Topo Athletic - Ultraventure 1

I've been thru Topo Hydroventure, Ultraventure 1/2/3, MTN Racer 1/2/3/4. The UV3's lost the outer/lug grip plot, the MTN3's felt like running in floppy support-free canvas bags (the MTN4's are a return to form). I haven't tried the Vistas yet. What I'm concerned about with the Vistas is catching little rocks in that split heel just like Saucony Peregrines do. Did you experience this in your run test? Other than that, the lugs are the same as the MTN4's, right?

I'm a fan of the Topo Ultraventures, but wouldn't use them for really technical trails. They'd be good for the hybrid situation the OP was asking about. They're zero drop so one should get used to them slowly if they haven't been using zero drop shoes already.

That's embarrassing. I have close to 300 miles on my pair (the original model) and I thought it was zero drop this whole time....

For performance (under 15 miles): Altra Lone Peak Marathon to 50k: Salomon Ultra Glide Easy day, shorter runs, not too technical: Topo Ultraventure Road: Puma Deviate Nitro (I never would have tried this shoe had my favorite shoe not been discontinued and an enthusiastic salesman not swore by it, but I now love it)

I like my ultraventures on road as well

Topo! Ultraventures for long trail runs/races

Topo Ultraventure is a solid alternative. Nike Zegama also similar.

Hi, I sell shoes at a local gear shop close to the PCT. You need to give me more information about your feet, your size and width. Chances are your shoes are too small. I personally hiked with the Topo Terraventure and love them, and I’ve also hiked over 1000 miles on the Ultraventure. Mainly I like their durability compared to Altra and HOKA. But again, it’s whatever shoe works for your foot and you’ve given zero info on that.

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

If you as me Altra is terrible. The quality over the years has went down the drain. Topo Athletic has now passed them as the most popular shoe for thru hikers.

I prefer ultraventure. I have used both, but it comes down to personal preference. The Ultraventure have a bit more padding, but I am heavier than your average hiker and live in a rocky area. I loved Altra back around Lone Peak 3 and 4. But they ended up shrinking the toe box, and they just don't hold up well, particularly in somewhat rocky ground.

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.

Topo does the wide toe box. My Ultraventures have a 5mm drop, Terraventures have a 3mm drop and there is also the mtnracer model as well (haven't tried that one yet).

They are very comfortable and roomy for me with good lugs. They feel a little weird walking on pavement so mud, gravel, rocks, roots, and sand are all good but pavement is a no unless you enjoy suctioning to the pavement. If you need them to do pavement as well, look at the Terraventures which are bomb proof in durability as well. I think my husband has about 800 miles on his Terraventures with the outsole still intact. I have a lot less on mine but it should be well over 300 miles on mine and still waterproof. Terraventures come in waterproof and non-waterproof, fyi. The Ultraventure is a lot cushier than the Terraventure but both do a good job of protecting your foot from the rocks and roots. I can not speak to durability on the Ultraventures yet as I have only put 100 miles on them but so far they are still looking like new other than the inside heel. As to the inside heal, I have to use stickers in all my shoes as my heels always rub through all shoes there so that doesn't count against them in my book (Haglunds deformation is obnoxious but the stickers are a cheap fix).

Also have wide feet with low arches. I’ve never been able to get a good fit with Topo. The wide toe box is great, but I find the arch and midfoot too narrow. I also ordered the Ultraventure in a regular and wide width and the actual outsole was identical on both shoes, so I suspect their “wide” are built on the same platform as the regular width, and they just add extra material in the upper to try to accommodate a wider foot. This is cheaper for them, but not going to give a good fit if you have actual wide feet. I’m currently using Altra Experience Wild and Lone Peak 8’s. They have both been fine for me and they fit my feet much better than the Topo’s. They are both pretty minimally cushioned shoes though, so if you’re running on harder surfaces you may need a higher stack

Topo Ultraventure is where it's at!!

I tried the Ultraventure after hearing this but have had terrible blisters with them.

I love the Ultraventure but I’m not sure it’s the pick for most people on a technical course. Those lugs are pretty wimpy compared to most other shoes designed for technical trails.

Started running in April. Went to a running store here locally and, after several recommendations I settled on the Glycerin 22s. I have a wide foot, and the 2E fit great. And they were great, for about 150 miles, then started to feel a little flat. I do about 5-6 miles a day, and wanted something for longer runs when I got there. I ended up ordering a pair of Glycerin Max, and I love those, but they don’t come in wide and, also after about 150 miles, are now starting to rub the balls of my feet, and I can feel the beginning of blisters coming on. I just ordered some Asics SB2s and Topo Atmos. I’m not convinced the SB2s will work, since they also don’t come in wides, but I have a pair of Topo Ultraventures for trail running and the toe box is great, so hopefully the Atmos do the trick.

I switched over from Altra to Topo Ultraventure last year when I was dealing with post tib tendonitis.

I found all Topos to run short. Wore a women's 8.5 in HOKAs and a size 10 in Topos. I trained in the Speedgoats and Mafates and currently wear Pursuits and Ultraventures 

Topo Ultraventure! So comfortable

That is awesome! I am glad it helped with your hip pain. I really liked the LP7. I went through 8 or 9 pairs before I couldn’t find them anymore. 😭 it’s what started my shoe spiral. I really struggled to transition to the LP9. I ended up in Topos. I like the ultraventure for less technical stuff and the MTN racer for more technical stuff. Turns out 4-5 mm of drop was what I needed. Switched about 5 months ago and it seemingly resolved all lingering issues.

It is a super comfy shoe! I only wish it was slightly more luggy for technical trails.

I love them because they are grippy but they hold SO MUCH WATER. They are not waterproof, but they don’t drain very well. I wish they drained better. I also like the topo ultraventure for less technical terrain.

Yes, the ultraventure as someone else said. Fantastic shoe and good for those mixed runs.

