Altra - Lone Peak 2.5

400 is on the low end in my opinion, my main issue has been the uppers tearing on me. Tread has been fine. I remember using the Lone Peak 2.5s and 3s and they would easily get me 650 before I bought new ones and I could’ve easily pushed them an extra 100 without worry

Altra Lone Peak in wide. Fingers crossed for the 9± in wide. Vibram Megagrip would make it the perfect shoe for me.

Is that a Wide Lone Peak? It's an older model, I know the LP 9 out now was made to be way more durable. Also, rinsing the dirt off your shoes helps the upper last way longer... how much were you using them over the 10 months? that's kind of a long time for a shoe.

You have a wide foot, the Experience Wild doesn't come in a wide option... and also runs kinda short. What do you think happened that made that seem like a good shoe to try? Try a lone peak in the WIDE option... you want zero drop and know you need wide. Easy

Altra fan here. I use the Lone peaks in the wide version. Huge toe box, absolutely love these things. I've used the Olympus as well for longer distances(50km +) as they have more cushion but I prefer the lone peaks.

Altra makes (made?) the Lone Peak Alpine which has the same fit and tread as the lone peak but a more casual looking upper. I’m on my 2nd pair of them as my everyday shoe but I think they may have been discontinued.

I did a 100K in Lone Peaks, but I changed pairs. However, that was the older Lone Peaks. The Olympus used to be good but the new version has this insanely high heel counter that is painful to me. Beyond that I've had Altras last a long time and ones that ripped in their first run. Altra has very spotty quality.

I own a pair of older Lone Peaks and they are fine boots. I put SeperFeet insoles in them as the factory ones do t have enough support for me. One complaint is they are not very padded. I’ve since switched to the Altra Olympus low tops for backpacking and like them a lot. I normally hike in very rough rocky terrain and they do fine.

I like the Altra LPs. I've got both regular and WP versions over the years.  It's true, tread life is limited; I've moved them on before I otherwise would due to tread reasons. And their tread on their regular (and older) models just isn't the same as a good vibram sole. (I look forward to trying the new vibram model once I find it on a clearance rack...)

Don't use shoes you haven't done plenty of hiking in if you're changing types. So, get those new ones soon and start training in them. Muscle use will be different!! (FWIW, I'm a fan of Altra's Lone Peak shoes. Unless I'm on snow and need mountaineering boots for crampons, I use LPs. They've taken me up Helens more than once, and all my other hikes for years.

My husband is a 13EEE and the Altra Lone Peaks (regular) fit him well.  They also have an extra wide version of some of their shoes. 

I have similar experience. My Winter Gore-Tex Lone Peaks have lasted for at least four winters, as the soles remain intact under my spikes, and the top is worn down, not fully water-resistant anymore, but no holes. And my current summer Lone Peaks are 600+ miles and the top is intact, and the lugs are slightly worn out. But this is a Vibram sole which cost extra $15 at REI. There isn't much foam in Loan Peaks, and I could care less if it's compressed.

I love my Altra lone peaks. I have the high-cut waterproof and low-cut non waterproof, I mostly hike the whites in the high-cut. I prefer to have the tiny extra bit of protection over my ankle bone and i generally like waterproof boots better. The low-cuts are for local trails or longer runs. Also, yes you can run in the high-cut. I do a few times a week in the winter ✌️

I hike mostly in the Pyrenees. The model I use is the Lone Peak

personally, altra lone peaks for only trail and olympus 5s when mixed (on pavement for part of the run). altra customer for life!

I used to use New Balance 4E Hierro which fit well, but I was really disappointed in their grip. I was sliding all over the place on anything remotely slick which isn't really good for a trail runner. I switched to the Topo Pursuit shoes and they are wide, comfortable, and very grippy. The Terraventure get great reviews but they were substantially narrower. They were similar in width as the Hoka Speedgoat so wouldn't work for me. Altra had wide shoes at some point, but they progressively narrowed them to the point that I could no longer fit into the Lone Peaks. Supposedly, they are making them wider again and migrating to a Vibram sole which hopefully will be a vast improvement with their shoddy proprietary sole. Their quality control in generally has been poor. Brooks were always too narrow. I could never fit into the Cascadia.

Altra Lone Peaks. Wide toe box, low drop. They are awesome and only used for my disc golf obsession.

I ran through six pairs of Lone Peaks, they rocked for traction but usually exploded around 300 miles. After 10yrs of Altras I switched to Mafates and immediately stopped rolling my ankles, had near-complete resolution of my bilateral anterior tibialis pain, and the shoes easily last 100-200 miles longer. Mafates all the way if no other reason than durability

I snagged a pair of these off recommendations on Reddit, and they’re great! Feels good, light, and seemed to be holding up after 6 months of use. Treads wearing down a bit from cement tee pads, but they’ve easily seen over 100 rounds now. Super breathable too.

I was an Altra fanboy for years, but their quality is just plain awful. Every pair I’ve owned in the last several years, be it road or trial shoes (including multiple pairs of LPs) has had the sides blown out of them well before shoes should start to fail. I’ve switched to Topo trail shoes and so far they’ve held up much, much better.

Altra LP's are quick-drying. My problem with them is that while they're super comfy have a pretty shallow footbed, my feet/ankles would ache after a long day on rough terrain, backpacking with about 35lbs. I've since switched to Hoka Speedgoats and all that is a distant memory. Super cushy, excellent grip with the Vibrams, and they're okay at drying out, though not as good as the LPs. No, they won't last forever but the payback in end-of-the-day comfort is huge to me.

Same; trailrunners 98% of the time unless I'm snowshoeing or on super wet/muddy/slushy conditions, of if I'm going to do a lot of side-hilling over loose scree where my feet/ankles/lower legs might be imperiled by moving ground/rocks. I just did 25 miles last week over granite, roots, rocks, dirt, and very happy with trailrunners (HOKA Speedgoats) w/ ankle gaiters to keep debris out. I was carrying a 30lb backpack. Sure, the trailrunners will wear out faster than boots, but my feet were completely pain, ache, and blister-free. That said, I used to hike in Altra Lone Peaks, and while they were super comfy and airy, at the end of the day, my feet/ankles ached badly. Once I switched to HOKAs, all that disappeared immediately. My first time ever wearing Speedgoats, I did 26 mile r/t backpacking trip and my feet were completely fine. Anecdotally, the only time I've significantly sprained my ankle was when I was wearing full, over-ankle leather boots (Vasque St. Elias). Just hit a rock wrong and my ankle went full over. I've done the same (hitting a rock) in trailrunners countless times, but their lower profile (lower heel/rise) means I had a lower fulcrum and could easily recover. I also think that with boots, you can become overconfident with how you're bombing down rugged terrain and while most of the time, it's okay, but if you start to turn an ankle, you're going to go way over and cause more damage than if you were going more carefully as you would need to with trailrunners. Again, that's my anecdote.

Varies person to person. I like altra lone peaks. I an tempted to try the new mount to coast t1’s ive been seeing advertised online for a little more support for the long runs.

I have flinstone feet, and I love my altra lone peaks!

So from personal experience, it’s most likely the zero drop. I only hike in zero drops (Topo Pursuits), almost every shoe I own is zero drop, with the exception of my runners. All of them, whether trail or road running are around 5mm drop. I tried to run in both the Pursuits and the Lone Peaks and I get the same issue as you.

I think you can grt some deals such as old versions, off colors and get good prices on trail runners… there’s probably not a new model at full price for under 100 that would be trustworthy lol shop deals, rei resupply, backcountry etc to find solid options like the lone peaks or saucony peregrines i like alot and usually can find good prices… got a pair on amazon for 50 bucks that was the 13s which r their best year haha

I did what you did but my Altras doubled as camp shoes and for river crossings (other trails not the O).

During training for the Camino I alternated between Altra Escalante and Lone Peak. Based on the thin sole and rapid wear I chose not to take the Escalantes. Personally I think the Lone Peak sole is a much better fit for the Camino.

I use Alta lone peaks for the past 2 years and they are AWESOME for someone like me who has wide feet and terrible bunions. Only problem for me was that the front of my shoe got holes pretty quickly, dunno why

I’m hypermobile with bonus ankle instability due to peripheral neuropathy. I hike in Alta Lone Peaks, a zero-drop trail runner. It was a natural and easy transition for me, and I don’t roll my ankles any more often or severely than I did before. But I also work my feet, ankles, tibs and balance a lot. And, I started using a single trekking pole on sketchy terrain. Maybe start doing those exercises you mentioned and then intro the trail runners on chill terrain and see what happens?

I have some Merrill moab 3 that have really held up to tee pads. I also have some altra lone peaks that have worked well. A bit of shoe goo boot and glove on the toe helps too as I tend to drag a bit. That being said, be careful of anything too grippy, just ask my right knee why, lol

Start with Altra Lone Peak and make sure there is extra room in front of toes - you need that when descending. Go to store with good amount of trail running shoe options and try a bunch.

Yes, they are. I pointed at this model specifically because you mentioned wide feet, but trail runners of this kind are generally quite good for rocky / steep trails.

I also enjoy a minimalist shoe in my day to day life! I personally hiked the JMT (and every other trail) in Altra Lone Peaks. They have a wide toe box and zero-drop, and combined with toe socks my feet felt great. I brought my Xero sandals for water crossings and at camp. Altras were super popular on trail. People were certainly out there in more minimal shoes, but I like to err on the side of cushion for multi-day hikes. The JMT can be very rocky and the descents are long, so that’s another consideration.

Yes lone peaks are good shoes, but without vibram still not under my favourites. You could try the Kjerag maybe.

Puh, I have about 7-9 shoes in use I guess. Mainly because I buy those ones which work well for me when they are in sales. 3x Kjerag, one only for races, the other for daily trail runs. But I rotate with two / three other trail running shoes (altra lone peak, Hoka Zinal 2, Norda 002). But some of them will be retired soon. Road Shoes I have just two, but they are also soon before retirement 😄. I know it is too much at the end. But I use all of them from time to time and only retire them if they are really really down. One of the Kjerag has more than 800km yet and still works quite good

Hello follow 818er. I use Altra Lone Peaks year around. They drain well and in my opinion, have superior traction. If I absolutely need waterproof, then I use Merrell Moab. 99% of the time I’m using my Lone Peaks though. Even in the snow.

Lone Peaks with a SOLE Wide footbed

Hoka ATR for springy. Altra lone peak for wider toe box and less stack height 

Altra lone peak are my everything outdoors shoe

I can't go back to anything else after wearing altra lone peaks

Have you tried the regular lone peak? It's already pretty wide.

Be aware that the timps have a different foot shape. Took me too long to figure out why they didn’t fit like the lone peaks.

Just got back from 3 day 35 mile backpacking trip in big bear wearing Altra Lone Peaks (which are zero drop - I don’t have any special insoles) When I first switched from Solomon boots I was in heaven - sooooo much lighter. I had no blisters, hotspots etc - the extra wide (and a bit odd) toe box is roomy in a good way - I wear either darn tough or smart wool hiking socks with them. Even with zero drop and no added support, I did not experience any muscle or joint issues (carrying around 30-35 pounds). Many folks in the group (it was a pretty big highlander event) had switched to Topo’s mostly due to durability issues with the Altras. Many reported not being able to get 500 miles out of a pair, which seemed like a bright line for them. I’ve had my Lone Peaks for a couple of years - did a few backpacking trips of varying lengths and hike many times per week usually 5-10 miles in canyons. So far they are holding up. One other possible issue: when Darwin on the Trail switched from lone peaks to topos, he cited durability issues (and quality issues) but he also talked about them being “awkward” due to tie box shape, and I found this to be true. Somehow they seem to find lots of rocks etc to trip over in weird ways that feel to me like they are related to the shape. I mean maybe I would have found that rock anyway 😊 But I found when I talked to folks who had tripped up on a rock fall segment, I’d look down and they had on lone peaks. Anecdotal clearly, but did line up with my experience. Also I found I felt almost any rock I stepped on, and clearly a heavier boot would be more protection and comfort in that terrain. One person in my group wore trail runners with a carbon fiber sole insert - but I didn’t catch the brand or model. I decided to keep my Altras as they are holding up just fine, but I may at some point look at Topos or ?? Hope that helps

I've done some really long dayhikes this summer with the Altra Lone Peak and they were comfortable the whole way through. They also handled class 3 and 4 scrambling, loose scree, and moraines just fine. As a guy with big ass paddle feet I appreciated the wide toebox, too

I have had a few trail running shoes. Xodus Ultra, Lone Peak, Terrex Agravic Speed, and now Speedgoats. They are all so different. Road shoes seem to be convalescing around some common principles related to uppers and midsoles, but trail shoes are still all over the place. I like a good heel counter in a trail shoe. Right now my favorites are my Speedgoat 5s. They were half the price of the Speedgoat 6 and they are really comfortable.

I haven't been properly fitted or anytime ( I should probably do that), but I love my Altra Lone Peaks.I know some people have had durability / quality issues with Altra recently, but I love them. They are 0 drop, so something to keep in mind if you go that route.

These ^ love love love these.

