Various Altra models. Lone peak series are pretty decent. However, for comfort for 50ks and longer, I have been using the Altra Mont Blanc Carbons. More response and better all day comfort. The Exoerience series are pretty decent, my boys run trails races those and love them.
I've found four advantages to using plated trail shoes:
* Improved running economy.
* Forward propulsion when you’re running strong.
* Reduced muscle fatigue later in the race.
* Steady pacing and consistent turnover on long, runnable sections.
That said, plated trail shoes are not always better. On highly technical trails with rocks, roots, and sharp turns, the stiffness can reduce ground feel and stability. You lose some precision, which can increase the risk of missteps. They also tend to be less forgiving when you’re hiking steep climbs, where the plate doesn’t offer much benefit.
As for midsole comfort, there isn't much tradeoff here since the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra has a heel stack height of 38mm. Read critical reviews about this shoe before purchasing, as we've seen repeated complaints about the comfort of the upper and poor traction on wet terrain.
Assuming you're not running in soft mud where deeper lugs are necessary and assuming it fits your foot, the Hoka Tecton X 3 is one of the best designs for wet trails. The parallel plate setup improves stability, which matters when footing is sketchy. It’s widely used in technical ultras because it handles uneven, wet terrain better than most plated shoes. Other options are the Nike Ultrafly Trail (Vibram Megagrip), Altra Mont Blanc Carbon (Vibram Megagrip with a wide toe box for extra ground contact), and lesser known shoes such as the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail and Saucony Endorphin Edge.
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.
Sleeper shoe that is super versatile is the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon … can do it all and it’s a much snugger fit then most altras and durable … I run east coast terrain and 100k ultras in them. They have a new Mont Blanc Speed without carbon that’s a bit softer but not as propulsive…
The new on cloud ultra for training and then the pro for races … that’s probably going to be real nice…
Personally I train a lot on paved paths so I wear Puma MagMax these days to protect my legs … and for trails I love love the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon because they are agile and drain well. I have done many ultras in the Mont Blanc Carbon and never any issues , I think zero drop on trail shoes is not as of a big deal…
Ive been running Altra Lone Peaks for years. I bought Altra Olympus 275 and Altra Carbon Mont Bloc. Those two shoes are game changers. The 275s are awesome. The Mont Blocs are noticeably lighter than the 275. But the 275 just feel perfect
I went from lone peaks to Altra Mont Blanc carbon and it was amazing. I also like the olympus 275. Highly recommend the both. The Mont Blanc are noticeably lighter than the Olympus 275.
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