New Balance 747 versus 748 shoe?

Dunno. Are the 428's worth a poop? I'm wearing a pair.

I don't know.

Their 790's are great. They have a minimal construction a lot like a track shoe, but with a trail running sole. They are a very light weight pair of shoes.

The 747s were sturdy enough that I bought a pair, awhile ago for light hiking. For some reason the new pair of 748s I just bought seem to be lighter in weight and less sturdy.

I own one pair of Vasque shoes, that are excellent for hiking, when you don't want to wear a full boot.