New Balance Hierro comes as wide as 4E for men and 2E for women. Topo is also legit wide. I wear a women's D width and their wide shoes are TOO wide for me. That never happens with my hobbit feet 😂

Topo Ultraventure are great, but also Mount to Coast T1, which are much more like the Speedgoat 5. Ran in there yesterday and plenty of cushion and room, but still light and nimble.

Your situation is at odds with itself, unfortunately. The arch support is related to providing help with overpronation. The Topo Ultraventure has some support for overpronation. Might be worth another attempt? With their 30 day try them out policy, can't hurt.

Had a similar blow out happen to a pair of Ultraventure’s a few years back. Would have been in the ballpark of 150 miles. https://imgur.com/a/HOREoX3

Non waterproof vibram sole topo athletic ultraventures. I routinely backpack off trail over rocky, scree laden passes in the Canadian Rockies. Best change to my backpacking loadout yet.

I actually wear topo athletic terra ventures as my regular shoes around town here in Calgary. When I was away for a few years I had the same issue and thus wore my topo ultra ventures on the plane. They were so comfortable for travelling they became my go to travel shoes and hiking shoes. So now I run two sets at a time, one gtx for shoulder season and one non gtx for my regular backpacking.

What’s your fav? I’m looking at speedland…just haven’t pulled the trigger! Took out my topo ultraventures in the snow for the first time the other day and it was real sloppy, pretty disappointed. Also, hope you’re tomir do in longer runs? Like anything over 12 miles?

Ultraventures have 5mm drop though, not 0. I use them for a similar purpose as OP and love them for it. After 600km they’re still looking great, whereas the Hoka challengers I was using before were falling apart so badly after 400k I had to tape them together just to finish a run.

Only my Altras have done this even the same spot. I’ve written off Altra until i don’t hear another story about this for a while. I can’t believe they’ve let this issue persist for years. They’ve got to know. My Topos have lasted forever. My TNF shoes and Salomons are well built as well, typically I retire a pair after the foam goes flat (loses its bounce) for me after 500 miles. Uppers should outlast the foam IMHO.

I just picked up some ultraventures and absolutely love them. But I’ve wide toes and a high arch. Altra while worse quality may work, the “wild” isn’t zero drop. Id be cautious jumping to Altra because of the zero drop, but maybe just getting into running and the slow build would be a good time to transition.

Altra Olympus, Topo Ultraventure and Topo Phantom with Yaktrax for winter roads.

My feet are noticeably different as well. Just purchased Topo Ultra Adventures. I have a 50k in Oct and am curious to see how they perform. Frustratingly, my Hoka Bondi 2E (which I love for road running) are almost as good as other trail shoes on light trails. I know some folks love the Hoka Challengers and they make them in wide I believe. If these Topos don’t pan out I’m going to find some of those. Have you tried playing around with the inserts? Cheaper option to tailor shoes when feet are a little different. Good luck!

Topo are roomier for sure ill say for me the t1 toe box feel like a wide hoka but certainly not as roomier than the ultraventure or mtn racer. But I’m 2E and they’re enough wide for me.

Pretty much everyone on long-distance trails hikes in trail runners for a reason - they're just way comfier than boots and work just as well. You'll probably like them a lot if you're already a runner. I wear Topo Ultraventures myself and I like them a lot. More minimally cushioned shoes are popular too and can help with stability and foot strengthening.

I have a pair of Topo Ultraventures that I used on the Te Araroa. They were great but I found the heel counter too stiff and I ended up with a Haglund’s Deformity at the back of my right heel. Can anyone recommend a similar shoe but with a squashable heel counter? I need a decent drop and cushioning too.

Norda 001s for everything. I have a wide forefoot and they are comfortable even with double layer socks for ultras. If you’re looking for wide toe box but not 0 drop look at Topo Athletic. The Mtn Racer is an excellent shoe with a 5 mm drop for racing and if you’re looking for a long distance cruiser the Ultraventure is excellent. I use their road shoes and the fit is fantastic.

I defs think the ultraventure would be a good pick. I’m a bigger guy too (195) and it’s plenty of cushion

I just got a pair of these… why does no one talk about this shoe???

I love my Altra Lone Peaks and Topo Ultraventures. I’ve been doing most of my hikes in the Topos. Not completely zero drop but wide toe box and vibram soles. 

+1 for Topo Ultraventure

I absolutely LOVE my Topos also running in the Ultraventure right now. I paced Eastern States in them, I've done some rainy and rocky trail runs and they've held up well. I just bought a pair of the Mountain Racers but haven't gotten to try them out.

For real. These high stack trail shoes are fine for gravel or packed out dirt but any amount of rocks/roots and these just feel like an ankle roll waiting to happen. I’ve turned my Topo Ultraventure into a road shoe at this point for the same reason. I’m really hopeful the pendulum will swing back to shorter stack heights. Not asking for a second minimalist movement, but come on. I want someone to focus on proprioception in a trail running shoe. I’m looking at the Nike Terra Kiger 10 and it’s checking a lot of boxes, but Nikes are so narrow they don’t work for me.

That’s cool to hear honestly. I think I was being grumpy when I wrote my comment about the high stack trail shoes. I’ve been enjoying my topo ultraventures just fine in some more technical stuff. Not to mention I dusted off my Glycerin Max’s which I originally disliked after a first quick run. I laced them up differently and I’ve really been liking them lately. Talk about high stack 😂

Request for rock plate cuts so many options! Topo Ultraventures have been solid on technical trails... Worth checking out!

I've had people swear by Hoka Speedgoat, and Brooks Cascadia, but I couldn't wear either because they cramp my toes. I tried the Topo Ultraventure and love them. You need to go yo an REI and try a bunch on to see what works for your feet. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa.

