Altra - Mont Blanc

I've found Altra to be notorious for not much longevity. I've had more than 10 different models/versions over the years. Most of the time either the upper goes or the rubber goes early. Olympus 4 have held-up. The original Montblancs also lasted ok for me, but had different issues. I have since started also using Hoka (wide models) and Topo Athletic. Will get a pair of Timp 5 soon to see how it's evolved.

I love my Altra Olympus 275 and the Altra Mont Blancs. The Olympus’s are heavier but great. The Mont Blanc are awesome.

I’ve run on peregrines quite a lot. I like them for short and speedier trail runs. That said I find myself setting up runs to be able to be in my xodus ultra 3s. I also run in Altra Mont Blancs, but if I could I’d always be in my xodus ultra 3s. They’re the shoes I’m lacing up for Leadville in a couple weeks.

I did the JMT last year in a pair of Altra Mont Blancs and I still run in them every day. I think they're the best pair of running shoes I've ever worn. The EGO Max foam they're using in the midsole is unbelievable. Incredibly comfortable with an extremely lively response.

I personally wear non-waterproof Altra trail runners for hiking in the snow, with a pair of Kahtoola micro spikes for icy conditions. It’s been ages since I’ve been on to San Jacinto, so I can’t advise on that specifically.

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.

Go to REI and let them Guide you. I ended up with Altra trail runners. They’re great

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.