Currently IMO: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo MNTN Racer 3 > Altra Lone Peak The Tarkines feel a lot like SpeedGoats with a wider toe box and the grip isn't as good in the wet, not bad, just not as sticky as the Vibram sole on the Hokas. I did 100km race in the Topos, and they're fine in a rotation, just prefer the Tarkines. The Altras are just a bit lifeless, but I don't get blisters in them because of the toebox, so better than a standard shoe if I run long.

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'm currently on the PCT. I hike anywhere from 20-30 miles per day and will be ramping up in Oregon. Currently wearing topo traverse. Topo made these specifically for thru hikers.i started with Hoka speedgoats in a wide but they are too narrow and has been the case for many PCT hikers that I've come across. It doesn't mean it won't work for you. I also had some lone peaks. The new ones are trash and people with foot problems blaze physio (the physical therapist that follows the PCT bubble) always found that the common denominator is these shoes and how flexible they are. Most people are also not used to zero drop shoes coming from regular sneakers. I did not like my lone peaks because it didn't give me the grip I wanted. I'm loving my traverses which gave me zero blisters the past few months and 1400 miles.

I wear Altra lone peaks all the time. They are a great shoe.

Same. I’m very tough on shoes and Altras seem to take the punishment well.

I am in the same boat with wide flat feet and about 200lbs. I have found the best success with the Altra Lone Peak (although I know you said you didn't want zero drop). The other shoe that has worked for me is the Inov8 Trailfly in wide. They also just released the Trailfly Max if you want a bit more cushion. Both are 6mm drop.

Lightweight trail runners aren’t sturdy and long lasting like heavier shoes and boots can be. The trade off is less density and thinner materials for lighter weight and less fatigue. A Vibram mega grip sole is a nice feature, and you should get 300-500 miles from a pair of trail runners but to get the longest life from your shoes you’ll probably have to be willing to do some running repairs to the uppers. I have some old model Altra Lone Peaks that I’ve taken well beyond their intended lifespan by replacing insoles and patching the uppers.

I've run a 100 in LPs before but I switched to Timps for longer stuff and haven't looked back. They're awesome shoes and I think they're a happy balance between the ground feel of the LPs and not being too mushy. At the time I switched, I was also grateful for Vibram soles (before the 9+ came out). I've also raced in the Mont Blanc Carbons but I found the upper was uncomfortable and had a lot of give. On the downhills my feet were definitely shifting forward despite using a runners knot. I don't have this problem with Timps and I also really like the Timp BOAs. They are super comfy and it's so nice to not have to worry about shoes coming untied and being able to easily tighten or loosen them. My only fear in a 100 is that something breaks and I'm not able to tighten a shoe and it's a long ways to a drop back with another pair.

I found the Lone Peaks to last longer than the one pair of Timps that I've had. The Timp soles just wore out really fast. But they were pretty comfortable!

Altra lonepeak, zero blisters, zero foot pain

Trail runners without waterproofing. I wouldn't use sandals or water shoes unless they have a strong toe cap. The hike is entirely on loose rock. I wore Altra Lone Peaks and they were great. Many non waterproof trail runners will have vents for water to drain, and given the climate my feet were dry again by the time I reached the shuttle.

Omg, I couldn’t imagine running the technical trails around me in road shoes. I had to switch up to shoes with a vibram outsole to better handle to mud and slippery rocks of winter cuz my Lone Peaks weren’t cutting it. It was getting dangerous with all the slipping and falling. (Swiss Jura & French Alps) I’m guessing your trails are pretty tame to even consider road shoes.

The proprietary Altra outsole is notoriously bad on wet conditions. It’s the one drawback of the Lone Peaks. But the Olympus have a Vibram outsole and performs tremendously in wet and muddy conditions.

I love my lone peaks for the dusty AZ trail. I spend a lot of time in max cushioned shoes and the lone peaks keep my feet strong with the 0 drop/wide toe box.

They sure aren't what they used to be..... I've had the LPs since the yellow ones that felt like a cloud, maybe the LP 1.5 or 2? Anyway, they've improved the upper a lot, but the sole has only gotten worse and worse over the years. I'm finding the heel cups are wearing out on my faster than anything lately. I typically get at least 500 miles on a pair and aim for 750ish before they retire to non running. I've had to abandon all of their models except the Lone Peak, which seems to be the only model they didn't drastically change and still holds up to some abuse. The rest they either completely changed the fit or the durability evaporated.

I had a different iteration of Terrex a few years ago. For the price, they never quite fit right. Now I hike & backpack in Altras. Perhaps take a look at Altra Timp or Lone Peak.

I started wearing Altra Lone Peak hiker shoe and it changed everything. The box toe allowed my swollen feet to feel comfortable even after climbing Mt Washington. I’m on my second pair! I also noticed thruhikers wearing Altra’s too. Check them out.

Lone Peak for ultras. Lone Peak for teaching. Lone Peak for yard work. Lone Peak for love making. OK. Maybe not the last one.

I alternate between them and Lonepeaks. Pretty happy with the balance. I avoid wearing them for trails exceeding 10km, or ones I expect to have pointy rocks. I also don't like them on stairs.

I used Altra lone peak shoes for both the Appalachian trail and the Portuguese Camino. No problems at all during the AT but had heel issues on the Camino. Turns out that Altras are “zero drop” meaning heels are not elevated. Since the AT was very hilly the zero drop did not bother my heels but the Camino was much flatter.

I hiked in Altra Lone Peaks last year. They worked fine. I wouldn't hike in my xeros though. I save those for day hikes. I tried an overnight nighter in those shoes and I regretted it immediately. No cushion, no protection from rocks and they were super heavy once they got wet.

I think you mean lower stack height. I personally prefer a lower stack height for that reason- less risk of ankle injury. For example, I don’t mind walking in my Altra Olympus but if I’m running I reach for the Lone Peaks.

I’ve used Lone Peaks for years, but for the last month I’ve been really enjoying the Olympus.

Neither. Altra lone peak.

I need recommendations! I currently run in Salomon Speedcross and while I love the outsole, I hate how narrow the toe box is. It’s causing issues. I simply can’t run in them any longer. Here are the shoes I’ve worn: Altra Lone Peak — Love the wide toe box, but the zero drop and lack of durability just isn’t for me. I went through 3 iterations of Lone Peak, and durability was an issue each time. Saucony Peregrine — Loved that it was a light, all-around trail runner, but I needed more outsole grip. The lugs are too shallow. Also just a little narrow in the toe box, but better than the Speedcross. I’ve had 4 iterations of this shoe. Salomon Speedcross — I like the deep lugs and true-to-fit lacing system. I have only worn one iteration and bought them because I’d read Salomon widened the toe box. That is not the case, at least for my foot. I can’t imagine how narrow earlier versions were! **My needs are: Wide toe box, durability, and a nice grippy sole that can take on rocks, roots, mud, and moisture. I live and run mostly in Pisgah National Forest.** Recommend me what I’m looking for. Thanks in advance!

When I decided to try runners instead of boots I tried several... Nike was okay, but not great. Adidas were awful. Solomon were too boot like. I got Altra Lone Peaks and LOVE them. The zero drop took a little getting used to, but I'm on my second pair after wearing the first pair for almost 4 years. Never had a blister, no support issues and most of the time I forget to cinch the laces right at the trail head and I don't even notice. Incredibly comfortable, right out of the box.

I had a very similar experience in a pair of Adidas trail shoes. Altra Lone Peaks and Darn Tough socks... I have been wearing that combo for about 5 years now. I have zero foot fatigue, not one blister. They are perfectly comfortable right out of the box. I even hiked out in soaking wet feet once and had no issues (slipped on a wet log and ended up knee deep in a creek right out of camp...) I buy last year's (or older) Altras on Amazon, half the price of new if you watch for them.

I prefer Altra Lonepeak. But Speedgoats are especially great for the longer hikes (4+ hours). They got more cushion.

Just switched over to trail runners for backcountry. Altra Lone Peaks to be specific. So far, so good. They're light and comfy. Dollar store slippers for camp shoes.

I have tried GoreTex and Seal Skinz and found that shoes or socks that have a membrane end up just as wet by the end of the run because my feet get all sweaty and maybe even heavier because they don't drain for shit. As far as brands go, here is a quick review NNormal (Tomir) started falling apart after 30km. Not impressed with fit, look or durability. Hoka: SG4 fantastic shoe, had 3 pair SG 5, never felt stable in my foot ran maybe 20km before I retired them to leisure shoe. Tecton/x V1 and V2 Super comfortable shoes, dog shit in the mud but I love them on the dry days. V3 blew apart in the forefoot after only two runs. I fixed them but they are not super stable either... we see how much I end up using them in the future. Altra: Lone Peak and Olympus...meh OnClouds went straight to goodwill, Saucony: Peregeine / Endorphin Rift again not impressed with durability and no good for mud and wet roots. Speedland: GL-PDX I looove them, just yesterday I was heading up the mtn and caught my foot on some hidden rebar, this would have destroyed the toe on any other pair of shoes that I own and I was sure I would look down and see a hole... nope, not even a mark. I am greatly impressed. They drain well and have nice traction as good or better than Vibram. GS:RAR Initial impression is that they fit well and after some minor adjustments to lugs are comfortable to run in on the treadmill, nothing outside yet as I will use them in the snow with crampons and in the summer. when it is dry. No experience with Norda, I don't like how they look imo Keep in mind that wool insulates even when wet and if you are going in a long run maybe bring a dry pair along for a pit stop ✅ I recommend this over membranes any day. For reference I run in Southwest Norway where we get around 300 days of rain yearly. Happy Trails 🤙🏼

Ive used vibram 5 fingers, they're ok unless you have lots of sections with smallish loose stones, then it started hurting the ball and heel of my feet. I much prefer Altra now - used to have mk2 but they are discontinued, now lone peaks - they have soft thin minimalistic soles that still give protection to rough surfaces, have a wide toe box and zero heel drop, so you get some of the benefits of barefoot with a bit of comfort

Lone peaks wore through the soles a bit too quick for me, after going through 2 pairs in 6 months, i switched to Merrells Moab. The sole rubber is more dense and lasts longer from wear, although i did enjoy the comfort from the Altras a bit more. I also do trail running and still use lone peak for that (and moabs for backpacking / hikes)

My altra lone peaks are approaching the same mileage as yours and need replacement for sure, but more because of sole wear. They were my first trail runners for backpacking and I’ll probably get another pair, but I’ll definitely try on a few others while I’m shopping just in case.

Lone Peak has very minimal cushioning. I’d try the Timps they are medium cushioning.

Altra lone peak. I have very wide feet and its the only running shoe I can wear. I had never done zero drop before these either, but theyre great and I wont go back to shoes with any amount of drop

I wear Altra lone peaks for all of the above

I would use any trail running shoe that works for you. I personally love Altra lone peaks because I have very wide feet and prefer zero drop.

I switched from an 8mm shoe to zero drop Altras for trail running and my Achilles have never been happier. But, I don’t do road running.

I went through a mess of shoes and settled on the Altra Lone Peak (maybe LP2, or 3 at the time)... now I just keep getting them because they work for me.

Same. Had too many uppers blow out after only 200 miles. The shoes still had tread and life in the foam, but uppers just toast. Won’t go back until the reviews are consistently better. The only model that seems to buck is the Lone Peak, but it’s not my jam. I really liked the Timp.

I also had a pair of topo pursuit 2 that tore similarly, perhaps only a few hundred km of usage. This was during the the TA hike in New Zealand through some particularly abrasive and loose rock areas in Richmond Ranges, then the Grampians in Australia for trail runbing. I think my gun-ho foot placement and sizing up is partly to blame but unforgiving terrain doesn't help. They lasted just as long if not longer than altra lone peaks in same scenario though. I used dental floss to sew them up and now are all still usable.

Lone peaks and 001 are completely different shoes. I’m not sure how they can be compared at all (I own both). 

As someone that hiked 750ish miles last year, I will never use boots for anything but deep winter conditions. Lightweight and breathable trail runners are an absolute game changer for hiking. “Waterproof” shoes are definitely something you don’t need either, they are way warmer, and if they do actually get wet, they won’t dry for a very long time. Shoes are super personal, so I definitely recommend trying them on in person. I am personally biased towards wide zero drop shoes, and honestly the only trail runners that fit my super wide feet are wide Altra Lone Peaks.

I wore alta lone peaks for years and switched to topo terraventures recently, I like them more than the altras. Altra is a 0mm drop while the topo terra have a 3mm drop. I feel like the topos are generally better built.

I've had Topos, Hokas and all different kinds of Altras. The Altra Lone Peaks were by far my favourite - glorious shoe. My form just felt so much smoother and they were roomy without being clown shoes. As for the other altras I had, the Monc Blanc's had awful heel slippage, horrendous collar on them, and the Olympus had too much cushion and so were bad for technical trails, though the Olympus was still decent. Word of warning, the zero-drop aspect does make a difference. I was fine for a good while but eventually ended up with achilles tendonitis so if you do get any adjustment niggles then be sure to do some prehab for that. If i were you I'd get a pair of Lone Peaks and just bring them into the rotation. Play it by ear and listen to your body. Good luck

Vans ultra ranges for dry days, altra lone peak for the mushy stuff

I haven't worn boots in about 5 yrs now since I discovered Altra Lone Peak shoes. I've 2 pair now, one for creek walking and another for trails. My foot fatigue vaporized.

