I don’t have the V-Trail, but I have been using the discontinued Spyridon MR, which looks quite similar. I’ve been running on trails with those for several years, but for the past couple of years I’ve been running more off trail, and then the open toe design really doesn’t work (I wish I had taken a picture, the amount of ferns and grass stuck between the toes was just ridiculous!).
I do think my feet moved more freely wtih the five fingers, but I don’t really miss them. I just got my mesas, so I’ve only run in them once, but even though the toes have less horizontal movement, they feel softer, and I don’t have to worry about a single toe getting caught on a root any more (quite common and painful on the spyridons).
So, I’d keep the mesas (or try the new one, with the michelin sole).
Congrats on your purchases!
I’m tempted to check out the Ridgeways for the winter, but I’m accumulating quite a bit of shoes, so I’m trying to restrain myself. My Zaqq Hiqes will probably suffice another winter.