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.

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

I've been using Altra experience wilds. They have 4mm drop, I really like them.

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.

The Experience Wild is not plated and not expensive. You are thinking of the Vanish carbon.

ALTRA Wild 2 (4mm drop) if you want something reasonably priced, or the Wildhorse from NIKE (9/10) are good road to trail options that can see you through a lot. And both are really comfortable shoes. Asphalt all the way to "rocky" is a tough spectrum to cover it all, but those are the two that come to mind. Maybe try the TOPO Ultraventure 4, too, if you really need a wide toebox and some all purpose grip

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.

My Altra Experience Wild trail runners have been amazing. Bought them after a gait analysis and fitting at a local shoe store. Was not sure about sizing up a full size as shoe store recommended but did as they suggested and have had zero blister or fit issues. Definitely get some expert advice and then take the advice given. Ask about returns too. My shoe store offered exchange if I needed but 250 miles later I’ve bought two more pairs to have at the ready in the sz recommended. Will take a fresh pair to Spain next month for Camino Frances. More “rough walking” than true hiking but I think they’ll fit the bill.

Yeah my only caution is that it may not be the shoe. I wear the exact shoe, Altra Experience Wild, and have chunky feet, prob not swelling to the same extent. I have long 2nd toe. No issues. (Other than the occasional toe smashing that no shoe can address). Isn’t there a way to address the swelling (adema?)

I love the Altra Experience Wild. Loads of room, and 4mm drop.

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.

I have generally given up on durability. I use Altra trail runners and yes they begin to fall apart after 200 miles. But that's what fits me and keeps me outside so it's just the cost of my sport. I could go with something more durable but I would likely pay more and be less satisfied. Also I put in a warranty claim regularly because these shoes often don't last a year at the rate I use them. I often get my money back in that case.

Really like the Altra Experience Wild. If you’re not a fan/used to zero drop, this might work for you.

I have incredibly wide feet and the only shoes I've found to fit are Altra. I had a first run in a pair of Experience Wild yesterday and loved them straight out the box. The Lone Peaks are even wider, but also 0mm drop and low cushoning so they may not suit your running style

Have you used trail runners for backpacking before? I like Altras because they have the widest toe box. But they are zero drop and that doesn't work for everybody. They work great for me but I know plenty of others have disliked them. A lot of people like Topos and Hokas as well. The point is that shoes are way too individual for anybody to successfully recommend one that will work for you.

I did Paintbrush Divide last July, and this was my exact experience. I wore my Altra trail runners, and they held up well for most of my hike. There was a lot of rain on Day 1, and my shoes were so wet that I they were still damp when I started on Day 2. I continued up to Holly Lake and conditions were MUCH better for that hike...until about 8000', when I started to hit packed snow on the trail. My shoes thankfully dried out and were never a problem again. Our goal on Day 3 was to go up and over the Divide and continue back through Cascade Canyon, and most of our hike that day had crampons to deal with snow/ice on the trail. Unfortunately, we had to turn back just a few hundred yards from the summit because we didn't have ice tools and just didn't want to risk it. The ranger on the trail laughed at us and said basically, "That's what you get for coming in July. See you in mid-August next year."

Altra is not all zero drop anymore. Their experience wild is a 5mm drop trail shoe. And they have a couple road shoes with some drop.

I have the exp wild and I think I could manage up to 100k in them

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.

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

Glad to hear that. I've got a pair ordered right now. I had the Altra Experience Wilds before this and they felt pretty good, but the uppers tore right at 400mi.

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?

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.

Only time I use my Crispi boots is when I’m hunting and might have 100+lbs on my back packing out an animal. Anything else I use my Altra trail runners.

I use a pair of Altra Experience Wild for road/trail shoes (mostly gravel road) and they work great!

Trail runners for sure. I love my Altra's, though I have to say, I don't like the sole. The grip is pretty crappy, especially if it's wet. I love a vibram sole and wish Altra would shift to that material.

