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.

Altra Mont Blanc They've had mixed reviews but I'm absolutely loving them after replacing the stock round laces with a flat set from an old pair of Lone Peaks. I've got just over 250 miles on a training pair and the tread is looking great compared to the brand new pair that I plan on running Black Canyon in in a couple of weeks. Both pairs were $99.99 on Amazon so they have been a great value.

It seems to be model dependent, I always thought the Mont Blanc had a one ultra race and done feel about them. I also had the lone peak 5 which did 700 miles but the uppers got torn up as soon as I did a run on rocky instead of muddy route. The LP 7 have a much more robust upper.

Hey! Kinda unrelated to OP's question but I'm a recent altra enthusiast (move the 0 drop + wide feet combo) but to me durability seems low. I've got Torin 6 for daily road running and mont blancs for trail: -Torin 6 lost a part of the sole at 350km and now the mesh has a hole (460km), I'm considering retiring them but it seems like a low distance to retire a shoe at. - Mont blanc : I had a to use super glue to glue parts of the sole back after 80km Is it a me problem? Or are altras also known for low-rise durability  + GL OP for your desert run 🫡

I did a very dusty half marathon a few years ago in my Altra mont blancs with gaiters. If you don't have hooks for them I find an elastic band does the job. I did a 50k with this set up.

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 use them all the time on thru hikes and hiking in the Lake District. I use Altra with the Vibram mega grip which is really sticky and gives you confidence. The only downside is they don't last as long as boots

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.

Altras are amazing but be careful going straight to zero drop for all your runs. I had some serious Achilles issues by doing that. The shoes are fantastic though, just take into consideration they are zero drop.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 walk in zero drop shoes (Altras because I like the cushion) and I do trail running in them as well. However, I hate them for road running so I still wear maximalist running shoes for road running.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

I wear trail runners to play golf. I have no problems with traction and they are better in my feet. Current shoes are Topo athletic. I also wear Altra.

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.

Bedrock sandals. Seriously. As long as it’s not super cold or you’re hiking in snow. In that case, agree with other commenters, Altra trail runners.

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.

Same. I live in the desert so I’m spoiled, but I reluctantly switch from my Bedrocks to my Altras for the 3 months of the year where it’s cold enough to not have sandals make sense. On my first long backpacking trip I started getting blisters from my boots the first day and ended up doing the whole 8 days in my Chacos that were just supposed to be river crossing shoes and I have been a sandal hiking convert since. You could not pay me to hike in boots, but I have pretty bombproof ankles.

I use Altra trail runners from REI. Wide toe box and good grips.

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.

Altras are my go-to off the course, and I have used their trail-runners on course with pretty good success.

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

I switched to Altra trail runners (half of size up) with injini toe socks or darn tough after trying 5 pairs of Salomons and 2 pairs of Merrels. Great shoes and boots, but too narrow for me. The Altras have been great. I did run into a slight issue when I got gravel in my shoe recently hiking down Goat Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness, but I removed the gravel,slapped some Leuko tape on the spot that was causing friction, and had no issues after that. It does take a while. I only just found out my perfect combo last year after years of hiking.

As someone with multiple Altras, I’d not recommend them to everyone but they might do well for you. I have two pairs of running shoes, a pair of trail runners, and a pair of boots. I love them. But I also lean toward barefoot shoes and Altra are probably the most conventional of barefoot style footwear. They have zero drop and a very generous, wide toe box that isn’t just simply wide but actually foot shaped. If you have an REI I’d try them out there. You may even be able to scoop them up from a customer return. I got both my boots and trail runners that way for less than 50% the retail price. Edit: If the idea of a more barefoot style boot is of interest, there are other companies that make a traditional leather boot that is easier to re-sole but still has that very wide toe box. I have a pair of Jim Green that I love and have heard good things about Barefoot Boots as well but haven’t worn them myself. The “down side” of these is that they have thin, flexible soles. So less cushion and structure which can be uncomfortable for some but the idea is that it’s more natural and allows your foot to actually work and keep its strength. Not for everyone but works for me.

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

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.