It is worthwhile traveling to a large store to try them on. Nothing beats seeing and wearing them. I like the Lone Peaks more than Terraventures. LPs fit my wide feet better, and are more comfortable when not walking. I appreciate the rock plates on the rocky/root-covered trails in the NorthEastern US. It is true that LPs dry quicker than many other shoes, due to materials throughout (including the insoles). Overall success. Next time I may try the Altra Olympus or Brooks Cascadia, both of which have thicker soles. So far, I have not needed them. In the end, footwear is so specific to YOUR feet that other people's recommendations are only starting points. You'll have to figure out what works for YOU. Sadly, that probably requires trying several different shoes over a period of time.

Try Altra Lone Peaks with an insole that supports your arch and lifts the heel slightly. Lone Peaks are great for the toe box but the zero drop doesn't work for everyone.

Altra lone peaks. I have wide feet and these accommodate that and have a wide toe box

As a person with torn ligaments in my ankles from rolling them over the years, I go with Lone Peaks because I'm closer to the ground. But +1 for Altras. OP note, Altra brand shoes are 'zero drop', so your calf muscles will need to stretch by a quarter inch or so. Do this WELL before your hike by putting 100 miles or so on them, or you will massively, tearfully regret it.

I bust both sides of my first, and last, pair of LP's at 100km. These were rocky tough trails but still..

I have wide feet and walk/hike/run miles in Altra Lone Peaks, love them so much because they are zero drop (better for my Achilles) and have good cushioning and also very good traction. But they are also firmly “sneaker” shoes and could not remotely pass for nice shoes in a restaurant. Shoe choice also depends a lot on what kind of terrain you’ll be on — rugged hills/parks/ruins? Or more city walking/museums? Do you do a lot of walking/hiking at home? Also in Italy just be ready to be dying on your way up some steep hill and along will come some local doing the same thing in a pair of heels lol

I’m in AZ.  I’ve really enjoyed my Norda 001’s.  I’ve used Lone Peaks, but they get torn up.  I have Speedland GSPDX’s, which are great for longer distances, but the stack height makes the shoe feel disconnected from the terrain.  Norda’s are firmer, so I think of it as a race shoe.

Altra lone peaks have been my go to for like five years

even when you encounter water they dry out much faster, I only use full waterproof when snow hiking and it's important to keep your feet warm and dry. I've actually considered retiring my old hoka speedgoats to be watershoes for kayaking type activities. I also have a lot of boots and shoes. My opinion just on the trail runners I've had: Hoka speedgoat the most breathable but the most fragile, shallower lugs, great on compacted dirt fire roads in the heat but get torn up on rockier trails like gorgonio. Salomon speedcross more durable and less breathable, deeper lugs on the bottom for softer dirt, I probably liked these the most for an all around general purpose if you are going up some of the higher mountains Alta lone peak, probably inbetween the speedgoat and speedcross in most ways including breathability and lug depth. These have a very roomy toe box which makes it a darling for PCT through hikers for those extra long miles, however because of that looser fit they don't feel as secure when scrambling on rocks.

The altra peak lone peak was literally designed for wider feet. Love them. [https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/men/activity/trail-racing?prefn1=width&prefv1=Wide](https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/men/activity/trail-racing?prefn1=width&prefv1=Wide)

they'll still get wet, and then they will take ages and ages and ages to dry out. This goes double if you're doing a lot of river crossings (Mt Hood immediately comes to mind). My Altra Lone Peaks take about 30 minutes of movement to dry off :)

I really love my Altra Lone Peaks. I only have about 60 miles on them, but they're 60 *gnarly* miles and I can't imagine hiking in a non zero-drop shoe again.

I love hiking in my trail runners (Altra lone peaks) and have worn them for distance hikes with a ~10kg pack in both Scotland and the Dolomites. The biggest bonus for me personally is that my feet are in significantly better condition after a multi day hike wearing trail runners than they were wearing boots. I actually prefer them for wet conditions as although your feet will get soaking wet, they dry really quickly, whereas if your boots get wet they could stay wet for the rest of the trip and rub your feet. I was sceptical but I’m a big convert now! If you’re worried about ankle stability you can always do some calf strengthening exercises.

I'm an altra fan and imo the lone peak and olympus are their most durable shoes. Great for wide feet. However, I don't find them to be the best for scrambling despite having done some burly objectives in lone peaks. I've heard scarpa can be a good fit for slightly wide feet and are very durable as well. I'm eyeing scarpas ribelle and spin planet for the same reason as you - want a mountain runner that handles exceptionally well as a scramble too. Their ski boots are amazing fwiw.

Altras all day everyday. I completed the JMT last year in lone peaks

On my ass would be lucky. I come home with bloody knees and wrists when I let the knobs on my LonePeaks wear down too far. Which is always. Because running shoes ain’t cheap.

I converted to trail runners 7 years ago. I love Altra Lone Peaks but the quality has slipped. People will say you need ankle support but you really need stronger ankles. Ease into them as there is an adjustment period.

There is an Altra Lone Peak All-weather, which has a waterproof lining. I’ve used the regular Lone Peaks plenty in Scotland and though they get wet easily, they also drain and dry easily. I’ve had several times when I step in a bog but by the end of the hike my feet are dry again. They are incredibly comfortable too, at least for me.

I'm on Altra Lone Peaks or Timp but nervous about my upcoming JMT as far as their durability as I average about 150 miles/pair. For the extra length I might opt for the Timp 5 with the Vibram sole for the extra comfort and wear factor.

I have these and my feet get beat up on the rocky trails in the northeast/ADK. I wouldn't go back to boots but my solomon low tops were a lot better for that type of terrain and not much heavier. only reason I still sometimes prefer the lone peaks is the wider toe box and they are less constricting. Ideally I would have a shoe that mixes both.

I'm going in on Monday to buy these. I tried them a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to adding them.

Just picked up S/Lab Ultra and loving them after Speedcross (narrow), Challenger (clunky and sluggish) and Lone Peaks (lovely but flimsy)

I had 3 pairs of Altra running shoes. The soles would wear fast, like 200 miles or so before you're essentially running on the foam. I think the most I ever got out of a pair was 300. For reference I'm 5'8" and 160lbs, running on road, bike paths, and sidewalks. So I wasn't exactly stressing them out past their design limits. I've currently got some Lone Peaks that feel well built and have solid bottoms, hopefully they last a while.

Altra Lone Peak is so narrow. I'm disappointed, they were supposed to be wider that my Superiors but guess not...

altras suck. the tread got destroyed in like 2 months and the only time i've felt more like i can slide off of shit is when i wore xero's 360's with literally flat soles. to boot, the tread started separating from the foam lowers within a month because my form sucked at the time and i was rotating over the outside front of my foot. anyway, the shoe shouldn't have failed when it cost so much. horrible. the nike goretex trail runners were wayyyyyyyyy better than altras. but the zero drop was really comfortable so i bought the xeros after the altras, but those were only good for PERFECT conditions because they lacked tread. for winter, i got the insulated van hiking boots (MTE sk8-hi) that are waterproof for winter and those were sick, but really too heavy to play with during anything but the shittiest of new england weather. shoes never got wet from water, but def got wet from sweat because they're thinsulate lined. for this season, i just got a pair of vivo magna forest esc and its like the best of all of it. the michelin soles are fucking INCREDIBLE, i feel like a mountain goat but still have the xero feel i liked. the only downside is now that i actually have grippy bois is that they actually transport moist soil back into the house. this is normal for good shoes that give traction, so i leave a thick bristle brush by the door and clean em out before i walk inside. long story short, if you think altras are durable, you're probably noodle arming and not committing, and then walking around a grass course. i've heard the OG varients were good, but the pair i bought, the pair my boss bought, and the pair the other dude in my league bought are all dogshit and they're from the last year and a half.

Nah. I’ve been wearing Altra Lone Peaks for everything but formal work attire.

I wear Altra Lone Peaks and they dry pretty fast when I get them wet.

Makes sense, but i replace my shoes after 300-400 miles and Altra have always held up that long for me.  If you're looking to get more miles than that, I can't give a fair assessment of any of them  Fwiw, I have Olympus for trails and Torin for the road (half marathon or less).  I had Lone Peak before the Olympus and actually still wear them for hiking or walking trails.    If you're looking for something else, I  wear Saucony Endorphin series for the long stuff.  Mostly because they've got a little drop. However they're a bit snug in the toe compared to the Altra, so it's a trade off.  But tas with the Altra, I can't say how well they'll hold up beyond 400 miles.  Certainly good up to that point though.

Altra Lone Peaks for wide fit and rock plate. La Sportiva Bushido II grips wet rock best. Skip waterproof, just get mesh and let them dry. Half size up helps on descents. Gaiters only worth it if trails are super dusty.

Altra Lone Peak and Superior both feel wider to me than Experience

Lone peaks are mid cushion? I love mine but I wouldn’t consider them mid cushion. I can feel every rock/piece of gravel when I run in them.

Altra lone peaks with some darn tough wool socks are a phenomenal combo

For light hikes I wear lone peaks. For big days I wear Olympus. Also consider topo athletic.

I have generally given up on durability. I use Altra trail runners and yes they begin to fall apart after 200 miles. But that's what fits me and keeps me outside so it's just the cost of my sport. I could go with something more durable but I would likely pay more and be less satisfied. Also I put in a warranty claim regularly because these shoes often don't last a year at the rate I use them. I often get my money back in that case.

I have an older model and what a fun discovery it was that they don't grip on smooth floors. I really like they're finally doing black on black though.

I’ve done 4th class and talus in my Altra Lone Peak shoes and it wasn’t a problem

It’s pretty common on this sub to complain about the durability of Altras but it’s all I’ve worn for years and I usually put around 400 miles of running and a lot of miles of walking on each pair of Lone Peaks. After all that mileage, they usually look about like your shoes

Altra lone peak and speedland

I love my Altra Lone Peaks and Topo Ultraventures. I’ve been doing most of my hikes in the Topos. Not completely zero drop but wide toe box and vibram soles. 

I went through 4 pairs of Keen mid-Voyagers before trying some trail runners (Altra Timp and Altra Lone Peaks) and....wow! I was blown away at how nice it is to have lightweight, quick-drying shoes with ample toe-box. Sometimes I remove shoes and cross streams in my Crocs, sometimes I just walk through in my Altras. Wear with Darn Tough socks and all the wetness will be wicked away. When you get to camp, take out the insoles to dry the shoe.

I Love Altra too much to dog them out by throwing. They are a good shoe!! Agreed!

Like u/Responsible-Walrus-5 said, fit is the most important thing. That being said I used to hike with Altras, but on my first thru hike a friend and I both bought pairs of Altra LPs in a trail town, and in about a week both our pairs of shoes fell apart, and we weren't even hiking long days or in crazy terrain. Earlier models were much better (which is why I used them before that). If both fit you well, go with Topo, I switched to them a couple years ago and I've been very happy, but ultimately if they don't fit your foot, you're better off with Altras.

Altra lone peaks. Not the most durable but the zero drop wide toe box is absolutely amazing and worth it

I have incredibly wide feet and the only shoes I've found to fit are Altra. I had a first run in a pair of Experience Wild yesterday and loved them straight out the box. The Lone Peaks are even wider, but also 0mm drop and low cushoning so they may not suit your running style

The old ones were made MUCH better than the new. My recent ones fell apart after a few months of minimal use

I had the exact same problem with my Lone Peaks, big hole appeared after about 270 miles. Switched to Topo Athletic Terraventure 4. There is noticeable wear on the tread after 250 miles (mostly on trail but with a bit of tarmac which won't have helped), but the upper is surviving. I've got the waterproof and normal versions. Waterproof version doesn't fit great around my heel for some reason so I mostly use it for hiking.

Have you used trail runners for backpacking before? I like Altras because they have the widest toe box. But they are zero drop and that doesn't work for everybody. They work great for me but I know plenty of others have disliked them. A lot of people like Topos and Hokas as well. The point is that shoes are way too individual for anybody to successfully recommend one that will work for you.

Yes, they aren't known for durability. But then again most trail runners have shortened lives from backpacking. They're not really designed for that usage. A more substantial hiking shoe will hold up better than trail runners. But I got 900 miles out of one pair of Lone Peaks on the PCT, and 750 from another pair.

Yep, it was the soles that wore down on mine too. The uppers held up just fine.

I can only say that I hiked the PCT in Lone Peaks - as have many, many other people - and they did just fine over the varied mountain terrain. I have wide feet and the Lone Peaks are the only shoe that played nice with them. I adapted to the zero drop just fine, and now that feels normal to me. That being said, Lone Peaks are not the most durable of shoes. The trade-off for that excellent comfort is a relatively short life-span. They also aren't as cushioned as some other shoes, most notably Hoka, so that can lead to a bit more foot fatigue. The trade-off for that is excellent ground feel.

My trusty Altra Lone Peaks and Ultimate Direction ultra vest from 2017.

Love the Hoka Speed Goat a lot but have recently switched to the Altra Lone Peak. Two very different feels but am a fan of both!

