Altra - Experience Wild Series

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

Over pronater here as well; I run in Kayanos on road and Altra Wild 2 on trails.

The Altra Experience Wild has a 4mm drop. I love mine

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

Any of the Altra “Experience” line. They are 4mm drop with the same wider toe box. Topo wouldn’t work for me because though they have a roomy toe box, the midfoot and heel is actually regular to narrow, so my arch area would hang over the midsole and they just weren’t comfortable. I even tried the “wide” versions of Topos and they still had the same issue. I would really recommend trying some other brands that aren’t an “anatomical” toe box but do have wide sizes available. If you go with a 2E or 4E size, you will probably be fine even if it’s not a “foot shape” shoe. I really love Altras shape for my foot, but the midsole geometries/rocker/foam/cushion just aren’t my favorite. Check out the New Balance Hierro, that’s available in 2E and 4E width. Also Brooks has trail models in wide as well as Hoka.

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.

I've pretty much followed the same path as you and for over 100km: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo Mtn Racer 3 > Lone Peaks Although I think the LPs have the most forgiving shape and just this week, I got a pair of **Altra Experience Wild**, which are the standard Altra shape (LP are Original shape shape) but much bigger stack height and 4mm offset. They also take the Altra gaiter system, which I really like, so these may get to the top of the list- just need to get some runs in them. So, if you kinda like the LPs but want a bit more, these might be an option for you.

I stopped wearing the speedboats after the 4s bc I kept turning my ankle in the 5s so I can't comment on that but I do love the Hoka challenger (I ran R3 in those and they were just fine). Altra recently released a 4mm drop trail shoe too that I'm really liking: the experience wild. Good luck on your 50k!

I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. I've done trips in them for shorter times and have done okay but I'm also a fan of altras. JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally.

Altra Experience Wilds Less than 75 miles. 30% hiking, 70% gravel/light trail. They are destroyed. VF has turned Altra into a fairly poor value in my opinion from a longevity standpoint.

I’m hoping to get some suggestions from other runners with wider feet. I absolutely loved the original Saucony Xodus Ultras, but I’ve finally run through my stockpile and need to find a new go-to trail shoe.  About me: I’m a heavier runner (200lbs) with wider feet, so I need a good toe box and enough room in the midfoot (too snug and I end up with pain after longer runs.)  Here’s what I’ve tried recently: * Altra Experience Wild - Good fit, enjoying these so far. * Topo Ultraventure 4 - Also a solid fit, no complaints. * Topo MNT Racer 3 - Too narrow in the midfoot, caused discomfort after a 10-miler. * Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 - Unfortunately too narrow overall for me. * Peregrine 12's (wide) - Good for technical routes and quicker paces.  I’m open to rotating a few models for different distances and terrain. I’m curious about the following shoes but am open to other suggestions. Not a big fan of zero drops. Have caused calf issues in the past. * Brooks Catamount / Caldera / Cascadia * North Face Altamesa 500 * Norda 001 * NNormal Tomir 2.0  Would love to hear from anyone with similar need, especially if you’ve found a solid Xodus Ultra alternative that works for wider feet. Bonus points for shoes that can handle longer miles or varied terrain.