I have been exclusively hiking in the Altra's the past two seasons, last year primarily in the Lone Peak 7s, and a couple of months ago I picked up the Experience Wild's. Sure neither have Vibram soles, but I haven't had too many issues on my end. I still love my Lone Peaks for shorter sub 10 mile hikes, but then the added stack of the Experience Wilds make longer days so much more comfy. After 10 miles in the Lone Peaks, I can really feel everything under my feet, where as with the Wild's I had a 21 mile day this past weekend and not an inkling of soreness in the feet!

Amazing fit, comfy ride, looks great. The foam needs to last longer (I think it will be updated in the 3)

Everything you listed is a valid choice. People have different preferences. I have a few options depending on trail in the mood My default are Merrill Moab 3. I like how cool they keep me, they obviously excel in water (canyoneering, rafting, or just crossing), and I don’t usually feel the need for additional support/padding. I have even boot packed snow for six hours in them. I had wool socks on so plenty warm, even though my feet were soaked. I also have more traditional hiking boots. Columbia Newton Ridge mid WP for cold weather, if my ankles are sore, and just to mix up the pressure points on a multi day trip. Last, I have Altra trail runners. These are incredibly comfortable and I will use them if I’m on pavement, decomposed granite, or bare dry rock.

salomon speed cross: unmatched traction and high cushion, not super stable though saucony peregrine: great grip with deep lugs similar to the speecross, not as cushioned but more stable hoka speedgoats: good balance of stability, traction, and cushion, but if you’re running consistently on sharp rocky terrain they are gonna fall apart. their foam is notoriously easy to break down and tear altra experience wild: great cushion and stability, tread isn’t as aggressive but still grips on a wide range of surfaces, doesn’t run quite as wide as some other altras which may be a good thing for you to get a more secure fit la sportiva bushido ii/iii: my personal fav of the shoes mentioned, universally grippy on all surfaces, best lateral stability and rigid support, cushion is a bit lacking but not the worst

I second the recommendation of the Altra Exp Wild. I ran ultras in Lone Peaks for years and now have transitioned to Wild & Topo Trailventure.

I too am a Speedgoat guy and the Altra Experience Wilds. I love these two shoes so much.

I’ve got several pairs and they are my go to shoe now. IMO it’s the perfect combination of Altra and HOKA. I really appreciate how much more responsive V2 is .

I wanted to love these. I’ve enjoyed Salomon shoes in the past so much. Right now I’ve kind of become obsessed with the Altra Experience Wild 2. I like how responsive they are and it’s nice to have an Altra that doesn’t wreck my hamstrings. That being said I’ll still keep these Salmons in my rotation.

Have you tried the Altra Experience shoes? I’m pretty obsessed with them right now.

I strictly use trail runners. Like the Altras, though there are a lot of wide toe box shoes out there now. Gone through s lot of scree with them. I do go through them quickly.

I've just swapped from Salomon Speedcross 6 Wide to Altra Experience Wild. Nice shoe, nice fit, feels great on the toes, but aquaplanes with a bit of mud and my downhill confidence is shot. I'd use these for dry runs and routes, but I'm off to source Topo Athletic Mountain Racer 3 based on comments I'm seeing regarding grip and surface.

I've just moved to wider toe boxes. I was a Salomon Speedcross 6 Wide fan, but really they aren't that wide, they just allow stretching and don't restrict your feet like others. Durability has been great through, I've hit 666km and there's some wear on the inside of the heel where my sock rubs. It's rubbed off the first layer and left a wee hole, but I don't notice it while running so I still occasionally use them. What I've done is screenshot my retired gear in Garmin so you can see the distances I got to on the shoes. I've either retired them because of lack of tread or a tear inside or out that's compromised the shoe. Hey, I like getting my money's worth! Here's the screenshot: [https://flic.kr/p/2qTBaV7](https://flic.kr/p/2qTBaV7) Brooks and Salomon have done me well, but as I say I'm trying out wide toe boxes in an effort to help with the heel pain I've been getting for years. I've recently bought Altra Experience Wild and Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3. Both feel great, although the Topo has some great arch support in there, but haven't cranked up the distances yet.

