Experience Wild Series

Altra trail runners. Or any trail runners really. You don’t need climbing specific approach shoes.

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.

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 found for the Altra Experience Wild I had to go up half a size to get the right fit. Maybe try that? Mount To Coast T1 might be worth a look, I think it’s a decently wide toe box. I also think a lot of On shoes have a roomy forefoot.

Altra has their Experience Wild 3, which is a 4mm drop. I have the original Experience Wild and it works well for my wide foot, though I did have to go up half a size in that shoe vs my other Altras.

Altra Experience Wild are 4mm drop

I’m going to do my best to answer your question with the experience I have. The pros of military (also often seen as “tactical”) boots is they’re generally heavier duty and, like you said, a work/hiking hybrid. I don’t know when you were in but you may have noticed that a lot of brands for the Army and Air Force have moved towards a sneaker style boot. Some examples of brands doing this are danner, Nike, or under armour. Your Bellevilles and Bates are almost certainly more of a work style boot than a sneaker style boot. With that, the sneaker style boots are not nearly as durable as the heavier duty work style and can wear much faster. The main cons of military style boots are their bulk and weight. Some brands (see above) cut down on the weight by making them into a sneaker style, which is why so many in the force use those types. Another con is their height, 8-10in (for everyone other than SOF dudes) are just over the top for most hikers. MANY hikers and backpackers consider anything over 6in to be excessive as it doesn’t seem to provide actual ankle stability. However, Garmonts are massively popular for a reason so it really comes down to the individual. As someone that has hiked long distances is military boots, “tactical” boots, traditional (think leather based) boots, and trail runners; I prefer trail runners. You probably have seen that pattern already though. I like them for their lightweight, great grip, and relatively low price. I really have loved my Altras but also my Mount to Coast T1s. People kind of sleep on Mount to Coast in the hiking world but ultra runners love them so I figured they’d also be good for backpacking, and I’ve found that they are. Also, if you’re really hooked on something a bit more familiar and heavier duty I really recommend Crispi, those things are borderline indestructible and have a phenomenal fit. Hope this short essay helps!

Various Altra models. Lone peak series are pretty decent. However, for comfort for 50ks and longer, I have been using the Altra Mont Blanc Carbons. More response and better all day comfort. The Exoerience series are pretty decent, my boys run trails races those and love them.