I injured my calf running in those.. are they really made for long distances? 😅

I have fairly sweaty feet and I find that non-waterproof shoes work best for me. Shoes like the Altra Lone Peaks, Hoka One One Speedgoats, or anything else with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper. I wouldn't wear those unless I was staying on the Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon. Any of the trails that drop into the canyon are going to be steep. You'll want something you can lace tight to minimize your foot movement within the shoe. You're feet are already going to be moving more than normal. I've spent a fair bit of time in the canyon (Rim to Rim to Rim, multiple Rim to Rivers), and I've seen people wear everything from boots to flip flops in the canyon. The two best pieces of advice I have for people hiking in the canyon are: 1. Be extra cautious. You hike down into the canyon. this takes more of a toll on people's legs than they realize. Then, the climb out is more miserable than needed (it's already miserable) because they thought it was easy to keep going down. 2. Take care of issues with your shoes and feet as quickly as possible. Stopping to put leukotape or moleskin on a hot spot as soon as it starts will save a lot of pain later.

Altra Olympus. I have tried the lone peaks and prefer the extra cushion.

I switched from Altras LPs to Topo Mountain Runner 3s this year. Quality seems better (don’t get those blow out like I did with almost every pair of LPs I ever had) and the fit is just as good. They do have a little drop, but I didn’t really notice it.

I had good experience with Salomon Speed Crosses in the past, but we’re talking 7-8 years ago. I love Altras Lone Peaks as well

Doing the O route in 2 weeks. I’m taking both. Lightweight Xero waterproof boots and Altra Lone Peak. I’d rather have a little extra weight and choices than the alternative.

I mean yeah the shoe(altra Lone peak) is meant to be more flexible with less materials, so there is an expectation to last less than super rugged and thick boots or shoes. Its a trade off of ground feel and a lightweight feeling.

I tried the most popular ones from couple brands and were the worst ones for me. Personally like Altra LP for technical terrain - short/mid runs, Olympus 5 fits me really well but the weight is little bit annoying, some small parts like altra sign, inside peeled off after 400k.. it's comfortable, ran 50k+ and my feet felt really well but not buying again. Asics Trabuco fits me really well, but new 13 got reduced toebox width so it's not for me anymore... so many differences across brands / models. Visit [https://runrepeat.com/](https://runrepeat.com/)

altra lone peaks don't work for me. horrible blisters, bad cushioning. they ar initially comfy, but destroyed my feet after one long grueling hike  the hokas are way better for me. they have a wide version too 

Lone peaks wrecked me, timps saved my hike

I bought some Olympus to try on but the sole felt huge. I use the lone peaks personally. I do find my feet can slide to the sides on steep angled ground. Have you tried timps?

I moved to 6,000 feet and needed winter hiking boots. None I tried at REI worked for me. I hike in Altra LP or Bedrock sandals in warm weather. Anyway ordered Lem’s boots online and have worn them for all my winter hiking. Basically for everything. Wear them every day. LOVE them. They wouldn’t work for long hikes below zero but 10-15, snow, snow shoeing, up to 3-4 hours they’ve been great. I got them a half size large to fit thick socks but they also work with thin ones. Soles are flexible, wide toe box, zero or minimal drop, thin inserts.

Altra don't have a lot of 'hiking' options. The most popular is Altra Lone Peak (what I use(d) and I think it's still the most used shoe on the AT) but others fit differently and have more padding. No one can decide what's best for you. FWIW, I've switched over to Lem's Shoes for hiking (or Bedrock sandals). Same principle of footbeds as Altra, minimal cushion, zero or near zero drop, but I get more wear from their soles.

Second vote for Lem’s. I hike in Altra LPs but have really loved my two Lem’s styles. Hiked in their boots all winter. Definitely worth trying! They’ll be my next pair of summer hikers.

I forgot my wading shoes last weekend so wore my Lone Peaks up the stream flyfishing. That's pretty tough on a shoe. Did great. This is my second pair. Love these shoes. Better for hiking than wet wading, though.

I've been debating this too - I have feet as wide as swim fins, so I'm stuck with Altras. I like the rock plate in the Lone Peak, but some of their other shoes have a higher "stack height" - more padding under your foot. Might be worth trying. I have heard you can hack up a pseudo rock plate out of rigid plastic, like they make gallon milk jugs from.

If you're looking to stay with a low/zero drop shoe, I have a set of Lone Peaks. They have a super wide toe box. The durability is questionable, though. I also run in Brooks Caldera. They're roomy, too.

I'm enjoying my Altra Lone Peaks. Bought them for a hike, but they've since became my everyday shoe. Haven't tried running in them, but they're light enough that they probably would be fine. But I'm afraid that pavement would chew up the grip though. Go to an REI and look around. They should have something that will bridge the gap between trails and road.

Another valid option could be regular trail runners with a pair of sealskin (or other brand) of waterproof socks. I used to use the Lone Peaks before switching to the Olympus but don't go for the goretex versions. If I know it's gonna be soaking wet or even involve walking through tall wet grass, I'll take a pair of waterproof socks. No good if you're doing anything involving stream crossings or anything over ankle height water but at that point, nothing is gonna keep your feet dry so might as well get something that let's water drain.

After trying a couple pairs of boots, I realized the majority of long distance backpackers I’ve communicated with wore the altra lone peaks at this time so I got some, now I wear them everyday, for work, for fun, for hiking, and even in the gym.

Good to hear bc I just got a pair two weeks ago. My feet don’t hurt after playing now, even after multiple round days. Put my foot in my old Terrex’s and felt how pinched my toes were and literally put those Altra’s on. Have my seal of approval so far!

Rock shoe: Outdoor: Evolve Kronos, may be replacing with LaSpo TC pros Indoor: no real preference yet. Boots: 3/4 season General Uninsulated mid boot: Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX Winter/ice/mixed: Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX Full winter double: Ski Boots -> Scarpa TX Pro Trail shoes: Trail runner: Altra Loan Peak Race/technical runner: Altra Superior, may be replaced with King Peaks. Camp shoe/sandal: Xero Z-Trail. The shoes that get the most use: Scarpa Zodiac and indoor rock shoe. I don’t use approach shoes, the Zodiacs kinda pull double duty with that.

I swear by Altra. I hated the Lone Peaks. Not enough padding and my feet hurt like crazy after around 10 miles. It made it almost too painful to walk. I switched to Altra Olympus and love them. They have more cushion. I have worn them right out of the box into a long backpacking trip with no blisters or discomfort whatsoever. That said, they are not sturdy. Actually, I think I’m on my 5th pair in 2 years and I am a weekend overnight backpacker. I’ve had the treads come loose less than 15 miles out of the box. Their durability is crap to the point it’s hard to believe a legit company accepts this as their product. But they’re so comfortable, I get them anyway. But I buy from REI so I know I can replace them for free within the first year. And I’ve just accepted the cost of comfortable shoes for me is the $150-200 they cost every year.

So mid stack / mid cushion lol. Altra Lone Peaks, Topo Terraventure, Inov8 Trailfly (or Trailfly Max, but that's possibly too high stack). These are all shoes I've liked which have enough cush and balance for long rocky runs but aren't stacked high.

I've run in Lone Peaks in the past, but currently running in Experience Flows. My daily route is about 1/3 road and 2/3 non-technical trail, and they've been fine for that. They're 4mm drop. They make a trail version called Experience Wild, but I haven't tried those yet.

Hey folks. Looking for the perfect training shoe for wet days and I haven't been having a ton of luck. Here's what I'm looking for: - wide toebox. My feet have gotten wider over the years and I'm pretty much limited to Altra or Topo. - light and runs like a road shoe. - lugs that can handle wet clay mud. The trails I run daily have been wet for the last 2 months. They're mild trails that road shoes work great on them dry, but when they're wet road shoes make it feel like I'm running on ice. - comfortable on road - I have to run 3 miles to and from the trails I run in the mornings. - low drop preferable, but I can live with zero drop. No high drop - it kills my hips (I have hip impingement) I've tried Altra Lone Peaks (ok, but pretty clunky - especially on road), Altra Experience Wilds (best so far, but didn't hold up. Upper separated from the lower at 350mi), and Topo Ultraventures (really wanted to love these, but they feel heavy and clunky and my feet actually bruise if I wear them on much road). I also tried Craft Nordlite Ultras, but had to return them because they were not only too short, but incredibly narrow. Anything out there that runs like a light and responsive road shoe, but has lugs that will work in wet mud?

As mentioned, the 0mm drop is almost certainly what's aggravating your Achilles. But I totally get you, I ran in Lone Peaks for ages until a foot injury a couple years ago, now my Achilles tendons can't deal with them at all. Anyway, if you like the extra wide toe box, look at some of Topo's offerings. The NNormal Tomir 2 might also be worth checking out. And for something higher stack, check out the Mount to Coast T1. Best of luck finding something!

Ahhh I have Lone Peak also. Very good but also prone to shoebox tears, or maybe it's just my luck. :D

I bought my Altra Lone Peak's online at John Lewis of all places. They were selling them £30 cheaper than anywhere else I could find.

I adore my Altra Lone Peaks and once I wear them through I will be getting another pair. Yes they get soaked through simply by being within 5km of a water source but they also dry out in no time at all.

I’ve never been to a parkrun that “needed” trail shoes, which one do you typically run? That said, I do (or did, I’ve been rather lazy) wear trail shoes to one of my local parkruns. I wear a UK men’s 13.5 or 14 depending upon brand, so your mileage may vary, but I particularly like Saucony Peregrine and Altra Lone Peak shoes. The peregrines are bigger and heavier but I find them very grippy and comfortable to wear. The Lone Peaks are less grippy but are lighter, flatter and have a large toe box (Altras USP is they sell “foot shaped” shoes). Ideally you’d go to a local running shop and try a few on. They offer free “gait analysis” it’s mostly just nonsense designed to get you to buy unnecessary “stability” shoes, but it does at least give you the opportunity to run on a treadmill with the shoes on to see how they feel Edit: in the UK sportsshoes.com are often a good place to look for cheaper shoes. They have the Altra lone Peaks from £70 (though the wide fitting one is £115) and the peregrines are about the same price. The trouble is they’re often limited in sizing - for example they don’t stock the peregrines in an E width. It’s worth trying them on in person, particularly the Lone Peaks, or any similar “foot shaped” shoes, since you might find they’re naturally wider and you don’t need the E width in those models.

That’s rough. Altra is also rapidly changing their designs, and not necessarily for the better. I actually switched TO them during a marathon training block, and the zero drop eliminated some hip pain I was having. The wide toe box also really helped my plantar fascia. Currently they’re still the best for my feet, but I am on the lookout for brands doing the same (zero drop, medium cushion, no super high arch like topos). Currently I still love the lone peaks. Hopefully they don’t change the design too much in future models! What are you wearing now?

I’m a big fan of Altra Lone Peak and Timp shoes that seem to check the boxes above

I have not found the right shoe yet, no. I have found the Altra Lone Peak, Olympus, and Hoka Speedgoat midsoles to all lose compression rebound before the sole or uppers wear out. I don't have enough miles in my Hoka Mafate Speed 4 to make a determination, but they feel really good. I think the Ego Max midsole on the Altra Timp 5 has much better life than the Ego EVA, but is too firm for long days. The Nike Zegama 2 would've been a homerun for me if they didnt use the weird heel cup sock liner thing.

Love my Altra Lone peaks; I don’t run through them as quickly as I chew up Topo shoes.

This is where I am. My feet aren’t crazy wide, but the outsides of my feet are really sensitive (probably from years of skiing). I’ve tried other brands like Brooks and several Topos but they just aren’t even close to as comfortable. I love the feel of Altras LP’s as basically being slippers. I can’t even find other hiking shoes now that are anywhere as comfy. I just wish they had vibram soles - I don’t trust them for Class 3 and 4 stuff. They don’t stick to rock as well as vibrams. I even tried the Altra Timps but they are not sized the same and I toe bang or am swimming along with my outside of feet rubbing. So even thought the durability might not be there, it’s worth it for me to have feet that don’t hurt. And I only go through about two pairs a year. Once done on the trails I make them my dog walking and yard chores shoes for another year. Edit - awww shit, I did not realize the 9 Plus have vibram. Awesome!!

I rarely, if ever, hear of Salomon trainers or shoes being recommended in anything other than a gorpcore context. I hike, and every now and again trail run, in Altra Lone Peaks. I also have a pair of Salewa Mountain Trainer boots. I’m really happy with these two and between them I’ve covered all of the hiking and trail running that I do.

I wear Altra lone peaks. Very comfortable.

I’m a fan of Altra lone peaks. I’ve also used some Hokas, but altras fit my feet better.

Adding Altra Lone Peaks since I don't see them in other comments. While they get hate on this sub due to inconsistency in quality of late, there's a reason they're so popular. Breathable, drain well, wide toe box, good groundfeel while protecting your feet, grippy on almost every surface. They are low stack and zero drop so be sure to ease into them if you haven't done zero drop before. As for quality, I did have a pair where the upper started to separate around 250 miles, but I've also had several pairs that I've retired after 400 miles with only normal wear and tear.

Still rocking Altra Lone Peaks. They’re not perfect (durability issues and the foam is bottoming out prematurely) but they have wide toe boxes and are comfortable out of the box. I tried Topos but the arch support was too intrusive, so I’m still on the hunt for the perfect shoe.

As someone with a forefoot that is too wide for almost every shoe on the market: Altra Lone Peak and nothing has even come close

Can confirm, I started the transition from road to trail with Speedgoats, and continued to use them for many years. I have since transitioned to Altra Lone Peak(zero drop shoes will take you a couple of months to transition into typically), I love the wide toe box, really benefits when foot swelling happens during longer jaunts on the trails.

