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 heard the Altras are REALLY different in every update, so it's possible another style or iteration will work for you. I went to my local Fleet Feet asking for "Altras with arch support" and I'm eight pairs deep on Topo Athletic. I LOVE the Ultraventure 3. Drop and cushioning vary by style.
FWIW, I have a broad forefoot, high arch, and narrow heel, so I always skip one hole over the top of foot, do a lace locker, and curl my toes when I pull my laces snug to lock in my heels without crunching the tops of my feet.
>Somebody mentioned they might not be as wide in the toebox as Atras but I don’t find that to be true
Altra Lone Peak 9 toebox width\[0\]. Topo MTN Racer 3\[1\], Traverse\[2\] and Ultraventure 3\[3\]. Make of the 3-5mm width difference what you will, but it seems there is a consistent difference. Your feet may simply be narrow enough that your toes aren't close to touching even the Topo toebox. The Topo toebox is above average width to begin with.
\[0\] [https://runrepeat.com/altra-lone-peak-9#toebox-width](https://runrepeat.com/altra-lone-peak-9#toebox-width)
\[1\] [https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-mtn-racer-3#toebox-width](https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-mtn-racer-3#toebox-width)
\[2\] [https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-traverse#toebox-width](https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-traverse#toebox-width)
\[3\] [https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-ultraventure-3#toebox-width](https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-ultraventure-3#toebox-width)
honestly the lone peak 8 is the obvious answer but the fit is a little different, the toe box runs slightly more tapered than the mont blanc if i remember right.
if you're open honestly the lone peak 8 is the obvious answer but the fit is a little different, the toe box runs slightly more tapered than the mont blanc if i remember right.
if you're open to branching out, the topo ultraventure 3 has vibram and zero drop and i've seen a lot of former altra people migrate to it pretty happily. i tried a pair for a few months when i was living somewhere with actual technical terrain (arizona chapter, brief but painful) and they held up well on wet rock.
the altra olympus 5 is also worth a look if you want more cushion, but the tread compound isn't quite the same vibe as the mont blanc...anyway, condolences on the retirement, those shoes had a good run.
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1
Mount to Coast
H1
85% positive of 177 users
Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
Gummmbeee
