Altra - Timp 6

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

Have you tried the Timp? To me they have a little more squish than Lone Peak, but not quite as much as my moon shoes (Olympus, lol) I’ve also become interested in trying the MtC shoes but just haven’t branched out yet.

I would maybe recommend the Altra Timp or Olympus series over the Lone Peak for your use case. They are certainly comfier for walking in (especially Olympus for a wider foot), but great for running too.

I have no idea where you’re hearing that altra are the gold standard, they’re usually recommended only if you need one or more of 0 drop, minimal, or wide toe box bc there are few options in those spaces. Durability issues are usually listed as their main draw back.  Personally I feel theyre somewhat overblown, as I’d always get 350-400 miles out of mine before the sides blew out.  However, that still makes them worse than all other brands I use; which almost all get 500 and I’ll stop using bc of comfort or bounce, not bc the sides explode. The newer timps have much better vibram outsoles, they’re super grippy.  Or you can try the topo mountain racer 3 if you’re not stuck on 0 drop, they’re a great shoe and durable too.

Huge vote from me for the Altra Timp.

fellow PA rock walker here - I’ve had similar achilles issues with all the hiking shoes that actually fit my foot shape but have been happiest with Altra Timps for fit and padding. doubling up on socks has helped with the achilles pressure issues somehow, i use low cut injinji socks as an inner and darn tough hiker socks as an outer.

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.

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.

Im currently on the Portuguese central track, wearing Altra Timp Trailrunners! They have a lot of cushion, good grip, no drop and a wide toebox, which made it a great choice for me!  Ibought 1 size bigger (EU size) and walked them in really well + I use good summer hiking socks. So far no blisters, just some sore spots on the heel :) I saw many people with problems who were wearing either heavy hiking boots OR old running shoes that were too small (no upsizing) and or didn’t have enough cushioning anymore…  Bom caminho