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Have always walked in my Vasque boots that were part of my uniform in the National Park Service for many many years. Always got blisters by the second week of a camino. Last summer bought Altra Lone Peaks, walked my usual 4 mile exercise walk (over a hill and down again) for about a month, then walked the San Salvador in early September -- no blisters. Don't know about "no drop." Just one person who swears by Altras and will be wearing them on the Primitivo in May.
For me, as a runner the shoe should not have to have a break in period. I should be able to go out and run 6 miles out of the box and if not the shoes isn't for me.
The Lone Peaks have been fine out of the box as well. I wouldn't even consider the vortex model. Rain will cause shoes to get wet and lighter fabric dries faster.
I was excited several years ago when Altra's were new on the market as the New Balance I had been running in had just been discontinued. The NB's had a wide width although the toe box did not have the volume that Altra's have. The NB was not a zero drop but had a low drop. I had no transition time and no achillies or calf pain. I have also worn Earth Shoes for years and they have a negative heel drop.This is encouraging. I read on their website, and was told at REI, that I should not go "cold turkey" with Altras. The no-drop totally changes the footstrike, they say, and it may result in achilles and/or calf muscle problems if you don't transition. I'm taking from your comments that that was not your experience?
I LOVE my Altras. I have a C width foot, which is awkward since most women's shoes are a B and men's/women's wide are a D, so having that extra space in the toe box is perfect for me.
@peregrina2000 For the corns, have you tried toe socks? I don't know if this would make a difference or just exacerbate the problem, but Injinji makes a whole line of athletic toe socks--another must-have for me when I run.
I LOVE my Altras. I have a C width foot, which is awkward since most women's shoes are a B and men's/women's wide are a D, so having that extra space in the toe box is perfect for me.
The transition to the zero-drop construction will largely depend on what type(s) of shoes you were wearing before. If your shoes had a larger drop (10-12mm--you can usually find this info online), it'll take more time. A smaller (4-6mm) drop will take much less time and you may not notice it at all. As others have said, the main place you'll feel it is in the achilles and calf, so some extra stretching in those areas will do you good. Also, if you don't want to/can't spend a ton of time walking in your Altras before your camino, walk around barefoot or in socks as much as possible. This can also wake up those foot/leg muscles that are used to just relaxing. Lastly, as far as the zero-drop totally changing your foot strike, this is more true in running than in walking. When walking our heels can withstand the impact much more than they can in running, so an ideal running foot strike would be in the middle of your foot, rather than hitting on the heel and then rolling forward. When running, the impact on your foot is several times your body weight, and our heels just aren't made for that. I'll stop now, but I cannot recommend Altras enough!
@peregrina2000 For the corns, have you tried toe socks? I don't know if this would make a difference or just exacerbate the problem, but Injinji makes a whole line of athletic toe socks--another must-have for me when I run.
LOVE INJINJI! They have NuWool which is a merino wool. Years ago I broke my little toe on my right foot and it likes to curl in under the next toe. The injinji help keep the little guy from doing that. I wear the light weight for running.
Oooo, that's a hard question.f you were going to start walking in 3 1/2 weeks, and if you had suffered from these horrible corns for the last 5 or 6 years (only on Camino), would you:
-- use your beloved Salomons with a protector around your toes
OR
-- take the plunge with Altra Lone Peaks 3.0 ?
That is my dilemma, which, as my daughter always tells me, is clearly a first world problem.
1) Adjustment.-- how much adjustment time did you need? Does this no-drop system work for you?
-- will an orthotic mess the whole no-drop system up? I always walk with heavy, but very squishy, silicone orthotics.
YESSSSS! By all means!peregrina2000 said:-- take the plunge with Altra Lone Peaks 3.0 ?