Topo UltraVenture. Still keep the wide toe box but you add a drop to it. I gravitated to Altra because of the toe box and minimizing hot spots I had with Hoka and Salomon in particular. Topo UltraVenture was totally the right choice for me

Hey folks. Looking for the perfect training shoe for wet days and I haven't been having a ton of luck. Here's what I'm looking for: - wide toebox. My feet have gotten wider over the years and I'm pretty much limited to Altra or Topo. - light and runs like a road shoe. - lugs that can handle wet clay mud. The trails I run daily have been wet for the last 2 months. They're mild trails that road shoes work great on them dry, but when they're wet road shoes make it feel like I'm running on ice. - comfortable on road - I have to run 3 miles to and from the trails I run in the mornings. - low drop preferable, but I can live with zero drop. No high drop - it kills my hips (I have hip impingement) I've tried Altra Lone Peaks (ok, but pretty clunky - especially on road), Altra Experience Wilds (best so far, but didn't hold up. Upper separated from the lower at 350mi), and Topo Ultraventures (really wanted to love these, but they feel heavy and clunky and my feet actually bruise if I wear them on much road). I also tried Craft Nordlite Ultras, but had to return them because they were not only too short, but incredibly narrow. Anything out there that runs like a light and responsive road shoe, but has lugs that will work in wet mud?

How high are your arches? I have lower arches and tried a rotation of Topo Ultraventures and Specters recently. The high arch support was uncomfortable, but I stuck with it hoping they would break in over time. Ended up with plantar fasciitis for the first time in my life that I really think is related to the high arch support. I switched back to Altras and the plantar fasciitis has been slowly improving since. Edit: didn't catch the multiple pictures and just saw that you have medium arch height. Not sure what mine would be on this scale, but possibly related.

Not many options unfortunately. Hoka "wide" versions just seem to widen the midfoot, but the toebox is still pretty tiny. I currently have Challengers in a wide and it's almost comical how pointy the toebox gets. If you really need a wide toebox, Altra and Topo are about the only options. They're the only ones I can run in without getting gnarly toe blisters. I find Altra to be more comfortable, but their durability has been hit or miss and seemingly getting worse year to year. My Experience Wilds fell apart at 300mi. I'm not crazy about the Topo Ultraventures I have, but they do seem much more durable than Altra.

Traditional road running shoes will be no good in yosemite for anything other than the most groomed basic trails.. you can get away with them in Joshua tree. I've seen so many people trying to hike in shoes like that, slipping all over the place. You will get much benefit from the added traction gained from the rubber and grip pattern on a trail runner or hiking shoe. Road to trail shoes are the middle ground.. something like the Topo Ultraventure. Added grip but also comfortable on the road. ON makes some as well. With that said, I take two pairs of shoes on almost every trip. I pack my socks and underwear inside the packed pair and they don't end up taking that much extra room.

I've been using Topo trail runners (ultra ventures) for a while and really rate them! They have a wide toe box and lots of cushioning so they're really comfy, and have been really grippy on the rocky trails I've been on, in fact I generally have felt more secure with the softer soles than with boots with a more rigid sole. I have no regrets switching to trail runners from boots - I've used them for 1500 miles of multi-day hiking with no issues!

I used to run in speedgoats. I have a pair of topo ultraventures and topo mtn racers. I like both. The ultraventure is squishier but not as much traction for steep wet trails. Mtn racer has been great. My runs are 10-13 miles 3-5000’ of gain on trail. So far pretty durable compared to the hoka. I always ripped the upper on the hokas. The topos have a Wider toe box.

Nike is a trash company that supports sweatshops. There are a multitude of other companies making running shoes and trail running shoes that have been outperforming Nike for years because they make better products (see Nike's declining stock price as a reference). People often post photos on Camino forums of the shoe racks at albergues, so you can get an idea of what shoes most pilgrims are wearing. Hokas seem to be the most popular now, but any of the running brands (La Sportiva, Saucony, Brooks, New Balance, Topo, Altra, ON, Salomon) would be good options if they fit your feet. I personally love Asics for short hikes (>8 miles), but most models don't have enough soft foam to cushion my feet/legs for 30 days of walking the Camino with a heavy pack. I previously bought several pairs of used shoes to get an idea of what works best for my feet before spending a lot of money on a new pair. I prefer Topo Ultraventures and also use Brooks Cascadia for long hikes.

I have really wide feet and the 14 wide worked for me similar to the Altras. I tried Topo Ultraventures first and had issues with the toe box

I’m a widefoot, but Topo Ultraventure is my favorite shoe for exactly this scenario. I originally had Hoka Challengers in wide, but they blistered my feet even if I just used them for walking. Hoka Challenger 7 are the first shoes I ever gave up on.

I hiked the PCT in both topo ultraventures and hoka speedgoats. I hated my topos, I bought them after realizing zero drop shoes were not for me and were one of the only other options available. They fell apart quickly and I still pronated fairly bad in them (causing me to have post tib tendinitis). I wore them for 300ish miles before they had fallen apart. after working with blaze physio I switched into hoka speedgoats and it changed my hike! The pain in my ankles was gone and the hokas lasted 500-700 miles.

I wouldn’t call Topo a “not-so-common” brand. I’ve been running in the ultraventure for the past couple of years and they’ve been good to me. I usually change shoes in the middle of my 100’s to change pressure points but have taken the ultraventure all the way in my past couple of 100k’s. I would split time between topo and Hoka but my last two speedgoats had durability issues and now I’ve been just rotating all topo’s

I really like my ultraventures. For more technical races I change out the insole.

+1 for Topo Ultraventures. Most accommodating fit (in wide) I’ve found in a shoe since a few iterations ago of Altras when they were wider/more durable. Unfortunately haven’t found another Topo model that fits well like Ultraventures, but my feet are outliers so there’s a chance other Topos would work for you too.