Altra has worked best for me. Lone peak or Timp 5 are the ones I’ve worn 

I've worn the Altra Superior (Altra's standard fit), Timp (same), Escalante (same) and Lone Peaks (Altra's original fit, which is wider). In my experience the toe box on Topo shoes is about the same width as Altra, but the Topos are a bit more snug in the midfoot than Altra's standard fit shoes, which I like.

I have hypermobility and found the Topo Traverse to be a good balance between lightness and stability. LaSportiva ultra raptor was also recommended to me and seemed like a great shoe, but was too narrow for my feet. I love the lone peaks for walks around town and gentle/shorter hikes, but I would never try to hike a long trail with them again.

Altra Lone Peaks for me… I’ve considered experimenting with Topos but haven’t yet. The Altras solved a lot of problems for me when I switched to them and I’m kind of loath to change. I tried Timps once and didn’t love them at all for trail.

I've always enjoyed Altra Olympus when I want something cushy. The new Olympus have a weird heel that some people don't like though. I'm 5'11" and 230lbs currently for reference. I also like the Lone Peaks a lot but they have a lower stack height.

My first ever trail runners were altra lone's (6?) because I wanted to see what a wide toe box was like, and I fell in love with how large the toe box was, but the shoe durability and shoe fit (apart from the toes) weren't the greatest (I don't have wide feet). Got the inov8 trailfly G 270 about a month ago and the wide toebox isn't as wide as altra and coming from the altra my toes do feel a little bit more "trapped" (it isn't actually trapped, it just feels trapped). My only true gripe with the shoe is the tongue at the top. I don't like the tiny sliver rather than a normal tongue with padding which is much more comfortable

Go with Topo or Altra. Ultraventure 4 is my current go to. Great cushion and stability. Terraventure or Lone Peak are good picks if you want a more grounded feel.

I'm currently prepping for my first ultra this fall. I have a fairly narrow heel and arch but flare out wide on the toes. The Altra Lone Peaks have been doing well for me. They run bigger than other Altras I've had so I had to size down to keep them from feeling sloppy.

LPs and Timp 5s for me!

I wear Lone Peaks for my daily 6 mile asphalt walk. I speed walk for conditioning. The problem with all the questions here about "what shoes or boots should I get?" is that shoes are VERY personal. I wouldn't tell anyone to get Lone Peaks just because they work for me. Same with packs, same wtih pads, same with tents. I can tell you WHY things work for me, but these things are too personal. When I decided on Lone Peaks about 4 years ago, I mostly spent a lot of time at REI due to their return policy. Reno Rumning Company near me will let me do trials as well. Other stores don't, but I tried maybe 15 different shoes. I've been through 4 versions (guess 5 with the 9+'s) and countless pairs of LPs. (the 9+'s are such a treat). Same advice for my sock system on longer hikes. I go with ankle high Injinji toe socks followed by Darn Tough. Works for me, but a lot of people would complain about heat and sweating with something like that. And some people would complain about the weight of the Injinjis for backpacking (2 ounces can suck the life blood out of you, ya know).

Shoes are very individual so you just have to check around and see what works for your particular foot shape. For example I can’t do Hokas, Topos were too narrow in the toe box, and brooks Cascadias were just too narrow period for me. Ended up going Lone Peak -> Olympus -> New Balance Heiros. Currently trying the North Face Alta Mesa 300s which seem promising as well.

This is what I’m taking on my 2025 Camino. Last Jan I bought a pair and have worn them for a year, planning to buy a new pair for the Camino in the size bigger! Really happy with the shoe as a whole! I love a wide toe box

I buy all my Altra on eBay, some early lone peaks came in dope colorways.

Wide version is pretty wide. Only available in black color though

I just rolled my ankle in my lone peaks today :( Stupid tree root covered in leaves...

I love them. I felt like it was the first time I was wearing a shoe in my life.

Timp 5 for some cushioning.. LP definitely low cushion, those puppies feel like barefoot shoes after 400km in them

I’m a barefoot shoes for everything else except running. I wear Altra Escalantes for road running and Altra Lone Peaks or Superiors for trail running.

My old lone peaks turn into mowers as well! 😂

Just the newest Lone Peak version. Not perfect, but the best I've found. As wide as the toe box is, I'm worried that if I get wide fit lone peaks, the toe box will be too wide.

Yeah that makes sense. Regular running shoes have lots of cushioning, so they end up soaking a bunch of water in the EVA foam. I use mostly something like altra lone peaks, or barefoot sandals/shoes. Those offer very little in terms of protection and comfort, however they’ll dry out real quick.

I used to run in brooks adrenalines as well. If you want something kinda similar then try on some Brooks Cascadias. I was wearing Brooks Calderas which were nice and cushy but with my feet they caused some blistering on the insides of my feet (YMMV) and I've since switched to Altra Lone Peaks which I love but do take a gradual adjustment period.

Daily trainer - hoka Clifton. They don’t last as long as other shoes (in also 6’1” 200 so that doesn’t help). I used to get nagging injuries in my feet/abkles before switching - haven’t had any issues since adopting the Clifton about 7-8 years ago. Speedwork - I really like the puma deviate nitro 3 - there was a demo run at my local running store a few months ago and they just felt great. Bigger heel to toe drop than anything else I run in which was an adjustment, but at most I’m using them once/week. Used them recently for a 10 mile training run and I think that’s their limit, but that is also about my limit these days. Altra lone peak for trail runs. They offer good protection from rocks/roots while having a low stack height so I feel very stable even on more technical trails, and the grip is great for when it’s muddy. These are 3 very different shoes that serve different purposes in my training, so what matters in a shoe really depends on what you want it to do. I like having a rotation but there was also a time where I used the same pair for every single run. I’ve also found a ton of shoes I don’t like over the years. I’m fortunate to have a local running store that regularly brings in shoe reps for demo runs, I’m constantly on the lookout for something new (like the pumas).

I wear some old Primus SG and FG shoes depending on the terrain I am running and they are still going strong after many kms. Longest I have done is a trail half marathon but not sure if I would want to do much further. My volume has increased past that now so have bought some altra lone peaks for longer distance runs, but still really enjoy swapping back for the shorter runs

I just finished the marathon in New Balance Rebels and loved them. Even on the sketchy bits down Mosquito Pass and Ball Mt they were nice and sticky on the rubble. Better than the Lone Peaks I've used the other 4 times...

Any chance I get, I'm barefoot. If I'm at home, I'm not wearing shoes, and I exercise shoeless in the house, too. I *cautiously* think this is why I made the switch to Altra zero-drop shoes without ever even knowing that it presents problems for so many people to do so. Might also be why I immediately felt more comfortable with Altras and will suffer no other shoe anymore.

Do you live in the Amazon Rainforest? No offense, but why trail runners for daily wear? Get some Altra Riveras if you want the road equivalent. That's what I wear for road running, and my old pair is now my daily use pair, and they're super comfortable and *made* for hard surfaces. You'll wear your Lone Peaks out so quickly on hard surfaces.

I just finished 4 months travel through SE Asia. Ran 3-5x a week, lots of rain and very humid and sweaty. Only shoes I had were my Altra Lone Peaks. They were great for all the hikes I did, good enough for road running when needed, and comfortable enough to wear all other times of day. Not ‘waterproof’ but they dry very quickly and don’t feel heavy when they’re wet

Altra Lone Peaks are the closest to a one shoe solution in my rotation. Hiking, scrabbles, mud, smooth single tracks, camp, driving. They do it all. But I also wear Giros for clipping in, La Sportivas on rock and in crampons, Tevas on the river and Brooks when running on pavement. Altra Lone Peaks won’t ever replace those specialists. And the Altra Timps are my favorite technical trail runner. Good luck.

Lots of people recommend trail runners for what you’re looking for. I prefer Salomon as a brand because they fit my feet better, but have heard all good about Altra Lone Peak. I tried them out but needed better arch support. The HOKA speedgoat are also highly recommended. I’d start there and try some things on to see what fits your foot best. A trail runner that’s lightweight is a good fit for most hikers who aren’t doing extremely technical hikes needing a lot of ankle stability or other support.

they're not particularly heavy (295g in 10.5). Heavier than my Lone Peak (280g) but lighter than my La Sportiva (310g) or Topo (320g)

My Superiors and Lone Peaks would start to fall apart at 200 miles. The outsole was ok, but the uppers get shredded. I see mixed reviews on Topo. The most durable of theirs I’ve found is the Terraventure 4. It’s low stack and uses traditional EVA instead of their Zipfoam proprietary midsole blend. Zipfoam feels soft but wears strangely as if the foam directly underfoot compacts a lot after a couple hundred miles, but the foam in front of your toes doesn’t compress creating this sort of steep slope directly in front of toes that almost make the shoes feel too small. The EVA in the Terraventures has worn consistently without these symptoms. I just wish they sold that model in a wide. Nothing has matched the width of the Altra Superior 3 and 3.5. Even the latest superiors have been slimmed down and are lower volume.

Totally personal preference but zero-drop takes getting used to. I picked up lone-peaks for hiking and then started running and I really like them but that’s because it’s all I know. I’m thinking about grabbing some shoes with a bit of drop (3-5mm) for trails with a lot of very to give my calves a rest. Note: I’m a noob so take this advice with a grain of salt.

A classic is the altra lone peak - I’m on my third pair and love them for hiking and running!

There's a reason that the majority of long-distance athletes are using trail runners. I have altra lone peaks and really like them. I've hiked over 500 miles with my current pair and in that time span I had \~5 blisters none of which took me out of commission. Topo and Hoka both make popular offerings as well.

Looks like the Altra Lone Peaks are on sale. Zero drop, pretty cushioned, and wider toe box. I've been a huge fan to the LPs for years. Definitely try them on if you don't have much experience with zero drop footwear, they take some getting used to.

Topo are the best alternative to Altra. Try the different models at a good running store to see what makes sense for you. I have been happy with Trailventure & Ultraventure. Used to be a huge Lone Peak guy, but they have dropped in quality.

I'm always loved the altea lone peaks but gljust got a new pair and the toe cap is falling apart already. If you drag your foot at all (I know) then don't get them.

600 miles on the PCT as a section hiker and 3 trips around the Tahoe Rim Trail in Altra Lone Peaks.

I run in Altra lone peaks and have been for about 7 years. I have recently added the new Altra Mont Blanc speed into my rotation. I just ran and finished the Sedona canyons 125 and did the first 50 miles in my lone peaks and the last 75 miles in the Mont Blanc speeds. No issues.

I love my lone peaks.

As someone who runs in the UK mud and whose favorite shoes are Lone Peaks- they are utter shit in the mud.

Altra Lone Peak are just hard to beat in my opinion. But I do more hiking than trail running tbh.

Try em all on. I didn’t like the Lone Peaks (NorthEast USA) cause of all the rocks/boulders; I like more cushion. If trail isn’t too bad, you should be good fine. For the breathability aspect, just do not get ones that say GTX, those are waterproof and don’t breathe. I just went through a pair of Topo MNTN Racer 4’s and the material near my big toe and pinky toe were ripping at the creases after only 125 miles. Good luck and happy hiking!

Super big feet here. My problem is super wide, but also size 15. I am on my third pair of Freet Flex. Used to use Altra Superior but newer models got thicker and narrower. I do have a pair of older Lone Peaks I use without the inner sole to give me more space.

Long live the lone peak!

Flat soled Altra lone peak shoes for light day hiking and trail running or endurance training. Oboz Bridger med high boots, waterproof / goretex for backpacking, longer trekking hikes.

I agree, a trailrunning shoe with a somewhat thicker sole and a little tighter/more stable fit is what I use as well. Plus Vibram soles. Works for Via Feratas too. I wouldnt buy another pair due to durability, but I used a pair of Altra Timp for 1½ years and they were pretty good. Would not use a Lone Peak though. Maybe the 9+ with the Vibram outsole. Right now its Topo Pursuits.

I have the Xero Mesa Trails and the Altra Lone Peaks, both with extensive use in wet conditions. The Xero's are my absolute go-to shoe. Added benefit being the lightweight and packable size.

I use Altra Lone Peak. Zero drop, nice fit (blister free 50 milers with regular socks). 🏃💨🤙🏻

I can get pairs on special under $100, sometimes $79. Just normally bright yellow or some crazy color. They’ll give a solid 500 Miles before breakdown. Then depending on how they’ve been ran, can still be used for workouts but fresher pair for races.

I wouldn't dismiss Altra because of the minimal drop. I may be biased because I've been running in Altra's for several years now, but I rotate my Altra Torin 8 (0mm drop) with Hoka Clifton 9 (5mm drop) and, more recently for longer runs, Brooks Ghost 16 (10mm drop) with no issues. May take a few training runs if you're not used to the low drop, as with any shoe. I'd say the closer you can get to zero drop for trail running purposes, the better, but the type of trail you run may determine what is good for you. I'm in central Florida - non-technical, grassy and sandy terrain which gets sloppy during the summer rainy season, so the low drop and low stack height of the Altra Lone Peak is perfect for these conditions, providing a comfortable and stable platform. Good luck!

