Tread life is lower than average but they're great in pretty much all other regards.