Topo are the best alternative to Altra. Try the different models at a good running store to see what makes sense for you. I have been happy with Trailventure & Ultraventure. Used to be a huge Lone Peak guy, but they have dropped in quality.

HOKA Bond Wide(maintained single track like the AT & PCT) and Stinson. So far I like the two pr of TOPO Ultradventure wides. I've splayed Squatch feet 14 EE -EEE

I'd stick with the topos and try to play with other approaches to dealing with blisters assuming they are manageable. In the desert, my feet were sometimes not even blistered but raw from fine sand. Rotating in more socks and clean liners helped me. Might just want to start taping up spots you usually get blisters ahead of time. Happy hiking from class of 2024!

That’s my favorite shoe! The regular version is fairly wide, too, but it’s nice they offer a wide for folks like me (bad tailor’s bunion). Topo offers a few options in wide, including the Mtn Racer 4, but it’s not as wide as the wide Lone Peak.

It’s nice they offer the Mtn Racer 4 in wide. The 3 wasn’t available in wide. Unfortunately, it’s still too narrow for me. Same with the Terraventure. The Ultraventure in wide fits me, quite similar to the wide Lone Peak, but I don’t think it has enough grip. I really wish Altra offered a Lone Peak with a 30 mm stack height for a little more cushion on rocky terrain (and had it available in wide). But that’s probably an uber niche market.

I’ve got big dumb clomping’ hammers for feet and I god damn love the Topo ultraventures.

Ultraventures were very popular on the pct in '23, but no tread for rougher trails. Traverses solve this with tread and a rackplate, so midsole foam not so important. I've gone through several pairs of these now. They last maybe 1200km but then the uppers tear.  New topo shoe versions have weakened the uppers too much in the name of breathability. 

Not zero drop,5mm, but the Topo Ultraventure is a recent pickup of mine that mostly fit my needs. I actually find most of topo and altra models to rely too heavily on the 'foot shape', wide toe box gimmick and then proceed to offer an annoyingly narrow mid foot. I generally have a really hard time finding shoes that I will tolerate, let alone love. The ultraventure has a much more generous mid foot without an annoying amount of arch support. Heel cup is secure and deep enough, unlike most Merrell shoes. My only criticisms would be the lack of more aggressive lugs, not using mega grip, and I would like to see a relatively stiffer/snappier foam. I'm not personally a fan of super flexible shoes and think they contribute to inefficiencies when ascending and scrambling. These would be considered 'squishy' but not quite 'marshmallow' in feel. A shoe with this fit, a bit bouncier or more lively foam, and paired with slightly more aggressive lugs would be ideal imo. Overall, a very usable shoe for me, and I recommend at least trying them on.

I just got on the Topo train and did a 15k yesterday in a pair of Ultraventures basically right out of the box. Zero blisters, no pains, semi clean feet when I was done. Highly impressed. And I road run in Topo Specters

Topo Mtn Racer and Topo Ultraventure are good trail options

Topo Ultraventure for cruising on smoother trails and Topo MTN Racer for a firmer ride and better grip on more technical terrain.

Argh - This explains why I can't find another pair. Spring of 25 has come and gone, maybe it comes up next season? Surprised by the issues with durability as I have switched from Wide Topo Ultraventures which have not nearly the traction and rigidity of the Raptors and are also much less durable in my experience. I have a summer season including a lot of talus/high rout/off trail miles and the Raptors have held up incredibly well. Maybe due to the fact that they are GTX/Gortex? I could not find a wide non-gortex option in a size 49 currently for sale anywhere in the US or EU. The Raptor's lateral stability for a heavier person (210lb) on slope, scree and talus is incredible. I will have to wrap these in tissue paper until summer 2026. Tried my Ultraventures on a recent high route in wet weather and fell twice on slick rock/moss, they are relegated to cutting the grass now. Maybe I will try out the Terraventures as they are available in wide this year. Any suggestions for a rigid upper/aggressive lug and super WIDE toe box?

**Absolutely!** I’ve got wide/voluminous feet too and know the struggle. A few trail shoes that have worked really well for me (or others in the same boat): * **Altra Lone Peak** – Foot-shaped toe box, zero drop, super roomy. Great for comfort and natural splay. * **Topo Athletic Ultraventure or Terraventure** – Similar to Altra with a wide fit, but with a slight drop and more structure. * **HOKA Speedgoat (Wide version)** – Surprisingly comfy once broken in. The wide version gives more volume than you’d expect from HOKA. * **New Balance Hierro v7 (2E width)** – Cushioned, roomy, and solid grip for trails. * **Brooks Cascadia (Wide)** – Good all-rounder with trail stability and comes in wide sizes. Make sure to try them on if you can—volume fit can vary a lot even among “wide” shoes. Good luck out there! 👟🌲

I (F) wear similar road shoes to you, Topo Athletics womens Ultraventures have worked really well for me. They come in wides. They have a nice wide toebox, too. Not waterproof, however.

Hey! I hiked the PCT last year - also started in the Altra Lone peaks and ended up with plantar fasciitis. Then, also switched to Topo Ultraventures, which improved the PF but didn’t quite cure it, and I got some blisters. I ended up in the Hoka Stinsons. Wider toe box than the Speedgoats. I now swear by them. Shoes are highly individual though as everyone’s feet are different. Based on our similar experience, maybe these would work for you. As for blisters, try adding injini toe sock liners under your socks. This helps to decrease friction. If you don’t have gaiters, they can help keep out debris (which also causes friction). Keeping your feet as clean as you can will also help w blisters. If you have more than one pair of socks, give the pair you aren’t using a rinse and hang dry them on your pack during the day so they have less dirt in them (also a friction culprit).