I have tailor’s bunions as well and my Lone peak are wonderful. I leave the normal insert in them and then put some mildly supportive inserts in on top. Seems silly but with just the supportive inserts the rocks really come through too much. The extra arch support stops my feet from splaying so much and hurting the bunion. Good luck

I love the Lone Peaks but they are terrible in UK mud. The only Altra model worth getting for UK mud is the MT King.

No, I hear you — I’m just trying to find a runnable approach shoe that fits my stupid fat feet. The Topo Terraventure in a wide would be a look. (Too narrow for me, but I need an Altra Lone Peak in wide size). The Altra works alright, but it’s pretty dang soft for climbing

I prefer trail runners, such as the altra lone peaks and hoka speedgoats, for longer day hikes (10-14 miles). Based on your trip photos, I think you'd be fine using trail runners.

I've only worn Altras for about a dozen years, including multiple road (Escalante Racer, Rivera) and trail styles (King MT2, Superior, Lone Peak, Mont Blanc BOA). I weigh 170 lbs and always get 500-600 miles on a pair before I feel the cushion is shot. That's the industry standard and I've never had a single concern with tread or upper durability. Looks to me like you may be dragging your feet a bit on highly abrasive terrain.

I switched to wide toe box & zero drop shoes about 15 years ago and haven't looked back. Significantly less foot, knee, hip, and back pain overall. I've played around with the amount of cushion/stack height, anecdotally finding that a thinner/more flexible sole provided better proprioception, but more cushion helps disperse force better if I'm carrying any sort of weight. An overly stiff sole + higher stack height leaves me very prone to ankle inversions. My ankles are my worst joints after years of soccer in narrow shoes, I'm currently in a combo of Altra Lone Peaks + ASO braces on both ankles anytime I'm hiking or carrying weight. My spent Altras become my yardwork shoes, and I seem to be fine around the uneven terrain of the yard without the extra ankle support since I'm not maneuvering as many rocks & tree roots or carrying a weighted pack. I'm intrigued by the Altra Lone Peak Hikers, but also skeptical that they might provide a false sense of security. I wore my Lems Boulder Grips hiking a few times without ankle support, and while they have a stiffer sole than my Altras, the higher top definitely did save me at least a couple of times.

I use Altra’s Lone Peaks. Known for wide toe box, zero drop, and their trail shoes. Topos are another good trail running option.

Lone peaks have zero drop, which means when you land on your foot you should be landing more towards the balls of your feet and with your feet below your center of mass. This is a more natural running form. If you’re heel striking in zero drop shoes, especially running up or down hill, it’s going to stretch out your tendons way past your norm. I run in zero drop Altras for trail and road.

Second this. I only use trail runners outside of winter and I favour the regular Lone Peaks (although the Altra Superior is also a good shoe). They dry easily, and you can always use some waterproof socks for wetter trails. I'll use hiking boots in winter but I really notice the extra weight compared to trail runners. 

My favorite is Altra. It is wide foot box and zero drop. Zero drop means they are flat like slippers and some people don’t like that feel. Great shoe but they are not durable but if fairly new will last the Camino. A few places have slippery rock but that is rare. Lots of road walking so a higher cushioned sole is better. For example Altra Lone Peak is great for dirt but a bit thin for asphalt.

Peregrines have been my go to for the last decade or so, but I have not tried the 15s myself, as my local running store didn't pick them up this year. Instead I picked up some Altra Lone Peaks and Topo Pursuit 2. I've only put about 30 miles on each, but I'm liking them so far.

I did the 50 miler there as my first ultra! Super fun event put on by good people. I used lone peaks and it went fine. Not too technical, a bit of sand running but mostly packed dirt. I wouldn’t go road shoe although some people did there are some sandy hills and rock scrambling (first half mile) that trail shoes are good for. Any shoe that is comfortable will be a good call. It’s a loop course so you can always bring other shoes to switch out to if your current pair isn’t working. I had no issues with sand in the shoes or anything like that, but dirty girl gaiters are always a fun and good choice

Oh damn, this is sick. And I don’t mind wearing them out. I love the shoe so much and cycle it. The only thing I’m a little concerned about is maybe there are days I need more cushion because I’m not road runner. But maybe I’ll apply what your saying to an Altra Lone Peak

Kind of depends on what you want from your footwear. I converted to trail runners. They are lighter and more comfortable than traditional hiking boots, but I sacrifice durability. I buy shoes more often, but the tradeoff is worth it *to me* I like the Altra Lone Peaks. Wide toe box and zero drop suit me well.

I use ALtra trail runners (lone peak, Olympus), about 75-80% of the time, with waterproof I get the waterproof Lone Peak. For trails where I need more ankle support, I wear full grain leather LEMS. I love the zero drop and the wide toe box both of these brands are known for. YMMV on those aspects- depends on your foot. You may not need/want the wide toe box, it may not be your fit, you may end up with blisters, etc. So best idea? Go to REI or other store when it is slow- and get a good fitting and try on a bunch of options. And then go to another store and do the same. And then figure out what shoe brands/styles work for your feet :).

You could try Altra Lone Peak which tick all your boxes but they are 0 drop

Great in the mud: eye-opening for someone that tends to slip and slide. I can't speak for the quality because mine are quite old now (3 years ish) and really needing replaced.

Try the Lone Peak Wides first seeing as you already like the Lone Peaks. Then if you still need more width you can try the men’s Lone Peak Wides. 

Try the Lone Peak Wides first seeing as you already like the Lone Peaks. Then if you still need more width you can try the men’s Lone Peak Wides. 

I’ve been having the exact same problem. My lone peaks have been great for hiking big days, but as soon as I start running I get pain in my Achilles and around my lower ankles. I agree with what everyone else is saying that it’s the zero drop causing these issues. Right now I’m trying to stick with them because I love the grip and the toe box. I’m doing my best to listen to my body and not push it too hard. It seems like after a mile or so the pain starts to let up for me, but you might have a different experience. I had a pair of the sauconys before I got the lone peaks, and I had the same issue while I was running, I think they still don’t have much drop.

The only Altra a bough recently was the Rivera(?) and that are good so far! I stocked up on an older model of Lone Peaks during a sale.

I walk and run in zero drop Altra shoes 100% and have for several years now. I spent more than a year transitioning by running in a mixture of Brooks, then Hoka, then Altras. My trail shoes were the last change I made and even though I'd been running all pavement miles for a while at that point on zero drop the change was very noticeable on trail running. Calf and Achilles soreness galore. I'd never switch back at this point, but take it very slow.

I live in Asheville and have covered hundreds of miles of trail running around here and many Spartan weekends almost exclusively on Altra Lone Peaks (5/6/7). Except for the uncommonly wet mud-fest at Black Mountain many years ago I've never had grip problems. I've started running in a pair of Olympus for a lot of my training runs, saving the LPs for races, short runs, and race prep. I would recommend Altra trail shoes as you've already been running on zero drop on the road, but I will caution that zero drop on trails (and our elevation) will still take some adjustment. You calf muscles will be screaming after the first few runs. Get some ASAP and get a few short/mid trail runs in before the races.

Altra lone peak with wide toe box. Blister free throughout my entire walk.

Altra lone peaks for hikes and walk into superiors for running. Get off those roads.

Did my first run in my Olympus 6 a couple weeks ago. It’s was awful. Returned them. The weird heel cup tore my feet up. The huge cushioned was a nice ride but I had to make a conscious effort to pick my feet up higher on anything that wasn’t perfectly graded. Plus they exhausted my ankles due to having to counter the cushy feel. I know many people love them. Not a shoe that works for me. I went back to my Lone Peaks.

I also use lone peaks. A lot of people are fussy about shoes and differences between 6,7 etc. I bought 3 pairs of 7s from Sierra for $59 and I’ll be good for a while.

I’ve been rocking lone peaks since 2.0 after switching from some la sportiva. I have gone through at least 7 versions of lone peak including a pair of high top water proof ones. I enjoyed them so much. This season I got a pair of topo UA4 to try and I’m in love all over again. It’s not a lone peak at all but wow are they comfy.

I wear a 11.5 EE and love my altra lone peaks, got those in 11.5 wide and they fit perfectly

Keeping your feet dry and clean will prevent blisters. Try using Merino wool socks (Darn Tough are my fav), consider sock liners if you still get blisters. Air out your feet and change your socks every few hours. Really you will need to try out some things and see what works for your feet and your body. When you select footwear, remember that usually your feet will swell after a few hours hiking. Consider a size larger than typical for your feet. I have been doing a lot of training with trail runners, getting ready for TMB and training with 25 pound pack. My feet suck (very flat) and I have custom orthotics. I have tried 4 trail runners so far: * Altra Lone Peak - very minimalist, I feel the rocks, I wouldn't use them on rough trails, but if you are running ultralight kit this could be a great option. * Topo Traverse - semi-minimalist, I felt some rocks in these. Probably my favorite for smoother trails and light loads. I've read these are more durable than the Altra Lone Peak. * Hoka Speedgoat - not comfortable for my feet but I was impressed with the soles, very grippy * Brooks Cascadia - My favorite that I have tried. Most comfortable for my feet. On the heavier side for trail runners. * For colder weather and rough terrain my favorite are the Oboz Bridger boots (not ultralight).

**Absolutely!** I’ve got wide/voluminous feet too and know the struggle. A few trail shoes that have worked really well for me (or others in the same boat): * **Altra Lone Peak** – Foot-shaped toe box, zero drop, super roomy. Great for comfort and natural splay. * **Topo Athletic Ultraventure or Terraventure** – Similar to Altra with a wide fit, but with a slight drop and more structure. * **HOKA Speedgoat (Wide version)** – Surprisingly comfy once broken in. The wide version gives more volume than you’d expect from HOKA. * **New Balance Hierro v7 (2E width)** – Cushioned, roomy, and solid grip for trails. * **Brooks Cascadia (Wide)** – Good all-rounder with trail stability and comes in wide sizes. Make sure to try them on if you can—volume fit can vary a lot even among “wide” shoes. Good luck out there! 👟🌲

The Lone Peaks have a wide option. But the normal version of the Lone Peak and the Olympus use Altras "Original Footshape", which is already very wide. I use both because I have a wide midfoot and they fit me well. I was very happy with the Olympus 4. The Olympus 5 was a no go for me and I bought up multiple pairs of the 4s. Haven't tried the 6, but I heard they did a better job with the heel lock, which was a huge problem in the 5s.

Boots are too hot for me and I need my shoes to dry out (sweat) as much as they can during my stretch and water breaks thrughout the day. So I personally stick to trail runners. I also don't want to wear out my knees earlier in life than I have to, so the less weight Im lifting, including on my feet, the better. As for which trail runners, I prefer Altra Lonepeak, the non-waterproof ones. I have wide feet so I like the toe box. I tried some of Altras other models and didnt like them as much for one reason or another. However, feet are so variable from one person to another, in more ways than just width. (height of arch, heal to toe ratio preference for knees, etc.) If you are going to try trail runners, I recommend visiting a running store and having them help you find a good shoe for your particular feet and needs.

Altra LP, Saucony Perigrine, Topo MT or Terraventures, Brooks Cascadia, and the list goes on. I am biased for Altra Lone Peaks for its ultimate comfort. The Olympus are a bit chunky for trails in my opinion but it is up to you to try them on and decide. Altra LP are comfortable out of the box. The outsole is durable and work well for most conditions. If you run on wet trails, find a shoe with Vibram outsole (Olympus for Altra). IMO, on trails the lower the drop the better. The zero drop is very unnoticeable. Most moderate and harder trails are constantly changing under foot, having a drop of greater than 4mm for me is detrimental for stability. If you are running easy trails or gravel paths a regular road shoe will be fine. The advantages of a trail shoe are foot protection, water drainage and grip. Otherwise a pair of road shoe can handle flat paths of gravel or packed dirt just fine. Go to a specialty store and try try, try. Remember sales associates can give good advice......but they can also be misinformed or biased. They can recommend but you need to make the decision based on your preferences.

I've also done probably ~500 miles in Altra Lone Peaks, a few hundred in Hokas, a few hundred in Topos - but I've done a few thousand in Cascadias. The drop is a bit aggressive for me but my feet and tendons are so much happier with the Cascadias. Though I'd like to try the new wide Topo Traverse...

Hey! I hiked the PCT last year - also started in the Altra Lone peaks and ended up with plantar fasciitis. Then, also switched to Topo Ultraventures, which improved the PF but didn’t quite cure it, and I got some blisters. I ended up in the Hoka Stinsons. Wider toe box than the Speedgoats. I now swear by them. Shoes are highly individual though as everyone’s feet are different. Based on our similar experience, maybe these would work for you. As for blisters, try adding injini toe sock liners under your socks. This helps to decrease friction. If you don’t have gaiters, they can help keep out debris (which also causes friction). Keeping your feet as clean as you can will also help w blisters. If you have more than one pair of socks, give the pair you aren’t using a rinse and hang dry them on your pack during the day so they have less dirt in them (also a friction culprit).

When I started wearing Lone Peaks it was like FINALLY I have found a shoe that fits and really feels good. I did the “work” and got used to barefoot running in High School track many years ago after some nasty ankle sprains; it was a great way to strengthen the whole chain. I wore the goofy toe shoes when they came out but didn’t stick with it. For years I ran quite high volume in road racing shoes, Nike Zooms with little to zero drop. Get rid of any heel strike. Strengthen your calves and tendons. Work your ankle Range of Motion. Do the work and zero drop shoes will contribute to join injury free running for a life time.