I saw that Chris is looking at Hokas and has gotten some good advice. Hoping there are as many Altra users out there. I have read every post I can find talking about Altras, and on Friday bought a pair. The ONLY reason I bought them is because they seem to have the widest toe box in the world. I get very painful "wet corns" between my fourth and fifth toes every year like clockwork after about my first week on the Camino. I am pretty good at ignoring the pain, and it hasn't stopped me from walking, but omg it can be very painful. There is no way to get rid of them till I stop walking, and then they dry up and go away withn a few days. My doctor has told me to find wider toe boxes, so that was what I found at REI last week.
The whole "no drop" feature is not something I really care about one way or the other, and I suppose it may be foolish to start out on a camino in about 3 1/2 weeks in a shoe with a totally different construction than I have ever worn. But I am thinking it may be worth the risk, since I know I will otherwise get those dang corns.
My main questions, other than general advice (I see a range of opinions, as is to be expected -- I got the Lone Peak 3.0 on the recommendation of the REI guy and can´t change that now since I am three hours away from the store)
-- how much adjustment time did you need? Does this no-drop system work for you?
-- will an orthotic mess the whole no-drop system up? I always walk with heavy, but very squishy, silicone orthotics. I got them in response to a big heel pain problem back more than 10 years ago when I had to stop the Vdlp, and haven't had that problem since.
Thanks for your help. Buen camino, Laurie
No, not at all. I tried these, but found that they are bulky, and don't breathe at all, too. Lambswool does the same thing really well and has none of these disadvantages. And it's lighter, too. So lambswool and paper tape have become my go-to defenses against toe trouble.I fear that it will just reduce the space available for my toes to spread out. Is that a silly concern?
-- Though my heels slide up a bit when I walk, since I do have narrow feet everywhere but the metatarsal and toe box area, I am going to buy some of the ENGO patches and put them in before I start. Hopefully that will make for a better heel fit.
Buen camino, Laurie
!
In this video you can see how to correctly use all the "eyes". That's the standard way for running shoes.Are the shoes laced all the way? I notice many people neglect to use all the "eyes" provide, leaving the last set empty. Does that make sense? I lace my shoes using all the eyes and don't have an issue with slipping on the heel.
Wow, thanks so much to everyone. Rather than respond to everyone's comments/questions indiviually, I can comment on them all here. And of course they raise even more questions!
My current thinking is that I will wear the Altras and leave the Salomons home. If I have problems by the time I hit Granada (only 200 km from Almeria), surely I can find some Salomons there and ditch the Altras. I will also bring my heavy chacos (rather than the light ones I brought last year for walking around after walking and in shower). I spent two weeks on a fairly active trip in 2016, and wore nothing but my chacos. No day hit 30 plus kms, but many were surely around 20 at least. I think that's pretty good evidence that my feet are generally fine in Chacos and I can try them in a pinch.
In case anyone else is agonizing over the choice of shoe (you have to agonize about something pre-Camino, right?), here is more of my reasoning.
-- I haven't worn heels, other than an occasional wedding, in more than 15 years probably.
-- Though this construction does feel a bit weird (as Earth shoes always did for me), I am in day 2 of just wearing them around and I am adjusting.
-- Though my heels slide up a bit when I walk, since I do have narrow feet everywhere but the metatarsal and toe box area, I am going to buy some of the ENGO patches and put them in before I start. Hopefully that will make for a better heel fit.
-- I have been to three podiatrists in town and two sports medicine doctors. None offered me the kind of advice that Dave got. But since Altras are on the sheet he saw, that suggests that there is some professional consensus with the REI recommendation.
-- I take VN's caution very seriously, it would be just my luck to solve one problem and create another. For me the problem of tendonitis/shin splints is a real one, but it is in my Salomons as well, and I obsessively search for off-road alternatives, even if it means walking gingerly through knee high weeds. I will return to my practice of preventitive icing, and hope that helps.
-- I will also take some of those little squishy tubes that go around the toes and try them out. I was reluctant to try them in the Salomons, since I fear that it will just reduce the space available for my toes to spread out. Is that a silly concern?