I picked up a pair of **Altra Experience Wild (EU 44.5 / US 10.5)** last year for trail running. Big mistake, after only a couple of runs, both my *second toenails* blackened and eventually fell off. I don’t have a long second toe, but I do have **circulation issues**, so my feet swell and get wider than normal. That probably made the fit worse. Now I’m looking for a trail shoe that’s: * Wide enough for swelling * Low drop / barefoot-ish * Still practical for dirt, grass, and some rocky trails in Portugal Considering: **Altra Lone Peak 9 Wide, Xero Mesa Trail II, Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III AW FG.** Socks are also a question... do you prefer merino, toe socks, or something else for long runs? What would you recommend?

Yes, I feel them in the front of the shoe on downhill especially, but also in flat terrain.

I haven’t worn hiking boots in many years now. I only hike in Altras trail runners (Olympus is my favorite). When I travel for hiking, all I bring is my Altras and a pair of xero sandals.

Yes but a stiffer trail runner will be more comfortable on the rocks. La Sportiva, for example, is better for scrambling than an Altra. Both will work but for Dolomites would suggest something stiffer, with firmer lugs.

I agree with the Altra Experience Wild. I’m big and have wide feet, and run on a variety of surfaces. So far so good with the Wild 👍

Altra makes trail runners with a wide toe box. They’re my favorite right now. La sportive has been so so but durable in the past with narrower toe box than altra

Altra Wild is my new shoe. It’s a nice mix

Try Altra (Experience Wild, because of its 4mm drop) or one of Topo’s shoes, e.g. MT-5. Both have more of a foot shape. Whatever you pick, try to keep the shoe < 10oz. If the trail is not super technical, Hoka Cliftons would work great as well. Try them on at a store. Have fun!

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.

You have a wide foot, the Experience Wild doesn't come in a wide option... and also runs kinda short. What do you think happened that made that seem like a good shoe to try? Try a lone peak in the WIDE option... you want zero drop and know you need wide. Easy

My Altra trail runners are all I ever hike in. The slim and grippy sole makes them extremely safe in scree and rocky terrain.

I did my first 34km trail in Altra Experience Wild and I was very pleased with their performance. The best part is the grip, kept me stable on wet muddy surfaces. They were comfortable and light for running on concrete, and they drained pretty well after stream crossings in a tropical climate. I also appreciated the wide toe box for stability, as well as the extra room at the front to let the toes slide down when bombing downhill. The low drop definitely reduced the impact on my calves. I suspect they won't last long, as the durability over time is something I suspect. Overall happy considering I got them for £50 in a sale, but would be more mindful if I'd paid full price of £130.

For overnight hiking trips I've switched to Altra trail runners and love them, used to use hiking boots and then hiking shoes but these are so much better. I usually am barefoot in a canoe, switch to a keen style sandal for portaging to protect my toes. I always bring crocs (from giant tiger) for camp shoes.

Try the Altra Experience Wild (4mm drop), a very room toe box and forefoot area

You could try the Alta Experience Wild - 4mm drop.  I’m quite enjoying them.  I’ve tried to get used to zero drop, hiked in the Olympus for years because they fit my feet so well, but the downside is Achilles pain afterward.

I have brutal bunions on my feet and mangled ankles so I hadn't been able to get through 200K on any shoe over the past few years....Altras, Hokas, New Balance...I can in Solomans but they destroy my feet. I bought a pair of Altra Experience Wilds a couple months ago and almost got to 400K in those. Highly recommend trying. Bonus is they aren't zero drop...have a 4mm drop, so easier on my achillies as well. Needless to say Im onto my 2nd pair of these.

Common with the zero drops....I was in Olympus for a few years...same thing. Give the Altra Experience Wilds a try. 4MM drop has worked for me.