I'd had a pair of Lone Peaks for about two years that I've worn primarily for hiking / backpacking. While the sole and upper material have held up reasonably well, I've found that the cushioning breaks down really quickly in the Lone Peaks. Also, while I thought the wide toe box felt roomy and comfortable at first, it allowed some movement of my foot laterally across the sole causing friction/blisters when hiking long distances. I have regular width feet so I've since switched back to a more traditional shaped hiking shoe - Brooks Cascadias and like them much better. They've also help up better so far. The Cascadias have a 12mm drop and regular toe box so probably not what you're looking for. I haven't tried Topos, which would be more comparable to the LPs though.

These are my current ones and I looove them. The wide toe box is a game changer for me.

I’d start with the new lone peaks with the vibram outsole. They come in both standard and wide. It’s the original Altra foot shape so standard might work. 

I love my lone peaks. If I wanted longevity I’d be getting leather boots with the repairable soles… but fuck that!

only pairs of shoes ive had the tread wear out before the rest of the shoe... and i mean that as a good thing, im constantly blowing holes near by pinky toe whether disc golf or everyday use so now i just wear lone peaks or crocs for anything and everything

Tried to switch cold turkey to lone peaks and killed my calves, had to give it a week of slow short walks to build up to it, I am good now

Best trail shoe out there. When a rep had me try a pair on in 2012 they were the first pair of shoes I've ever immediately stood up in and said I'll take a pair. I've been wearing them ever since. The Lone Peaks mainly, but the superiors and a couple other different models as well. I still have not had any issues with durability that wouldn't be normal wear and tear from most other trail shoes, except if you wear them all the time on concrete, the rubber will wear out quicker. I even use their Lone Peak all-weather ones in the snow. Hope that helps! r/TheBackpackingList

Our goto's since 2013 have been Altra "Lone Peaks". While they've changed since the inception and people complain with every new version, we still buy them whenever they need to be replaced.

I have fat, hobbit-esque feet, and have found La Sportiva and Altra both have good shoes. Altra are frankly road/smooth trail biased, while Sportiva tend to be good on more technical terrain. For hybrid stuff I'll do Altra Lone Peaks, and have a buddy that really love their Timp and Olympus. I run my ultras in Bushidos (which I'll probably change soon), but LS has a bunch of "Mountain Running" shoes in their lineup.

I used to rock a pair of GTX trail runners from Solomon during walnut harvest... They stopped making them (boo), and I couldn't find any existing pairs that weren't stupid-overpriced. I went on a deep dive and tried every GTX model from Solomon, hoping for a replacement. They all fit differently. It was infuriating. So, a warning to all: Try all models of a given brand, because you can't rely on equivalent fit. I currently rock a pair of Altra lone peaks in blue for travel shoes, and they're the only shoes I've bought where I did not have to replace the insoles with my Soles. I was blown away.

Altra Lone Peaks are fantastic. Favorite trail shoes I’ve ever had. Since he’s used to Hoka’s might need to go up in the cushion though. Probably the Timp 5s or the Olympus 275s. For OP, trail shoes I like less cushion in case it gets technical (more cushion = more risk to roll an ankle).

Ankle support doesn't exist unless you're talking about 8"+ mountaineering boots. Even a mid rise hiking boot is there to protect your ankle from impacts and abrasions, not stabilize it. Ankle stability comes from your foot being able to move naturally (i.e., properly fitting shoes that don't squeeze your toes together) and a lower stack height to reduce the amount of torque applied to the joint. I feel much safer in my low Lone Peaks than my older Sawtooth Mids for those reasons.

Altra lone peak. Not waterproof. 1/2 size bigger than street shoes. Injinji liners. Smart wool socks. For every hike since I found this combo 6 or so years ago. I live in the valley. 75% of my hikes are/were within 90 minutes.

I used to wear waterproof hiking boots but switched to trail runners. I have wide-ish feet and strong ankles - I don't need ankle support and have never had issues even with a heavy load. I prefer the quick-drying nature of trail runners, plus the breathability, traction, and flexibility. Since you say you have narrow feet, I would take a look at the Hoka Speedgoat, as u/AliveAndThenSome mentions below. Another narrow foot choice is the Addidas line of trail runners. Some people rave about them. My two-cents on Altra Lone Peak and Hoka Speedgoat: The rock plate in the Altra Lone Peak line is great, but you still get the "feel" of the terrain. The Hoka SG is far better at protecting the bottoms of your feet. Both are incredibly comfortable, have good-great traction and are comfortable for wide feet (narrow feet may slide around). I did a drying test on both pair last year and found both dry quickly IF you remove the insole when it gets wet or keep them dry and remove them before making a water crossing. In the field, I walked through creeks and got my feet totally wet (not on purpose) in November with nighttime lows in the upper 20s. Shoes dried by morning and the insoles were still damp, but dried as I hiked. Good luck!

I switched to trail runners after years of wearing boots for two main reasons: comfort and quick drying. Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes made my feet ache and sweat after just a couple of hours of hiking; therefore, I looked for an alternative. I heard about hikers wearing trail shoes, and since I was a runner, I thought I'd give it a try, so I did, and I never went back. I wear Altra Lone Peak (flexible, comfy), Topo Mtn Racer (stiff), and Hoka Speed Goat (comfy, bouncy), depending on my mood in that order. My go-to is the Altra Lone Peak as they have a rock-plate and are zero-drop. I just find them to be like a glove, allowing me to "feel" the ground when I hike. I have hiked extensively in Pennsylvania, a place that I believe is one of the rockiest places on earth. Rocky as in, the trail is rocks where every rock is pointy and the points all face upward ready to pierce your foot. For reference: I've hiked all over the West and consider the Rocky Mountains to be comfortable by comparison. If you want to really protect your feet, then Topo Mtn Racer or Hoka Speed Goats will give you that added bit of protection, and a bit of bounce. As far as grip goes, all three are excellent. It's truly amazing how good they are at gripping scree, sand, and unstable terrain. I do caution when it comes to wet and slick rock though - for that, I have no answer, but good luck. My Altra Lone Peaks saved me from nearly sliding off a cliff on sandy terrain in Arizona, kept my footing bouldering up a mountain in Pennsylvania, and across a ridgeline of scree along Mount Hood in Oregon.

Altra Lone Peak have a rock plate which provide for protection for your sole, but your toes are exposed.

Old topic, different thread—but it's worth repeating for those still deciding on footwear. For hiking in fair or wet weather that isn't too cold, trail runners are often the go-to choice. I'm a fan of Altras and regularly wear both the Olympus and Lone Peak models. As with any shoe conversation, the most important factor is fit—specifically, having ample room for your toes. A wide toe box helps prevent discomfort and injury over longer distances. In snowy or cold conditions, I switch to the Danner Crag Rat Evo. They offer great insulation and support. I've also worn the Danner Mountain Light II, but they're on the heavier side. The Mountain 600 is a solid option too—except for two seams located in the middle of the boot. One of those seams runs right across my navicular bone, which causes discomfort. That said, the newer Mountain 600 Evo looks promising and might resolve that particular issue. One downside to wearing Gore-Tex boots year-round is the heat—they tend to trap warmth. Also, if water does get inside, you’ll need to stop and empty them out. They take a long time to dry, often longer than a single day of hiking allows. This isn’t the case with non-waterproof hiking shoes, which dry out more quickly and can be more forgiving in shallow water crossings. Believe it or not, trail runners can actually perform really well on rocky sections. Sure, they don’t last as long as leather boots in terms of durability, but the tradeoff is comfort and weight. Hiking in a well-cushioned trail runner is just a lot more pleasant—especially over long distances—than lugging around heavier boots.

Horrible for walking/running on roads as the sole wears out super quick. And that’s separate from all the other things that wear out quick from regular trail use. I do like them for trails and I’m on my 6th pair, but not good for road.

My Altra Lone Peak shoes have zero cushioning or toe support. I can feel every pebble on the trails.

Lone Peaks ftw I’ve had 3 pair, used them from Florida to Oregon, they do get beat up kinda quickly but it’s a trade off I’ll live with. I just get the old models on sale when they come up

Yes, definitely try a pair of LP as they are wider (original last vs standard last of Experience). Socks also play a part in how happy your toenails are.

I have tried all the fan favorites... Lone peak, speed goats, topos etc. Can't do it... It's either blisters or foot pain. Found these that work great. On my second pair now. https://www.saucony.com/en/peregrine-15-wide/59977M.html?dwvar_59977M_color=S20991-100#cgid=saucony-peregrine&start=1

What part wears out first? I’ve never tracked it but mine last about as long as any other brand of light trail runners I’ve had. I’ve been wearing lightweight sneakers for hiking since I started hiking in the early 2000s. Back when everyone on the trail had hard soled boots. I think it’s just part of a lightweight shoe that they don’t last. I had one pair of high top all weather lone peaks where the sole delaminated prematurely and altra gave me a full refund.

Lone peak is what I use both for trail off, I would very much like there to be an alternative. Use US 12,5 so not a lot to choose from. Don't think my feet are even that wide but any pressure from the shoe onto my big toe irritates my hallux valgus.

I had Ultra LP then changed to Topo, but have gone back to Altra LPs. I know the quality has been an issue, but my Topos also started showing signs of wear and tear early on.

YES! I also only wear zero drop shoes. I've been running in Altra lone peaks. With getting into ultras I'm starting to want a bit more cushion but I much prefer to have the responsive feel of the line peaks on more technical trails. Still researching my options there.

I'd personally never pay almost $300 for shoes I'm going to beat up on the trail. Altra Lone peaks are just as good, and you buy two pairs for that price. they're very tough and have a huge toe box. Ive ran multiple marathons and a ultra with them and they were great.

Altra Lone Peaks. Although Im considering swapping to Topos when these wear out for a little bit more support for the day in day out grind. Been wearing Lone Peaks for 3 years now and have never had a blister in them. My wife swapped to Topos at around Mile 150 and have been much better for her 

My left one has got a slight tear after about 250 miles.  The 10 mile Mission Creek section We just came through where the trail is completely obliterated and you get to 'Choose your own adventure' caused that i reckon haha.

My experience with getting a wider shoe in order to get a larger toe box, is that the heels are also wide and I don't get as good a fit as I do with the Altras. I've just ordered Lems and Xeros to try them out. I narrowed it down to those brands because they also have a zero or minimal rise from toe to heel.

I wear minimalist shoes / earth runner sandals in day to day life, I also day hike and run in them. I have always chosen a more cushioned option for back packing. I wore Altra Lone Peaks on the JMT last year and if I were to do it again I would choose the Altra’s (or some other cushioned zero drop shoe like Terraventures) over a minimalist shoe without a doubt. The trail is a lot rougher than anything that exists in the area where I live, and while I definitely trained for it it’s also just a lot more mileage per day than what I was able to do in the lead up to my start date. So I feel that the cushioned option gave me more room for error and stopped the worst of the soreness from kicking in. That said - I do regret not bringing a more robust pair of sandals as an in-camp shoe. I opted for very light pair of thin foam sandals for the weight savings. I think I would take the weight penalty if I were to do it again and bring something like an earth runner.

I love the fit of my Altra LP. They are comfy and confident for hiking and running. But man, I’m getting tired of replacing them every 200-250miles. I need to try out some topos,

I wanted to like these, but I have wide feet and they are just to narrow to be acceptable to me. (Only mentioning because OP said they also have wide feet in a different comment.)

I too have wide feet and ended up buying these 1 size up (like I do for all my running shoes).

Similar here, going from FiveFingers to Altra Lone Peaks and never looked back

I like both the Topo Traverse and Altra Lone Peak. Like others said, it really is a personal preference. And it may take some trial and error out on trail to figure out what works best for you.

My Altra trail runners are all I ever hike in. The slim and grippy sole makes them extremely safe in scree and rocky terrain.

I use my Altra lone peak for all my hiking, unless it is winter or very cold. I used to hike in hiking boots and changing to trail runners was a game changer. I would not go back to boots unless I have to wear crampons.

I am a fan of Hoka and Altra on the trails and regularly alternate btn speedgoats and Mont blancs on my longer runs, but that won’t work for everyone. Others chimed in on transition but I will also note how the zero vs (typically) 4mm drop is less noticeable on trails vs roads. As with any new shoes, ease into the mileage. Don’t just rip a 20-miler in your new zero drops. Also, topo or altra, I recommend finding a good running store to try out a few options and see what feels best on your feet. I’ve found the biggest difference in feel when running comes down to the stack height and less so the heel drop. If you like the higher stack/cushion, that will narrow your choices in either brand. For Altra, I think Olympus, Timp and Lone Peak are their flagship trail shoes. There are good options out there but what works for me may be a fail for you and vice-versa. Good luck!

I stopped running in Altra Lone Peaks because of the poor wet weather performance. Hoka Speedgoats have worked well for me when things get slippery out.

I have Lone Peak Altras and I’ve noticed I’ve just stopped wearing them on tough terrain. I prefer my Merrell Moabs, mostly because they’re thick-soled—and relatively cheap as they are always on offer. I keep the Altras for smoother trails; I find them particularly good on loose descents.