Consider the Topo Terraventure. [https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-terraventure-4](https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-terraventure-4) I didn't like their Ultraventure (felt too squishy - I pronated like crazy) - but their Terraventure has held up decently for me. Feels (to me) like a wide toe box Speedgoat.

as a flatlander who runs relatively flat trails, i love my Topo Ultraventures and have been wearing them since the first version... they've survived lots of mud, snow, thorns and briars and the occasional random metal spike sticking out of the ground where an old fence post snapped off years before and do not wear out at the pinky toe like many other shoes have over the years!

6-1 225. I run in the topo ultraventures. Went through a lot of pairs to find em. If you get em at rei and they don’t work then take em back.

I’m between LP wide and regular and Topo Ultraventure fits me well in my mid foot and toe box.

Agreed with Topo. I got a pair of the ultraventures and really like them, but they are a bit sloppy on steeper downhills. I have a friend that loves the terraventures. I’ll probably try the mountain racers next.

I’d take the blisters over plantar fasciitis. So I’d stick with the Topos (you’re so fortunate the pain is gone) and I’d get some injinji sock liners which I think are great for blister control. 1000 miles of plantar fasciitis on the AT was draining physically and mentally and swapping to Topos from Lone Peaks helped but didn’t heal. You’ve healed - stick with ‘em 😊

What kind of terrain? Ultimately, the trails you're looking to run will really dictate the features you need beyond cushioning, density and fit. I'm mostly a fan of Topo due to the roomy toe boxes, lower drops (0-5mm), and nice variety of moderate to highly cushioned shoes for both trail and road. The trail shoes have a really nice gaiter system and most have Vibram outsoles. Some have forefoot rock plates and other don't. They sit in the $130 to $150 USD range in terms of pricing. If you want a lot of cushion and aren't on too technical of trails, the Topo Ultraventure is a great option. It's a high cushion, plush 5mm drop trail shoe with Vibram outsoles. It does not have a forefoot rock plate so it's best for more medium terrain, but is incredibly comfortable over longer distances. It works great from trail to road and on trails that are mostly dirt, but may not be the best for environments with a lot of rocks and roots. For more technical trails I really like the Topo Terraventure. It's a moderate cushion, balanced 5mm drop trail shoe with a forefoot rock plate and fairly aggressive Vibram outsole great for technical terrain. It comes in a standard and a weatherproof version. They are quite durable. I know a few trail runners who have put over 600 miles on them and they still had quite noticeable tread. I find them comfortable, but I'm not an ultra runner and haven't worn them over really long distances. Both shoes are in the drop range you're looking for and have wide to boxes with the option for Topo's performance gaiters. They're worth checking out. Good luck!

Brooks and New Balance both have great trail shoes (I am partial to the NB Hierro myself) and all come in wide. Topo Ultraventure are also decent, though I had issues with blisters in my foot arch on runs over 6-7 miles. I recommend against waterproof shoes. Get merino socks instead!

I think I have a similar foot to you - front is wide due to bunions but the rest of my foot is regular width. I absolutely love my Topos - I discovered them last year and am currently on my second pair of the Ultraventures (my pick for easy/mild trails) and first pair of Terraventures (good for muddy/rooty/technical trails). I still use some of my other shoes but the Topos quickly became the ones that I always reach for. I think the mtn racer is supposed to be a good all rounder - I found it wasn’t quite wide enough in the toe box for me, but I think they might be bringing out/have brought out a wide version.

I just switched to Topo. I went with a 5mm drop but it checks the other boxes. I have not put much time on them but out of the box I'm happy. Altra shoes started wearing out way to fast.

I've got a couple Topos as well and I love the fit, but the arch is too high for me, and the midsole is very 'meh' and seems to break down a lot faster than other brands.

Topos if you need arch support, altras if you don’t. I was planning on making the switch from altras to topos but the arch support in topos would make my feet hurt. I don’t have wide feet, but love the roomy toe box. The midfoot and heel fit almost perfect after using the runners knot. Lone peaks for the trail and escalantes for the road.

I recently switched to Topos after similar issues with the newer lone peak models. They have some more bounce, which took some adjustment, but now I like them lot!

Both my Topos ripped open in under 400-miles this year. Never had that issue with Altra. One of the Topos didn’t even last 200

Seconding everyone saying Topos. I have short but wide feet (I call them my hobbit feet) to the point where a pair of On Clouds once made my feet bleed on an easy 10-mile jog by compressing them so severely, and Topos are the only shoes I'll wear (tried Altras but the 0-drop thing doesn't work for me).

I also got PF from dabbling in topos after being an Altra user for years. It's too bad because they are so much better in many respects but the arch just doesn't work for me.

I have wide feet and went from Hoka to Topo because the Hokas were narrow and with the extra cushion I rolled my ankle occasionally. About 300 miles on the Topos and so far so good. Holding up better than my Altras did (shoe before the Hoka). I do miss the cushion. I got some inserts for them to get some cushion and they changed where the heels rubs and I could starts feeling a hot spot inside the first ten miles. Sinai took them out and just live with the reduced cushion. And that has been OK. I’ve kind of tuned out my feet hurting after like ten or so. I was talking to a guy once and said that your feet stop hurting. I decided after that is not entirely true. I think it is you just stop caring that your feet hurt…

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.

Topo is the correct answer. Go with Altras if you dont mind your achilles blowing up

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.

Like u/Responsible-Walrus-5 said, fit is the most important thing. That being said I used to hike with Altras, but on my first thru hike a friend and I both bought pairs of Altra LPs in a trail town, and in about a week both our pairs of shoes fell apart, and we weren't even hiking long days or in crazy terrain. Earlier models were much better (which is why I used them before that). If both fit you well, go with Topo, I switched to them a couple years ago and I've been very happy, but ultimately if they don't fit your foot, you're better off with Altras.

Trail runners all the way, trail runner technology has come a long way! They’ll be more breathable and lighter than boots. Altras are a classic thru hiking shoe but don’t have great longevity. Topo, Saucony, and Brooks I’ve had good experience with all of them. There’s also Salomon and Merrell, but I’ve never tried them. I’d recommend ordering a few pairs off of REI to try them out. You can return them even after using them.

