Altra - Outroad

This is a great one. I also like Altra Outroad 3. Very grippy on uneven or wet terrain.

Once I found Altras, I haven't been able to go to anything else. I have ridiculously wide feet and Altras are the only zero drop shoe I've tried that has a toe box that's wide enough to not cause damage to my feet on my runs and hikes. I'm currently using the Outroad 3 and really like them. Most of my Altras get around 700km before I replace them (around 430 miles), which is good enough for me.

Depends on how much cushion you want, the heel drop but it all depends on what is causing the knee pain. I used to have knee pain with Hokas and the low drop shoes fixed that. Altra FWD version version for trail or the Outroad 3 which is a hybrid shoe for road and easy trails. If you switch to Altra you’ll need some time to acclimate to the low drop and your calf muscles will need some strength work.

I am on the opposite side of the spectrum but in my search I have found a couple of things that might suit you.Altra has a hybrid shoe named the Outroad that has good cushion. Mount to Coast is also coming out with a road to trial show named H1 in September. That looks like it checks all your boxes. I would also recommend the Norda 03. It is really a good Road to Trail show. That is what Inise in the winter betweny road and local trail

Altra Outroad are good for this if you get on with zero drop. They are great value and good all-rounders, my complaints are they are a little heavy and run hot in summer. In the past I've used the Inov8 Trailfly g270 for these mixed surface runs too, probably a nicer shoe than the Altras in terms of build quality and feel, but won't have enough cushion for many. No idea what the new replacement model is like. Craft shoes worth checking out, I haven't tried myself but they have an emphasis on road to trail. I think some models have outsoles by Vittoria bike tires which is cool. Reviews often say the uppers aren't great though. The other one could be the Inov8 Roadfly. I have seen mentioned a few reviews that they have a decent enough grip for light trails (like 2mm) and I'll likely get these to replace my Outroads.

I use Altra Outroads for this purpose. The trails round my way, depending on time of year, aren’t particularly boggy/muddy or technical so the less aggressive grip works well. I have about 2k to run on road at the beginning and end of the run. I’ve used them for scrambling and as approach shoes as well and they’ve held up well.

I run with Altra Outroads, which is a hybrid shoe. It's responsive enough on the roads but still feels grippy on trails.

3 pairs - Altra Escalante Racers for short fast runs (like a lunch-time 5k or a Parkrun), Altra Torins for regular/long road runs, and Altra Outroads for trail and trail/road mix. I'm looking into getting a 4th pair for technical trails and I'm considering either the Altra Superior or else the Lone Peak. Or potentially the Topo Pursuit.

I love my Lone Peaks, I don't recommend the Outroads though. Not grippy enough for trail use.

I do a lot of hybrid runs and have never really found a hybrid shoe that I love (I liked the Altra outroads a lot but their durability was pretty bad, although to be fair, I haven't tried the newer model) but the Pegasus trails hit the sweet spot for me. They are definitely sufficient for moderate trails and can be pushed if you're just a little careful to handle some relativity technical stuff and handle Road well enough. They really excel on gravel.

I’ve owned and gone through ~ 6 pairs of the lone peak 6 and 7s and ~ 4 pairs of the outroads. I’ve put between 500-1000 miles (probably could change them out sooner but I’m cheap) on them each without any durability issues. Maybe it is model dependent or I’m lucky. Never ran in the torin or mount blanc.

I had 3 pairs of superiors shred apart on the upper on both inside and outside just above where it connects to the base of the shoe. Same for 3 pairs of outroads. I've never had a non altra showle do this. They all died at under 250km. I have ~1800 km on a pair of nordas right now, and ~700 and 400 on a couple pairs of Topo mt5s. Ive put over 1000km on each of the last 3 pairs of topo phantoms I have had. I have a pair of timps and they have held up well, and the paradigm 4 was an amazing altra shoe. Altra is absolutely hit and miss and this topic comes up a ton. It isnt and OP thing. Its an altra thing.

Altra, I have the Olympus 5 (probably too padded for you) and the Outroad (great lightly padded road/trail hybrid) I wear a mix of Altra and Xero

I’m heavier than you and have gone through a few pairs. Here are some insights on the pairs I’ve used Altra Lone Peak 8s have held up really well. Altra Outroads not so much, version 1 compressed really fast and haven’t enjoyed the feel of version 2 as much but apparently they fixed some durability issues. New Balance Fresh Foam X More, really like these shoes but they are a lot of shoe despite feeling relatively light.

Hoka Challenger 7 in all black. Designed specifically for roads and trails. If you're accustomed to very low or zero drop, the Altra Outroad is a true road to trail shoe.

Altra Outroad is specifically designed for this type of running if you can tolerate the zero drop. If you need some drop, check out Brooks Divide, Hoka Challenger, and Solomon Sense Ride. Others have mentioned the Pegs and Saucony Rides. I've run in Hoka and Saucony and loved both for their versatility. Great for running in sloppy conditions in the fall and winter.

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've got just under 600 miles on my LP6 and that's mostly mountain trail running (Blue Ridge Mountains) and many Spartan races. They lasted me over 2 years and at this point the soles have the most wear with the lugs mostly gone. I've also run 1000 miles over the past couple years across 3-4 pairs of various Altras (Escalante 3 & 4, Paradigm, Outroad) and have not had any wear out early or simply break like that. As you're in the UK I'd look into the LP9+ that is available in your region. I personally cannot wear Topos as the arch support is too high for me, I find them very uncomfortable.

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 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.