Lone Peak Series

And to be clear I meant the 9+ with the vibrant soles, they are superb.

My altra lone peak 9’s have a few hundred rounds in them and going strong. Might not be minimalist enough for you though.

Altra got sold to the largest clothing company in the world a few years ago, and imo their stuff changed. I don't like the LP designs any more, so i scour ebay for older LPs in good condition. Personally the LP 5 in black/red is perfection.

Agree, LP5s are my holy grail, i buy all the ones in my size on ebay and fb. I have stockpile of \~6 pairs right now, need more to last me the rest of my life.

Appreciate it but 10.5. Another reason I love the LP5s is the color combo of black w/ red trim is my ATF.

Altra got bought out by VF Corp (the largest clothing company in world). Since then the design and materials look much worse imo.

I mean the design for the current model. It looks cheap, doesnt feel as good to me.

i also rec Altra Lone Peaks. they're trail running shoes, but i own several pairs as i find them to be comfy for walking around cities as well. some of the models look fine w/ casual outfits (tho i'm a slob so ymmv)

I did Altra LP4's and they were fine for a few seasons (two different pairs, cuz they only last 300-500 miles) backpacking, but the zero drop was a big adjustment, like 6 weeks worth of sore calves. Also, during that time I developed a bone spur on the top of the knuckle of my big toe, and I think the extra flexion in the Altras maybe made it worse? I loved how light and airy the LP4s felt; like wearing slippers that I could grip onto rocks and run downhill in. I've switched to Hoka Speedgoats (5's right now) and they're great, but the do wear down pretty quick. I might stick with Hokas but take a look at Topos. I love how soft and comfy the Hokas are; as much a game-changer as the Lone Peak's airy toebox.

I went through this evolution 15 years ago and it's very common. I was in the hiking shoe camp for a while, but jumped from them to Altra Lone Peaks, now I'm on my fourth pair of HOKA Speedgoats. I'm in trailrunners all the time unless it's super sloppy, deep snow/snowshoeing. I don't do a lot of miles in those conditions, so I might take out my boots 1-2 times per year. During summer, I'm fine to just walk through streams vs. swapping shoes, as the trailrunners with wool socks will be warm and dry out. Downside is most trailrunners last 300-400 miles, so about half what I was getting with hiking shoes. I've had my boots for 14 years or so.

altra lone peak 7s last year 8s this year and I’ll try the 9s next year, I like drop point shoes for DG

altra lone peak 7s last year 8s this year and I’ll try the 9s next year, I like drop point shoes for DG

Yes, they are extremely popular with many long-distance backpackers. But it also depends on how sensitive your feet are. Their stock insoles are lightweight. If you need more support/protection, take them out and put some Superfeet insoles in.