+1 for anything Topo. Wide toe box and zero drop. They’re my go to for road and trail now

I highly recommend Topo Trail runners. I have wide feet and they are fantastic. I use them for all of my running now, road and trail. My current pair is the Runventure 4's and theyre fantastic. vibram sole and lightweight. roomy toe box. They are definitely worth checking out

I love Topo trail runners. Every person has a different foot & will likely find comfort in different shoes, but the wide toe box concept was a life altering discovery for me. I think several companies make shoes with wide toe box, but I like the fact that Topo makes durable shoes with wide toe box that are not all zero drop. I know many that love Altra as well, but most of their shoes are zero drop. To each their own 🤷

+1 for Topos. I have wide feet and they are great

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

Topo for sure. I made the move from New Balance to Topo and haven't looked back

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.

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.

I went to Topo from Alta and I’m very happy.

I'll put another vote in for Topo

Topo Athletic. I’ve heard the Pursuits aren’t as durable but the models I’ve tried hold up really well to abuse.

Topos are slightly less disappointing in terms of durability. 

I’ve found the TOPO to be an amazing shoe. Also not under $100 but the HOKA Speedgoat has an amazing sole for Rocky terrain. I wish there were quality trail shoes under $100 - seems an impossible task these days.

+1 for Topo, I go between the ultra adventure and mtn racer depending on tread needs for the trail.

I keep trying other shoes and keep coming running back to Topo. They make the perfect shoes for my feet.

TOPO’s fall apart. We called them Tape-o’s in my tramily and they were hell for one of our guys. Hoka’s are good but you can’t really feel the trail/ground because they’re moon boots, but comfy.

Topo athletic is worth looking into if you liked the wide toe box of Altras. They typically have minimal drop (0-5mm depending on the model), and so far durability has been good for me. The ones I've tried seem to have slightly more volume in the shoe, so on steeper grades it's been tougher for me to get my foot locked in well without over tightening, but that's the only negative I've got for them with my feet.

My Topos gave up after <400 mi…

Topo are standard wide toe box... and everyone I know that wore altra have now gone to Topo here in the UK.

Mm ditto. Currently four pairs. Speed cross, and a topo. i dont remember which one. Theyre minimalistish and a race prize. (Total brag).. I have plenty fine arches and their inserts or whatever hurt my feet without a super plush sock. But also a pair of torins and asics, gel contented? Idk. They were on sale $60. Good shoe though. New balance has, or had at least a less expensive trail shoe. I thought they were great and transitioned from trail to road on them regularly. Also I wear my torins on steep trail all the time.

I've been having good luck with the Nike Pegasus Trail 4, with the caveat that at 240# they felt too mushy/squishy in stock form. I dug out my Superfeet insoles and put them in, and that combo is working well. I've also had good luck with Topo Athletic trail shoes in stock form, but they're typically lower drop than I'm looking for these days. My shoes do tend to poop out around 250 miles, but whatcha gonna do.

Another former Altra guy that switched to Topo!

Altra makes shoes that are more that zero drop now but I've already been using Topo (a shoe with a similarly wide to box) for years. They both have a great foot shape for so many people, but it's advisable to change your drop gradually. Standard American tennis shoes have a drop of 12mm The Topos I run in have 5mm Altra has options for 0mm, 3mm, and 5mm if I remember correctly

I also switched from hoka SG to topo (green ones I forget) 300 miles into the PCT and it actually removed the knee pain I had had for years that was ironically caused by hokas

IME, Topo is wider farther back in the foot compared to Altra, plus give a little more support back further along the arch. This suits my wide feet well as Altra can sometimes rub where my lateral metatarsal joints are. Hope that helps.

Im a former altra guy. Topo is it for me. Fully worth a try. I also like the norda 002, but they are not quiiiiiite as wide, but I have ~1800 k on my first pair, and 600+ on my second pair.

Topo is your answer. Norda also great buy spendy

Seventy fifth vote for Topos.

I wore Altra for a few years and switched to Topo... they seem better quality and last longer. I do wear the trail runner (Pursuit) as an everyday shoe and it has held up really well even on concrete. I know it won't last as long because of this, but I just found them so comfortable I don't care. I just purchased the Ultraventure as well but haven't worn them yet.

Topos are super comfy but I couldn't imagine running an ultra in them. I loved my topos but started using the xodus ultra 4 when I needed a technical shoe and my topos got demoted to my road shoe haha. I mostly run on rocky terrain in the mountains so not trying to say anyone else would have the same experience as me especially if you run on more frequented trails.

I can't speak for everyone's experience, but topos for me are better for groomed trails. I have used them in the mountains but much prefer my sauconys over topos on rocky technical terrain.

Agreed. That’s why topo>altra. Altra is so sloppy at the heel where topo really starts narrowing the upper from the midfoot to the heel. Merrell could also have some really good shoes but are so sloppy at the heel.

The Topo big toe rub! Finally, someone else with the same issue as me! It was such an annoyance for me on the PCT in '22, and to my surprise, even their newer models do it to me. It's a tragedy, bc I love the way their shoes feel on me smh Yes actually, I'm currently trying out the Hoka Speedgoat 5s and love them. I never saw myself as a high-cushion shoe person, but they're greattt, just absolutely eat whatever surface you throw @ them. Feels like you have a rock-plate almost. **Just make sure to size up!**

Hey honestly would recommend your comfortable trail shoes with some good vibram sole and a deep cleat. Altra is a good option. I’ve also enjoyed topo. Something more oriented to climbing isn’t going to have good running hiking support. And in both it’s best to be comfortable in your gear

I’ve been really happy with my topo. Before that used only Altra

Topo athletic, stared using them about two years ago and they have the same roomy toe box altra has but with better durability imo

I'm a huge Topo fan. I've been wearing them for years, but lately, I've been going through them like candy. I'm considering switching brands - considering I've been brand loyal for years, this says a lot coming from me. Hopefully, you have better luck, because imo, they are the most comfortable shoe, and I like how they have different mm drops.

