Runventure 2

Long time for me in Solomon’s and finally left them. I switched to topo ventures wide toe and have done both hiking, and trail running with some tarmac in between. My one regret is I had not found the Topos sooner and switched - highly recommend them

Not sure if this thread meets the UL reqs but I have the same issues with altra being too floppy for my large foot and made the bottom of my foot very sore within a few days on trail. My current favorite shoe is the topo athletic vistas or ventures because they are so comfortable and have the perfect amount of stiffness and plush feeling that I sometimes forget to switch into my flip-flops once I arrive at camp even after 15 mile day which is pretty wild. Also look at La sportiva they make great shoes that are very durable. The hokka speed goat are great and I’ve used 5 pairs now but the shoe tends to go flat and the cushion feeling is gone much faster than other plush cushion shoes I’ve tried.

The la sportive PRODIGIO max are a little wider at the tow box and the energy return is comfort amazing. I got them for trail running and day hiking but end up using them backpacking too. I still use the typos athletics although I think the build quality has taken a hit recently because the heel fabric has a hole with only about 350 miles.

Non goretex trail runners Topo are my jam. Big wide toe box. Altra is my second choice

I’ve worn Altras and Topos. My wife has some Hokas. It really depends on what fits your feet.

I’ve gotten 500+ miles on several Topo models, though I hear Norda 001 last even longer.

I had the same problem and ended up with sized up mens topos (I'm a woman). I suggest trying out REI if you're in the states because if you are a member, you can buy a pair and have up to a year to return them for something different. edit to add I tried the Altra LPs and my toenail almost fell off (probably should have sized up tbh but this was before I knew about REI)

Everyones feet are different. I tried Altras, then womans topos both of which have a big toe box for my wide feet. Both of them were not good for my toenails. So I ended up a size bigger in mens topos. My feet are now happy. It's an expensive trial and error but shoes that fit you are essential. I also went to a running store to get an idea of their suggestions. The place I went to had a one month return policy. If you are in the states, I'd suggest getting a membership at REI. They have a return policy of up to a year if the shoe doesn't fit.

Everyones feet are different. I tried Altras, then womans topos both of which have a big toe box for my wide feet. Both of them were not good for my toenails. So I ended up a size bigger in mens topos. My feet are now happy. It's an expensive trial and error but shoes that fit you are essential. I also went to a running store to get an idea of their suggestions. The place I went to had a one month return policy. If you are in the states, I'd suggest getting a membership at REI. They have a return policy of up to a year if the shoe doesn't fit.

One more YES for Lone Peak. Are you used to shoes with a bigger toe box? If so, they'll be great and you should be fine on rocky terrain. I find the Topo more smurf-like than the Lone Peaks. Too marshmallow-ey for my taste. I think the switch to 0 drop is minimal. I wouldn't over think it, but you'll know.

I went from Topo to Altra. The Topos were too squishy for me - like walking on marshmallows and not appropriate for anything off trail. The foot doctors against zero drop seem misguided to me. Zero drop definitely improved achilles issues for me and also shin and knee discomfort. Why would you put the foot in an unnatural position?