
Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
I think the Lone Peaks are too chunky. King Mts are the goat trail runner. Different people have different preferences.
Another vote for Topo. I still like and use the Altra King Mts for more aggressive or wet conditions. The Topos are more comfortable and much more durable, but retain a lot of water in my experience.
Check out the Altra King Mountain. The one with the Velcro strap. It's slimmer padding than the lone peak I used to run in and it's way more durable. Also the grip in mud or wet conditions is far superior to Lone Peak. I hope they keep this model around for longer. They got rid of it for a short time. Might have to buy a backup pair while I still can.
I use my Altra King MT running shoes for riding on flat pedals. I usually ride clipless, so I don't really have a need for a dedicated flat pedal shoe. I find the thin sole zero drop construction fits the bill pretty well, and the Vibram sole sticks to the pedals.
Mudtalon speed are less awful. I favour Altra King MT - not as aggressive as true fell shoes but not far off, I've done a few 2 day MMs in them.
Altra King MT, or Superior on less technical ground Inov8 Mudtalon Speed
Altra has the Superior and King Mtn, both of which have less cushioning and arch support than the Lone Peaks. The Superior 6 is my go-to right now. I train almost exclusively in Xero Prios. I also run in Mesa Trail IIs with a rock plate.
weight, gait and trails vary. have seen many f’d shoes by VVR, both directions. I get about 250 miles out of a pair around the JMT, 300 tops. though some shoes are worse than others.. like I tend to blow out the sides of King MT 2s in 150 miles. on the dirt trails near home I can probably eke out 400
Maryland living and chiming in with my altra king mt 2’s. On second pair and they’ve definitely saved me from many a slip & spill.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

Top pick
Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Altra - Lone Peak Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