Hoka speedgoats were recommended via a place that goes Gait testing etc. I love the speedgoats for comfort they are great to hike in. Unfortunately their souls and the desert are very incompatible and they will wear out fast, so if you are expecting 500 miles per shoe, the hokas will not hit that, especially in the first 700 miles. Disappointed that I barely made the 260 mark on no tread, I switched to topos. Comfortable, love the toe box, and I got to say they designed a really intelligent shoe. I really really liked them, and they were very durable. Unfortunately by Wrightwood I was having knee issues I've never had before. I saw blaze Physio and she showed me how I was walking in those shoes. The solution according to her? Where Hoka speedgoats. I continued to wear them to hikertown, and gave someone they very good condition topos for my new rei ordered speedgoats and she was right. So how you walk really matters for the shoes you wear and these two different a lot. I really wish topos made a sole more like the speed goat or that hoka made a more durable shoe. At home I'm getting closer to 400 miles with the speed goats in pnw hiking but that desert Sands them down fast

I wear minimalist/barefoot/zero drop shoes day to day. I also hiked 1300 miles of PCT including all of JMT (well, the large part that overlaps) wearing a mix of Altras and Topos. I much prefer the Topos as simply much more durable and a bit more supportive, well worth the small weight penalty. Currently rocking the Traverse model. The year after my big hike, I attempted to hike a pretty tough 120-mile section "off the couch" using Vivo barefoot shoes instead of tried-and-true Topos. It was a total disaster. By mile 13, the soles of my feet were two giant blister cushions. I hobbled out the next day nearly crying from pain and hitched home, utterly defeated. Turns out padding and isolation from scorching hot jagged/sloped black basalt surfaces is important. So yeah, as u/_m2thet says, barefoot is good for maintenance of foot strength and gentle tread in normal, less demanding life conditions. Then when you put your feet to a hard test, you still want all the protection you can get.

Topo has road and trail shoes with wide toe box, good cushioning, and 4mm drop.

Topos. Absolutely wonderful shoes. Altra is my second brand I go to but Topo quality is better IMO.

The real answer is they can be awesome if they work for YOUR feet. People with narrow feet and a high arch tend to hate them and they can even cause a high arch to collapse from lack of support. My feet, on the other hand, are wide and flat so Altra has always felt great for me. Recently I have switched over to Topo. My problem with Altra is that anything with more cushion than the Lone Peaks loses too much foot volume with the increased padding. The Topos give me the extra padding, more inline with an Altra Timp, but don't squish my mid foot like the Timps do. I still wear Lone Peaks 9's from time to time, but I have less fatigue in my feet with the Topos.

I definitely rolled my ankles more in Speedgoats than I do in my topos or lone peaks. But I don’t think it’s as much about stack height as it is about forefoot width. Just having a wider base helps a lot for the stability, for me at least

Topo’s. Altra grip sucks whereas Topo use Vibram so you don’t fall over as soon as it rains. The new Inov-8 fits in wide are pretty good too - less toe room but good width through the midfoot. Topo are pretty standard fit in the midfoot (I’ve not tried a wide fit of theirs) so depends where your foot is wide.

Yep. Also have a very wide forefoot but a narrow heel. Topos fit great. They're low drop but not zero drop, not hard to get used to especially for trail.

I love Topos (I have \~ 5 pairs) including a pair of Phantoms for road training, but FWIW I don't use them as my road race shoes. I have a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speeds for that, the carbon plate makes them feel faster (dunno if they are, may be entirely psychological, but it's fun).

I'm a hiker, but also a singer (amateur, but singing with competent choral groups). The singing group did a tour of Ireland one year, and France another. I bought a pair of black on black trail runners, and used them throughout the trip (concert dress was all black). Worked great. Similarly, our family did an ecotour in Brazil a year ago. I picked dark-colored Topa trail runners for that trip as well. Another good choice.

Dozens- hoka, altra, topo, speedland and mount to coast. Rotate them all kinda. Two different sizes. I am a big guy and don’t cheap on my shoes. Whatever it takes to get the miles in.

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

I’m a pretty big fan of Topo Athletic trail shoes. Very wide toe box and their durability beats Altra IMO.

I also have an unusually wide foot and I have a love hate relationship with Topos. Love how wide they are but hate that the highest drop shoe they offer is 5mm. Not everyone is into the low drop trend. So basically for me it’s either a shoe that’s not quite wide enough but has a higher drop or a shoe that is wide enough but lower drop. Not to mention that Topo is just a newer brand is definitely still just figuring it out. The durability / quality of the shoes isn’t quite top notch despite $150+ price tags. Disappointing shoes but unfortunately the best compromise for me right now

I have been running in TOPO for a few years and I find them very reliable :) it’s not zero drop but not very high maybe 4mm

Your best bet is to find one of the prior generation of current shoes (Speedgoat 5, Topo, Altra, Salomon etc). Anything is going to be light years ahead of chucks in terms of traction and support. Head to your local run shop , let them know your budget and try on as many as you can - every make/model fits differently and everyone has different feet , trying on in person is the best way to make sure you get the most value for your dollars. Good luck 👍

I like Topo. I have similar feet and they have a great heel to toe ratio. I went up a size from my normal. Although, they don't wear as well as the Hokas in my experience. The front of the soles are peeling off after around 300 miles.

I did the AT this year. I would say 80% of us were Topos and 20% in Altras. Altras have a zero drop which is bad if you have calf/Achilles/plantar fascia tightness. I used to hike in Hoka Speedgoats until they made the toe box more narrow.

