Altra - Experience Wild

Altra is not all zero drop anymore. Their experience wild is a 5mm drop trail shoe. And they have a couple road shoes with some drop.

I second the recommendation of the Altra Exp Wild. I ran ultras in Lone Peaks for years and now have transitioned to Wild & Topo Trailventure.

The Altra Experience Wild has a 4mm drop. I love mine

Also have wide feet with low arches. I’ve never been able to get a good fit with Topo. The wide toe box is great, but I find the arch and midfoot too narrow. I also ordered the Ultraventure in a regular and wide width and the actual outsole was identical on both shoes, so I suspect their “wide” are built on the same platform as the regular width, and they just add extra material in the upper to try to accommodate a wider foot. This is cheaper for them, but not going to give a good fit if you have actual wide feet. I’m currently using Altra Experience Wild and Lone Peak 8’s. They have both been fine for me and they fit my feet much better than the Topo’s. They are both pretty minimally cushioned shoes though, so if you’re running on harder surfaces you may need a higher stack

Any of the Altra “Experience” line. They are 4mm drop with the same wider toe box. Topo wouldn’t work for me because though they have a roomy toe box, the midfoot and heel is actually regular to narrow, so my arch area would hang over the midsole and they just weren’t comfortable. I even tried the “wide” versions of Topos and they still had the same issue. I would really recommend trying some other brands that aren’t an “anatomical” toe box but do have wide sizes available. If you go with a 2E or 4E size, you will probably be fine even if it’s not a “foot shape” shoe. I really love Altras shape for my foot, but the midsole geometries/rocker/foam/cushion just aren’t my favorite. Check out the New Balance Hierro, that’s available in 2E and 4E width. Also Brooks has trail models in wide as well as Hoka.

Altra Olympus are great shoes, but it's worth noting that theyre zero drop, which if you're not used to it will feel really strange and likely give you pain in your calves due to them putting more pressure on your lower legs. If you want that Altra feel but aren't used to zero drop it's worth looking at the Altra Experience Wild which have a 4mm drop Personally, I love my New Balance Hierro v8 and my Nike Pegasus Trail 5, which are very do everything shoes and are really comfortable

I've pretty much followed the same path as you and for over 100km: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo Mtn Racer 3 > Lone Peaks Although I think the LPs have the most forgiving shape and just this week, I got a pair of **Altra Experience Wild**, which are the standard Altra shape (LP are Original shape shape) but much bigger stack height and 4mm offset. They also take the Altra gaiter system, which I really like, so these may get to the top of the list- just need to get some runs in them. So, if you kinda like the LPs but want a bit more, these might be an option for you.

I stopped wearing the speedboats after the 4s bc I kept turning my ankle in the 5s so I can't comment on that but I do love the Hoka challenger (I ran R3 in those and they were just fine). Altra recently released a 4mm drop trail shoe too that I'm really liking: the experience wild. Good luck on your 50k!

Altra Experience Wilds Less than 75 miles. 30% hiking, 70% gravel/light trail. They are destroyed. VF has turned Altra into a fairly poor value in my opinion from a longevity standpoint.

I’m hoping to get some suggestions from other runners with wider feet. I absolutely loved the original Saucony Xodus Ultras, but I’ve finally run through my stockpile and need to find a new go-to trail shoe.  About me: I’m a heavier runner (200lbs) with wider feet, so I need a good toe box and enough room in the midfoot (too snug and I end up with pain after longer runs.)  Here’s what I’ve tried recently: * Altra Experience Wild - Good fit, enjoying these so far. * Topo Ultraventure 4 - Also a solid fit, no complaints. * Topo MNT Racer 3 - Too narrow in the midfoot, caused discomfort after a 10-miler. * Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 - Unfortunately too narrow overall for me. * Peregrine 12's (wide) - Good for technical routes and quicker paces.  I’m open to rotating a few models for different distances and terrain. I’m curious about the following shoes but am open to other suggestions. Not a big fan of zero drops. Have caused calf issues in the past. * Brooks Catamount / Caldera / Cascadia * North Face Altamesa 500 * Norda 001 * NNormal Tomir 2.0  Would love to hear from anyone with similar need, especially if you’ve found a solid Xodus Ultra alternative that works for wider feet. Bonus points for shoes that can handle longer miles or varied terrain.

My Altra Experience Wild trail runners have been amazing. Bought them after a gait analysis and fitting at a local shoe store. Was not sure about sizing up a full size as shoe store recommended but did as they suggested and have had zero blister or fit issues. Definitely get some expert advice and then take the advice given. Ask about returns too. My shoe store offered exchange if I needed but 250 miles later I’ve bought two more pairs to have at the ready in the sz recommended. Will take a fresh pair to Spain next month for Camino Frances. More “rough walking” than true hiking but I think they’ll fit the bill.

Yeah my only caution is that it may not be the shoe. I wear the exact shoe, Altra Experience Wild, and have chunky feet, prob not swelling to the same extent. I have long 2nd toe. No issues. (Other than the occasional toe smashing that no shoe can address). Isn’t there a way to address the swelling (adema?)

I have the Altra Experience Wild I run on varied surfaces, dirt, rock, gravel, asphalt. I don’t do wet much so can’t speak to that.