Altras - different types ? how to modify the zero drop & comparison to other wide ‘toe box’ trail shoes.

[OzAnnie]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/altra-trail-shoes-versus-hiking-shoes.81959/

There is so much good feedback on the linked thread above.

I’ve chosen & ‘quoted’ below; just a few parts of comments made; to compare others I’ve worn - Hoka Bondi one ones, Hoka speedgoats, Brooks ghosts, (I also purchased Altra lone peaks 3 yrs ago but can’t understand the hype / they are still new).

I’ve read a lot of good feedback about Altras… BUT.. I am confused ? - the Olympus and the Lone peaks must be 2 different animals ? I don’t need any possible problems with ‘Achilles ‘ that others have experienced with (? Is it the zero drop or is it just the lone peaks? ).
My ‘test drive’ a while ago with the Altra lone peaks felt like I was working hard in the back of my legs )calves.
Not supportive or comfortable like the brooks ghost or the Hokas. But the draw card was their wide toe box.
Some of you mention swapping inserts for the ‘super feet /green’. Does this help with the zero drop ? I wondered ‘what I could add’ to make that part (zero drop) better and give them another test.

The Brooks ghost are a beautiful comfy trail shoe / my preference ; but the tread isn’t great. The Hoka speedgoats I found better than the ‘Bondi one one’s’ because of their vibram soles.

I am loath to buy another brand while I am visiting USA and end up with another pair of new (expensive) shoes that don’t work for me. I do buy them from REI sometimes when I’m here but can’t really make use of their return policy from
Australia. So…are there more supportive Altras? Would the Olympus fit that bill?

Wondering if anyone has ideas on the ones I’m comparing or if our shoe expert @davebugg still checks in here & has any thoughts on the above ?

@Simonvw23 said:
I tried the Altra shoes. After a few months, I had issues with my Achilles tendon. I went to physio for weeks to no avail. My brother-in-law was a podiatrist. He stopped me wearing the shoes one day and said that's what's giving you the Achilles issues. It's not uncommon for the no drop shoes to create tension in the Achilles -

@MARSKA said:
I bought the Altra Olympus. Love them!

@mattythedog said:
bought a pair of Altra Lone Peaks last summer and trained in them a few weeks. Loved the light weight and wide toe box; one of the best fitting, comfortable, lightweight pairs of shoes I have worn in a long time. I believe the 0 toe heel drop contributed greatly to severe Achilles tendonitis. I switched back to Brooks Ghosts for my Caminos this year.

@peregrin peregrina said:
i would warn against the lonepeaks. you will feel every sharp rock- of which there are many- pounding on the bottom of your feet.

@margotwolfe said:
I wore Altra Olympus for my Camino (San Sebastian to Oviedo to SdC to Muxia to Finisterre.) Probably 650+ miles. I used Superfeet insoles,

@Betsybro said:
I also trained in Lone Peaks and love them too but they are different than the Olympus. The Olympus is better for the cobblestones of the Portuguese. The Olympus have more cushion and they are sturdier than the Lone Peaks.

 

[tjz]

If you really like the wide toe box (I do), you may want to consider Topo Athletic. I got a pair and they have a great "foot shape" toe box like the Altras, come in an Achilles friendly drop, and have what appears to be a very durable Vibram sole on some models. I got the Mtn Racer 2, which looks like it may be discontinued probably for a new Mtn Racer 3, I expect. Compared to my Hokas, they are not as cushy and comfortable (nothing is), but the toe box is much better even than my wides size Hokas. The only drawback besides the cushiness is they are very tight across the top of my foot for me. That may or may not be true for your feet, so might be worth a try if you can try them on in a store or get them online with free returns. They seem like a well made shoe to me otherwise.

 

[OzAnnie]

Thankyou @tjz
I’ll see if I can find the Topo Athletic & check them out.

 

[Itsnever2late]

If you really like the wide toe box (I do), you may want to consider Topo Athletic.

Thank you @tgz. Compared to other walking shoes you have tried, are the Topo Athletic &/or Altra a similar fit (length wise) for the same shoe size. Cannot purchase either model/brand of shoe locally and need to take my chances online.

 

[klimmo]

The achilles problems come from the zero drop and that for those of us who are often walking in shoes with a slight heel. The problem basically is that your achilles has become shorter than needed for walking bare foot. Tight tendons can also create problems higher in your leg (shin splints, calves, knees and even hips), so it's always a good idea to keep those tendons, muscles of the foot and lower leg nice and supple, whatever drop you choose.

If you're used to walking in "normal" shoes, it will take time before your feet are used to always being flat in zero drop shoes. It may take months of babying your feet. If it's just about the wide toebox (love it!) then Topo is a good alternative (they offer 3 and 4mm drop shoes too). Brooks and some other brands also have shoes with a wider toe box.

I've had problems with my achilles since teenage times and whereas before the advice was to use inserts etc to "support" the achilles, the advice has made a 180 and now my specialist is all about stretching and making sure the achilles is long (within my limits) and supple. Since I've started doing this I have actually been able to start running again (ultras even), so I'm a convert to the zero drop way of thinking now. N=1.