Bet you didn't think I could have so many reactions to these posts. I guess you would say I have entered the "obsessing phase" of my shoe dilemma.
Buen camino, Laurie
p.s. And @ortemio, this issue will create an immediate bond between us when we meet up in the Bar Entremares in Almería in a few weeks!
In this video you can see how to correctly use all the "eyes". That's the standard way for running shoes.
So you have the maximum comfort and total control.
Are the shoes laced all the way? I notice many people neglect to use all the "eyes" provide, leaving the last set empty. Does that make sense? I lace my shoes using all the eyes and don't have an issue with slipping on the heel.
Thanks, Laurie,Laurie, i’m planning to wear my Brooks Cascadia‘s on the Camino next month. But I also bought a pair of Altra 3.5s to train with part of the time, so that I can save the wear and tear on my Cascadia‘s. I LOVE both pairs of shoes, but here is my observation:
The first day I wore my Altras for 7 miles with pack, I had a bit of soreness in the front of my ankles the next day. I also felt that my hamstrings worked a little harder than when I wear the Cascadia‘s. But I also felt that if I wore that the Altras exclusively, those problems would go away pretty quickly.
Have a very buen Camino! We’re starting from SJPDP April 26, can’t wait!
Great news, Elaine (not about the rain, which is really too bad, but about the shoes!). I am not concerned about getting wet, since my feet always get wet in goretex anyway, at least if it's a big rain. These look like they will dry faster than my salomon goretex, and that's just as important IMO.Laurie, I’ve just finished 300 km in Andalucia in my Lone Peak Altras, and it’s the first time in ten years that I’ve been able to hike all day with no foot pain. The zero drop feature takes the pressure off the front of your foot. My podiatrist recommended them. I wear a custom orthotic in mine with no problems. Every day I am thankful to have found them. Two drawbacks compared to my husband’s Keens: mine slip more easily on wet rocks, and although they are supposedly the waterproof version, they get wet inside much faster than his. However, I wouldn’t trade them for anything! I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. ( And you are very wise to be starting in Almería. The Serranía de Ronda where we are has had almost a month of steady rain.)
Elaine
http://hiking.topicwise.com/doc/GenalValley
Hi Laurie!! I have a pair of Altras. Mine are the Timp Trails. I have Plantar fasciitis and my shoes take the pain away. I love them!! I have done a lot of hiking with them on the weekends. I have put an insert in them. I did call the company and asked if doing that would negate the zero drop. I was told no but my logic says yes. Either way it feels good with the insert and makes me feel good to protect my feet as much as possible. They do not hurt when hiking and they do not hurt afterwards. And I absolutely love the wide toe box! We start walking the Camino Portuguese on May 8 out of Coimbra!I saw that Chris is looking at Hokas and has gotten some good advice. Hoping there are as many Altra users out there. I have read every post I can find talking about Altras, and on Friday bought a pair. The ONLY reason I bought them is because they seem to have the widest toe box in the world. I get very painful "wet corns" between my fourth and fifth toes every year like clockwork after about my first week on the Camino. I am pretty good at ignoring the pain, and it hasn't stopped me from walking, but omg it can be very painful. There is no way to get rid of them till I stop walking, and then they dry up and go away withn a few days. My doctor has told me to find wider toe boxes, so that was what I found at REI last week.
The whole "no drop" feature is not something I really care about one way or the other, and I suppose it may be foolish to start out on a camino in about 3 1/2 weeks in a shoe with a totally different construction than I have ever worn. But I am thinking it may be worth the risk, since I know I will otherwise get those dang corns.
My main questions, other than general advice (I see a range of opinions, as is to be expected -- I got the Lone Peak 3.0 on the recommendation of the REI guy and can´t change that now since I am three hours away from the store)
-- how much adjustment time did you need? Does this no-drop system work for you?
