Topo Athletic MT-2

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.

Have you looked at the Topo lineup of shoes? Same wide toe box, same 0mm drop options. I have a bunch of them. Some zero drop, some 3 and 5mm drops. The only thing I don't like about Topos is that I hate ortho-lite insoles so I swap in super feet insoles instead. But that is probably an issue in most trail shoes since they try to go lightweight.

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?

The ones that fit you. The problem with shoe/pack recommendations is that everyone's fit needs are different. By all means, try the Altras and the Topos! But I suggest trying as many shoes on as you can, preferably from a retailer with a great return policy so you can wear them around your house. Of course it's pretty well impossible to mimic the conditions of actual hiking while keeping the shoes returnable, especially for several days or weeks in a row. I personally have a really hard foot to fit. I have narrow, low volume feet and I tend to get some degree of heel slippage in pretty much any type of "athletic" shoe ( I always lace with a heel-lock). So I usually have to try on several pairs and am the most annoying person at the store. I personally find European brands like La Sportiva, Salomon, or Scarpa to be the safest bet - but I rarely ever see those brands recommended compared to Altra or Topo.