My favorite Altra's are Mont Blanc for hiking and trailrunning (they have a vibram sole and are so nice and sticky on rocky surfaces) and Torin for walking and running. The Torin's would have probably served me well on the CP.

 

[Jo Jo]

Just tested Topo's Ultraventure 3 for 5 days on St. Olav's Way in Sweden. Wide toe box, (not Zero drop, which takes some getting used to) and pretty cushy. They have just earned a spot on the CP for this fall (even with all those cobblestones). The key for me is that unlike the Hoka's, Topo keeps their heels narrower so I don't get the big blister on the inside of my heels from by heel rotating in (and rubbing against) the shoe (even with the ankle lock lacing as tight as I can stand it).

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Altra Lone Peaks have been my hiking shoe of choice for four or five years now. I have never had any Achilles problems, and the cushioning is just fine for my needs. My only complaint is how quickly they wear out! The fabric over the ball of my foot consistently develops tears, and the heel counter doesn't hold up for long. These are relatively expensive shoes, and I'd expect them to hold up better and longer for the price paid. I intend to try out another model next time, and hope for a better value.

 

[Rebecca Rushton]

Yes, zero drop invites Achilles issues if you are susceptible, tight or haven't taken the time to wear them in gradually. You can negate the zero drop by adding heel lifts (eg: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm...). All depends on how much lift you need and how much you can fit in your shoe without your heel no longer being contained comfortably within the shoe. Just make sure you add to both shoes, or you'll be giving yourself a leg length difference.

 

[gfrommeyer]

I found this discussion interesting and informative. I have been wearing Altra Lone Peak for a few years and have had no problem with Achilles. I also love the thin bottoms. Rather than feeling the rocks I find that they enhance stability. My feet conform better to the environment when walking on rocky surfaces. I had Hoka One One's on my first camino and had knee problems due to stability issues not to mention the blue toenails. The Altras last year were perfect. That said, I have been looking for alternatives with the wide toe box for something that is a bit more attractive for city trails and walking. So I am watching the alternatives suggested in order to try something else. But I will be sticking with the Altra for Camino walking.

 

[El Cascayal]

I had Hoka One One's on my first camino and had knee problems due to stability issues not to mention the blue toenails.

For my first Camino, I also had HOKA Speedgoat 3, and developed horrible Achilles tendinitis. I switched to Topos which worked great, for awhile they had a manufacturing/distribution problem that has since been resolved. Moved on to Saucony Peregrine which has wide lugs, an 4 mm drop, and are comfortable and long lasting, I now buy the men’s version because they are wider. Annie, hope you get a chance to try some of these out. Ultimately, everyone’s foot no matter how similar, is different.

 

[asl]

Just tested Topo's Ultraventure 3 for 5 days on St. Olav's Way in Sweden. Wide toe box, (not Zero drop, which takes some getting used to) and pretty cushy. They have just earned a spot on the CP for this fall (even with all those cobblestones). The key for me is that unlike the Hoka's, Topo keeps their heels narrower so I don't get the big blister on the inside of my heels from by heel rotating in (and rubbing against) the shoe (even with the ankle lock lacing as tight as I can stand it).

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

Add another to the Topo camp, and echo the point about the narrower heel. BIG PLUS, if you purchase directly from them, you can try (YES, wear!) the shoes for 30 days to see if they actually work for you. If not, send them back.

 

[Gringazolana]

Topo lover here! I put fancy insoles in them, and then ended up adding the original insole in there too. Finally gave me the cushion and support my feet needed.

My podiatrist said no zero-drop shoes for me, after having plantar fasciitis surgery in both feet.

 

[tjz]

Thank you @tgz. Compared to other walking shoes you have tried, are the Topo Athletic &/or Altra a similar fit (length wise) for the same shoe size. Cannot purchase either model/brand of shoe locally and need to take my chances online.

Yes, in my experience, the Topo and Altra shoes are true to (what I expect) size. For hiking and running both, I wear my shoes about a size large for all the swelling that can occur after a bunch of miles in a day. I've gotten used to that less than snug feeling, though.

 

[Stumbledore]

If you really like the wide toe box (I do), you may want to consider Topo Athletic. I got a pair and they have a great "foot shape" toe box like the Altras, come in an Achilles friendly drop, and have what appears to be a very durable Vibram sole on some models. I got the Mtn Racer 2, which looks like it may be discontinued probably for a new Mtn Racer 3, I expect. Compared to my Hokas, they are not as cushy and comfortable (nothing is), but the toe box is much better even than my wides size Hokas. The only drawback besides the cushiness is they are very tight across the top of my foot for me. That may or may not be true for your feet, so might be worth a try if you can try them on in a store or get them online with free returns. They seem like a well made shoe to me otherwise.

Second Camino with Topos, and happy.. Tried Speed Goats during training but missed the Topo wide toe box.

 

[JillGat]

Thank you @tgz. Compared to other walking shoes you have tried, are the Topo Athletic &/or Altra a similar fit (length wise) for the same shoe size. Cannot purchase either model/brand of shoe locally and need to take my chances online.

I just got some Topos and I wear the same size as I did in the Altras in Women's Wide.