-- will an orthotic mess the whole no-drop system up? I always walk with heavy, but very squishy, silicone orthotics. I got them in response to a big heel pain problem back more than 10 years ago when I had to stop the Vdlp, and haven't had that problem since.
Thanks for your help. Buen camino, Laurie
I saw that Chris is looking at Hokas and has gotten some good advice. Hoping there are as many Altra users out there. I have read every post I can find talking about Altras, and on Friday bought a pair. The ONLY reason I bought them is because they seem to have the widest toe box in the world. I get very painful "wet corns" between my fourth and fifth toes every year like clockwork after about my first week on the Camino. I am pretty good at ignoring the pain, and it hasn't stopped me from walking, but omg it can be very painful. There is no way to get rid of them till I stop walking, and then they dry up and go away withn a few days. My doctor has told me to find wider toe boxes, so that was what I found at REI last week.
The whole "no drop" feature is not something I really care about one way or the other, and I suppose it may be foolish to start out on a camino in about 3 1/2 weeks in a shoe with a totally different construction than I have ever worn. But I am thinking it may be worth the risk, since I know I will otherwise get those dang corns.
My main questions, other than general advice (I see a range of opinions, as is to be expected -- I got the Lone Peak 3.0 on the recommendation of the REI guy and can´t change that now since I am three hours away from the store)
-- how much adjustment time did you need? Does this no-drop system work for you?
-- will an orthotic mess the whole no-drop system up? I always walk with heavy, but very squishy, silicone orthotics. I got them in response to a big heel pain problem back more than 10 years ago when I had to stop the Vdlp, and haven't had that problem since.
Thanks for your help. Buen camino, Laurie
Laurie, another thing I just thought of: I am actually using my orthotic on top of the inserts that came in the Lone Peak high-tops. There is enough height in the toe box for me to do this. It is saving the heel area inside the shoe from being chewed up by my orthotic. I don’t imagine everyone would have enough room to do this, but it works for me. Another unusual thing that has worked is loose lacing (to the point of “sloppiness”) in the lower part of the shoe and fairly snug lacing in the ankle. I thought this might cause blisters, but it hasn’t. One day I tightened up the toe area to lessen the sliding around, but it turned out to be an uncomfortable solution. I mention this because maybe some things that are conventional wisdom don’t apply to Altras. It’s worth experimenting to see what works for you.
Altras have changed my walking comfort so much that I am actually carrying two pairs (and I weigh every ounce that goes into my pack). My second pair is the knit top Escalante (see the soles in the journal entry going up later today). I brought them “just-in-case” but the Lone Peak high-tops have worked out so well, I could have left the Escalantes behind. They have been great for stream crossings, though.
Have a wonderful walk. I’ll be looking for your entries on the forum!
Elaine
Wow, thanks so much to everyone. Rather than respond to everyone's comments/questions indiviually, I can comment on them all here. And of course they raise even more questions!
My current thinking is that I will wear the Altras and leave the Salomons home. If I have problems by the time I hit Granada (only 200 km from Almeria), surely I can find some Salomons there and ditch the Altras. I will also bring my heavy chacos (rather than the light ones I brought last year for walking around after walking and in shower). I spent two weeks on a fairly active trip in 2016, and wore nothing but my chacos. No day hit 30 plus kms, but many were surely around 20 at least. I think that's pretty good evidence that my feet are generally fine in Chacos and I can try them in a pinch.
In case anyone else is agonizing over the choice of shoe (you have to agonize about something pre-Camino, right?), here is more of my reasoning.
-- I haven't worn heels, other than an occasional wedding, in more than 15 years probably.
-- Though this construction does feel a bit weird (as Earth shoes always did for me), I am in day 2 of just wearing them around and I am adjusting.
-- Though my heels slide up a bit when I walk, since I do have narrow feet everywhere but the metatarsal and toe box area, I am going to buy some of the ENGO patches and put them in before I start. Hopefully that will make for a better heel fit.