Another for Topa. I got the Terraventures recently as I wanted a wider toebox than my Hoka Mafates. Toebox is now great, but the rest of the Topo fit js a bit too wide for me 😅

Altra Olympus or Topo brand shoes. They’re the best out there. I live in Altras and recently discovered Topo. They’re just as comfortable. I haven’t worn hiking boots in 6+ years now for backpacking, hiking, scrambling, nothing, and I’m better for it

Every shoe will work for people differently. I did the first half in Topos and got terrible Achilles tendinitis and planter fasciitis. Made the switch to speedgoats at Shasta per the recommendation of the shoe guy and all symptoms started to get better. Though I had planter fasciitis until February the following year haha

I would also consider Topo. I find the fit of Altras a bit sloppy but Topo was much better in the midfoot.

Just got back from there on Saturday. I used my carbon trekking poles and Topo Designs trail runners I use for backpacking. Didn't regret either choice. I did store the second trekking pole after about 45 minutes of walking, since I found that one was enough and I liked having a free hand for grabbing the walls or whatever from time to time. The only regret I had was wearing Sealskinz "water socks" -- the kind that have a plastic layer inside two fabric layers. I would have preferred just using my wool hiking socks since my feet were drenched on the first step in the water anyway and the water was warm enough I didn't need the insulation effect. They were completely comfortable for 10 miles over nearly 5 hours in the water, but they were not needed.

Topo has zero drop. I went through xero trail shoes they were alright. Altras tend to fall apart these days.

Altra has the widest toe box out there. I think the ONLY possible other option to consider is LEMs. But that is why your toes are tight in others and Altra's are so comfy- best toe box. LEMs I tried on recently were also great! I have been a die hard Altra for more than a decade for all activities. But tried TOPO recently- and they are ok- but not as good on toe box. Lems were the same as I am used to with Altra- and seem to have a better lug (better on rocky terrain).

Another vote for Topo.

Topo athletic has a big toe box.

Topo makes great shoes Edit: I had Altras that were trash, but I love my topos

Altras are junk (I’ve tried two pairs) Topo Athletic are much better

If they're less than a year old, submit a warranty claim with Topo. They replaced a pair of my Topo's, no problem, when some fabric in the lining failed prematurely.

Topo. I run in the for road and trail.

Topo. I’ve backpacked everywhere in them. I prefer trailventure 4. Traverse is a mid narrow in the last, so they decided to sell it in a wide. Met a retired topo sales rep on the Colorado trail and he swears by the mountain racer. That’s going to be my next shoe.

Altras or topos....stable, but not sure they are "affordable". Agreed with others, no such thing as ankle support, but stability for sure. I had a pair of Saucony that felt great, but were ankle sprainers beyond a doubt. Running in Topos and Inov-8s now.

I don't have a pair of Lone Peaks, but I have some other Altras (Escalante/Paradigm), and they don't seem as wide in the toe box as my Topo Athletic shoes. If you like the Lone Peak, check out the Pursuit 2. Some other shoes, such as the Ultraventure, also come in wide.

Ever give Topo’s a try? I grabbed a pair that was on clearance at REI a few years ago, and alternated them with my Cascadias, and really liked them, but now they’re mainly my gravel cycling shoe

I love a wide toe box but can’t do zero drop. I don’t like the lack of push off and I’ve had plantar fasciitis in the past which is not suited for zero drop. I use Topo and Altra low heal to toe drop but not zero.

I had Ultra LP then changed to Topo, but have gone back to Altra LPs. I know the quality has been an issue, but my Topos also started showing signs of wear and tear early on.

I have 3 pairs. 1 each for trail, road, and treadmill. Currently all Topo shoes though I also use Altras on occasion.

Moved 2 years ago. Escalate and Timp feel apart. Ordered another timp and the build was sick low quality only 1 made it into my foot and returned. Topo is my brand now. Done with Altra

I wanted to like them - love the toe box and zero drop. But the mid foot is too narrow for me.

I’ve owned a few pies of topos over the years and my foot always spills over the outside of the sole

I bought some topos before my altras for running. I can't vouch for the material build quality but the midfoot was way too narrow, the toe box was a bit pathetic and the strange feeling of a structured insole with a very cushioned midsole was disconcerting. The worst part was the awful midfoot. Some "normal" shoes have a wider midfoot. I returned them and was relatively happy with my altras 9+ wide instead.

Topo, Altra and recently Inov-8 have adopted ‘Foot-shape’ style shoes that are wider een less pointy in the front.

Google will never get you there. And even individual reviews can be biased. You’re gonna have to try them on and see what works for you. “These run narrow” or “these run wide” is BS. It’s all relative to the individual. Sounds like you want a “low” and not a “mid”. And we’re immediately going to rule out Oboz and Keen and Merril. Try Solomon, try Topo, try even a bushido by La Sportiva.

My buddy had a pair of topo’s on his GR11 thru hike. I was with him for the first 18 days of it and by the end the top of the shoes by the tongue was completely worn through, so that the plastic-y interior material was coming through. They also had a hole in the side that I had to sew up for him. The soles were in reasonably good nick tbf, and the GR11 is a pretty tough trail, but the shoes were brand new at the start or the hike

Norda’s definitely worth it IMO. £250 in the UK, and I’m on my second pair. The first pair is still wearable, but the tread is nearly gone under the ball of my foot, but they have done about 800 miles of hiking and probably 4-500 of running. My first trail runners were a pair of Lone Peaks, which cost me about £130 in the UK, and lasted about 150 miles before they got their first hole… Norda’s are an up-front-investment but they do just last sooo much longer than any other pair. I made a comment higher up about Topo’s. My buddy who I hiked with for 18 days on the GR11 in the Pyrenees had a hole in one shoe, and both were split next to the tongue. My Norda’s were a little worn down on the sole, but aside from that were in good condition.