Totally feel you when a shoe hits just right and then disappears, it’s the worst. Maybe check out Altra Lone Peak or Topo Athletic MTN Racer? Both have that comfy, low-drop, grippy vibe.

Altra Lone Peak for the win

Ditto. I moved from the Lone Peaks to the Timps. Love this!

I used Altra Lone Peaks and they lasted the entire trip and were comfortable. I had experience walking with that brand and style as I had bought a pair the previous year… so when it came time for the Camino I bought the same style, sized up, and broke them in a little. Don’t forget to buy a larger size than you typically wear!

Alta just brought back the King MT 2 which was their OCR and soft terrain trail shoe. Of the Altra shoes, that would probably be the best for the type of terrain you’re working with. I like the Lone Peaks, but I’ve always thought that the traction was really lacking on anything wet, muddy, or technical.

Trail runners are the best. They are lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable than a hiking shoe. And when compared to a normal running shoe, trail runners have a more aggressive tread, which you want for unpaved surfaces. I tend to go more for something like an Altra Lone Peak, which is zero drop, with a wide toebox. For more technical stuff, I'd go for something like a Hoka, low drop, less wide than the Altras. On the long trails, you'll see more Altras than any other shoe---for good reason.

+2, I’ve owned various generations of this shoe for years.

Sadly my experience with Lone Peaks is that the toe box is great but the midfoot is a squeeze. Altra are wider than most brands but not a truly wide shoe. YMMV. 

The new NB Hierro v9 is supposed to be a solid remake that is a better actual running shoe than previous versions of the Hierro. I think you might like the HOKA Speedgoat or the Altra Experience Wild, but I honestly haven't found a comparable shoe to the KOM that fits my foot like a NB.  Zegama is too squishy, More Trail is gigantic, Olympus too squishy, Lone Peak too thin.  Maybe the Altra Timp but you gotta buy in to the 0 drop thing.  I ran through 2 pairs of those but still not the same feel as the KOM. As a side note gripe: constantly disappointed in NB for dropping and creating new trail shoes all the time these days.  I feel like there's no continuity in their shoes anymore and has caused me to start running in other brands that fit me worse.  The 910 v4/Summit KOM was one of the last great shoes they made.  These days it seems like the More Trail super stack marshmallows or the Summit Unknown racing flat, or the Hierro which is pretty much a lifestyle shoe with a tread and sucks for running.  Maybe the new v9 will be a return to a solid mid stack trail shoe.

Altra lone peaks are my best friends and a great first pair of shoes to hike with and get used to zero drop

I always wear Altras LP or Olympus but only buy them on sale for less than $100. Usually weird colors or last years model.

They are not. They serve a specific purpose, its a shoe with an extra wide toe box, especially with long distance hiking its much better for your foot health to allow the toes to spread out while walking. Additionally they are zero drop shoes which is also better for foot and ankle health and promotes a stronger achilles tendon. The lone peaks are nice too because they have a thinner stack height which allows better feel of the ground. If the combo of zero drop and wide toe box is what you are looking for in a shoe then altras are the ticket, there are few other brands out there that specialize in shoes like this.

I switched to the Altra Lone Peaks from the Timps for this reason. I hated the high stack and felt too cushioned. I love the Lone Peaks. 

I was a fan of the Lone Peaks, but the durability is an issue. I'm also missing the weep holes in the "nose" of the toe box. I've moved over to Topo Athletic Terraventures. Minimal drop at 3mm. Wide toe box. Stiffer than Lone Peaks, with a much longer life span. Both shoes work for my feet.

I fully transitioned marathon training from hoka (4mm) to altra within 6 months, progressively increasing mileage with altras. In my case, zero drop shoes helped having a natural stride and removed some pains in the back and on the shoulders I could experience before. 7 years and counting, never got injured. No harm in trying for yourself and see what feels right as long as you proceed carefully.

For at least a couple of year now, I've been using my zero drop Altras once a week, for a short to mid-distance easy run. Having a shoe rotation and switching it up is a great idea--including with the drop.

It really varies person to person and there is the transition period from 4-12mm drop to 0mm drop. If you take the time to acclimate to 0 drop, you'll generally be find for most distances. This could mean starting with walks around the neighborhood or doing errands in 0 drops and progressively working them into your runs. That said, some individuals might not ever fully acclimate to 0 drops. I wore Altras exclusively for years and while I did 100 milers in them, my calves consistently felt a bit more sore compared to my friends who were in similar shape but ran in 4-8mm drop shoes. How my calves feel at mile 20 for example would be how they felt at mile 30. I still wear 0 drop shoes, but it would be nice to decouple wide toeboxes from drop, which is the space Topo is in.

Having run in Hokas (which only have a 4 or 5mm drop, depending on the shoe) I got some Altras earlier in the year. I just switch between the two brands randomly at the moment, partly because I have a few pairs of Hokas to wear out, partly to gently encourage my Achilles to get used to the zero drop and minimal stack. I’m looking forward to the day I’ve worn through all my Hokas and can go Altra all the time, but in the meantime my Achilles are happier with me for changing slowly.

I had the opposite experience re plantar fasciitis with zero drop shoes. Developed PF from tennis, and struggled through a year of stretching, squats, rest, insoles and Naprosyn. Switching to Altras fixed the issue almost immediately.

This is so fascinating to me because I had the opposite experience. Developed PF from tennis, tried literally everything else and then gave zero drop a try as a last ditch effort. Issues resolved quickly and now I don’t even have to stretch or foam roll or anything.

This is so fascinating to me because I had the opposite experience. Developed PF from tennis, tried literally everything else and then gave zero drop a try as a last ditch effort. Issues resolved quickly and now I don’t even have to stretch or foam roll or anything.

Hey OP, hijacking this high-level comment in the hopes that people see this... Here are two excellent podcasts about the purpose and benefits of barefoot shoes by very credible professionals: [Irene Davis and Peter Attia](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MQ4EQau0kFHN6nZDZDAxk?si=C9GZInbdR9G1jrDGtxzsRw) [Courtney Conley and Peter Attia](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iVi3arAK9aUyCcFQqBFsL?si=gy8W6COZR6-_0Kxm4u4ifw) There are so many effectively uneducated people trying to speak in this topic, from bro-science YouTubers to people like your friend. Experience doesn't replace a proper science-based understanding of not only the biomechanics involved, but also the data on injury occurrence in practice. I only hike and run in Altras and Xeros. The fact that you need to train to wear them just demonstrates that all other shoes are coddling your feet and legs. In that sense, it is *non*-zero-drop shoes that are posing the injury risk, because it is *those* shoes that create the deficit of strength in the first place. Not the other way around.

I love Altra's zero drop, I have two pairs. I also have Saucony Peregrine 13s though with a 4mm drop, that may work better for you.

I have very weak ankles. My left one is rebuilt with titanium plates because I rolled it one too many times. I was very apprehensive about switching to trail runners, specifically zero drop Altra's. I went ahead and tried it and learned something interesting. The frequency of my ankle rolling went way down. I figure the raised heel of traditional shoes/boots were causing me to roll more than my ankles simply being weak. I feel more connected to the ground if that makes sense. Whereas if I put on an older pair of shoes with a drop, I feel wobbly again. I have been wearing altras as everyday wear for almost 3 years and have maybe rolled my ankles 3 times over that time frame. Your results may vary but I think its worth trying out a Zero drop shoe. It may help quite a bit.

I have been in zero drop shoes for about 10 years. Altras have always been the most comfortable for me, but they just don’t last very long. I’m 6’3” 215 pounds, so your results may be better. I’ve pretty much settle on Topos for their decent durability. Since you have narrow feet, you might look at something from Astral. The compound they use for their sole (G rubber) is amazing. Like walk over wet, moss covered rocks with zero shits given type of amazing. I have a wide, high volume forefoot so they just aren’t great for me overall. My Goldilocks would be Altra comfort/Topo quality and durability/Astral sole

Yes I use these. I just ran 15m of trails in them this am. I hesitate to give anyone shoe advice (everyone's feet are different) but I really like these. I tend to run more difficult and rooty trails. The only thing I don't like about these is that for very rooty trails the heel height really contributed to ankle rolls. I run about 190 pounds. My go to shoe for races and medium distance is the Nike air terra kiger. My system is the wild horse for long training runs, the kiger for races and most training days (they are lighter and lower heel, less padding), then I keep a pair of altra zero drop for an occasional form check. I'll run like a 5k in them to regain more nuanced feel in my form to check myself on making sure my stride length and strike points stay where I want.

I have been told by my podiatrist that my feet are hypermobile and I run and hike (lots) in zero drop trail runners only (inov-8 and Altra). Never had boots for any of my adult-life serious long distance hiking. I agree that your PT should give you specific strengthening exercises for your particular issues but I see no advantage wearing boots … just heavy and hot and very slow drying. Every blue moon I roll an ankle but that’s because of tough terrain, not boots, and I’ve never injured my ankles in the process.

I've put over 2000 miles into a couple pairs of Altra runners. I have boots I use for more rugged adventures with lots of ankle rolling risks, but for 90% of trails, runners are too comfortable and light to not wear.

I use Altra trail runners when traveling because they are light and comfortable and can double as normal shoes in a pinch, but for normal hiking close to home I stick to boots. Trail runners wear out too easy and are too expensive for the amount of hiking I do.

I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. I've done trips in them for shorter times and have done okay but I'm also a fan of altras. JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally.

Durability aside, try on both shoes. If you’re not thru-hiking then durability doesn’t matter much. Yeah, it’ll be annoying if they give out sooner than you expected, but the comfort can be worth the money. For me, Altras are the most comfortable by far. I wanted to switch to Topos due to the rave reviews and the vibram sole, but I had to immediately return them due to their pronounced arch support. My feet hated them and my altra trail runners and road shoes are the most comfortable shoes for my feet I’ve ever worn. I was late to the game so I’m sure I missed out on the glory days, but until another company comes out with a wide toe box and no arch support trail runner it’s altra all the way for me.

I’ve switched almost entirely to trail runners including on a lot,of rugged terrain. I did find that when I was using Hokas that I had an increased tendency to roll my ankle after about ten miles. I like the padding, but have found lower drop shoes to be better for this. Altras are good, but I destroy them in about 300 miles. Trying Topos right now. Not as padded, but low drop with a wide toe box and they seem to be holding up better.

Trail runner will be fine. I was talking to a guy recently that said the AT requires real boots. But even by his argument, trail runners will be fine. The thing with trail runners is when you are tired, it is easier to roll your ankle. I have only found this to be a concern when I was using Hoka. Altras and Topos have less to zero drop and they don’t have this occur for me. Though Altras kind of suck for durability (expect 300 miles unless they fixed things). And Topos have less padding and are not as comfortable.

I did Paintbrush Divide last July, and this was my exact experience. I wore my Altra trail runners, and they held up well for most of my hike. There was a lot of rain on Day 1, and my shoes were so wet that I they were still damp when I started on Day 2. I continued up to Holly Lake and conditions were MUCH better for that hike...until about 8000', when I started to hit packed snow on the trail. My shoes thankfully dried out and were never a problem again. Our goal on Day 3 was to go up and over the Divide and continue back through Cascade Canyon, and most of our hike that day had crampons to deal with snow/ice on the trail. Unfortunately, we had to turn back just a few hundred yards from the summit because we didn't have ice tools and just didn't want to risk it. The ranger on the trail laughed at us and said basically, "That's what you get for coming in July. See you in mid-August next year."

Topo is the correct answer. Go with Altras if you dont mind your achilles blowing up

Only time I use my Crispi boots is when I’m hunting and might have 100+lbs on my back packing out an animal. Anything else I use my Altra trail runners.

Everything you listed is a valid choice. People have different preferences. I have a few options depending on trail in the mood My default are Merrill Moab 3. I like how cool they keep me, they obviously excel in water (canyoneering, rafting, or just crossing), and I don’t usually feel the need for additional support/padding. I have even boot packed snow for six hours in them. I had wool socks on so plenty warm, even though my feet were soaked. I also have more traditional hiking boots. Columbia Newton Ridge mid WP for cold weather, if my ankles are sore, and just to mix up the pressure points on a multi day trip. Last, I have Altra trail runners. These are incredibly comfortable and I will use them if I’m on pavement, decomposed granite, or bare dry rock.

I strictly use trail runners. Like the Altras, though there are a lot of wide toe box shoes out there now. Gone through s lot of scree with them. I do go through them quickly.

I haven’t worn hiking boots in many years now. I only hike in Altras trail runners (Olympus is my favorite). When I travel for hiking, all I bring is my Altras and a pair of xero sandals.

Yes but a stiffer trail runner will be more comfortable on the rocks. La Sportiva, for example, is better for scrambling than an Altra. Both will work but for Dolomites would suggest something stiffer, with firmer lugs.

Altra makes trail runners with a wide toe box. They’re my favorite right now. La sportive has been so so but durable in the past with narrower toe box than altra

For overnight hiking trips I've switched to Altra trail runners and love them, used to use hiking boots and then hiking shoes but these are so much better. I usually am barefoot in a canoe, switch to a keen style sandal for portaging to protect my toes. I always bring crocs (from giant tiger) for camp shoes.