Any updated thoughts on durability of the Altra Lone Peaks? Has anyone needed 2 pairs to comfortably complete the C. France given the road walking? PS I"m not interested in seeing how much life I can eek out of a tired shoe just save money at the expense of my feet! Rather, I trying to be prepared to have to switch out if padding gets low as mileage increases. I totally respect my feet and will give them the comfort and support they need! I don't think you can get them easily in Spain so replacing during the walk might be tricky.
Have also just tried the Hoka Hoka One One Toas, a low cut boot with a (very partial!) partial Vibram sole. Feel a bit plasticy to me and I have the same concerns about durability.
I've walked the CF twice and the Portuguese once inTarghee II mids, entirely blisterfree. Love the added height at the ankle and swear by them for durability but am curious about something a little less bulky and more responsive. I took Altra Lone Peak 3.5s as backup on the Portuguese last year. Very comfortable but always worried about them being flimsy especially with the low cut. Thoughts?
The Lone Peak is a popular shoe for backpackers, especially thru hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail..
From my experience and in surveying users of these shoes and other trail running shoes for this activity, which is far more strenuous to a shoe than a Camino, a trail running shoe will be changed out, on average, after about 600 miles.
What an individual will state about the longevity of a shoe is less important than the average experience. The reason for this is there are too many variables which are seen between one individual and another individual: Gait, stability issues, pronation/supination, weight, etc. Even whether someone uses a hairdryer to dry a shoe.
As to blistering, I wouldn't attribute being blister free or becoming blistered on the shoe, unless it is improperly fitted. All shoes and boots will have users that do not get blisters when they have used them. What is of higher importance is making sure the fit is accurate and also feels good, so that the shoe is not too small under load and with insoles and socks and orthotics, braces, etc. that will be used.
Fit and feel are two different things, as a shoe may fit very well, but still be uncomfortable to wear. Also, shoes like the Altras, Hoka, Nike, New Balance, etc, do not require a 'break in'. If they do not feel good, or impinge on the foot, when you try them on, they will not improve much no matter how much wear you put on them.