-- I have been to three podiatrists in town and two sports medicine doctors. None offered me the kind of advice that Dave got. But since Altras are on the sheet he saw, that suggests that there is some professional consensus with the REI recommendation.
-- I take VN's caution very seriously, it would be just my luck to solve one problem and create another. For me the problem of tendonitis/shin splints is a real one, but it is in my Salomons as well, and I obsessively search for off-road alternatives, even if it means walking gingerly through knee high weeds. I will return to my practice of preventitive icing, and hope that helps.
-- I will also take some of those little squishy tubes that go around the toes and try them out. I was reluctant to try them in the Salomons, since I fear that it will just reduce the space available for my toes to spread out. Is that a silly concern?
Bet you didn't think I could have so many reactions to these posts. I guess you would say I have entered the "obsessing phase" of my shoe dilemma.
Buen camino, Laurie
p.s. And @ortemio, this issue will create an immediate bond between us when we meet up in the Bar Entremares in Almería in a few weeks!
I saw that Chris is looking at Hokas and has gotten some good advice. Hoping there are as many Altra users out there. I have read every post I can find talking about Altras, and on Friday bought a pair. The ONLY reason I bought them is because they seem to have the widest toe box in the world. I get very painful "wet corns" between my fourth and fifth toes every year like clockwork after about my first week on the Camino. I am pretty good at ignoring the pain, and it hasn't stopped me from walking, but omg it can be very painful. There is no way to get rid of them till I stop walking, and then they dry up and go away withn a few days. My doctor has told me to find wider toe boxes, so that was what I found at REI last week.
The whole "no drop" feature is not something I really care about one way or the other, and I suppose it may be foolish to start out on a camino in about 3 1/2 weeks in a shoe with a totally different construction than I have ever worn. But I am thinking it may be worth the risk, since I know I will otherwise get those dang corns.
My main questions, other than general advice (I see a range of opinions, as is to be expected -- I got the Lone Peak 3.0 on the recommendation of the REI guy and can´t change that now since I am three hours away from the store)
-- how much adjustment time did you need? Does this no-drop system work for you?
-- will an orthotic mess the whole no-drop system up? I always walk with heavy, but very squishy, silicone orthotics. I got them in response to a big heel pain problem back more than 10 years ago when I had to stop the Vdlp, and haven't had that problem since.
Thanks for your help. Buen camino, Laurie
Yeah, well, why not if all goes well over the next fortnight? And you can throw a roll of micropore tape and a packet of lambswool in your pack easily enough. They weigh very little.get to Granada. I do like the feel of the Altras, and the Salomons felt a bit tight when I put them on right after wearing the Altras, so i am currently leaning towards starting out with the Altras.
Feet are worth obsessing about. Full stop.I know I am obsessing about this but I would be obsessing about something camino related at this point anyway!
That's the difference between to experience fullness, awareness, bliss and fun in a Camino and...Feet are worth obsessing about. Full stop.
(Which is what happens if you don't think about them...)
Hey Laurie, would love to hear an update as to how you went in the Altras for the rest of your Camino?Just saw your post Nina! Thanks for the advice. I am delighted to say that on day 8 or 9 my Altras are absolutely fabulous. No blisters, no foot pain and NO PAINFUL CORNS!!!! Knock on wood. I do have to be careful about lacing to prevent the pain across the top,and that means my heel slips a little, but with cloth tape across the back of both feet I am fine.
I am also finding that my feet feel much less weary when walking on asphalt, which I attribute to the good cushioning.
Happy to be sitting in Pinos Puente, shoes off, getting ready for the last bit to Moclin.
Buen camino, Laurie
Brilliant, thanks Laurie. So happy for you that you found a piece of equipment that just works for you. I just ordered the Altra Superior and Timps online - will see which feels the best and hopefully they'll go alright on the CP!The shoes held up great and have a fair bit of life left in the tread and cushion, I walked about 1000 km in 32 days and my feet were happy the entire way. Not one blister, not one corn. After a couple of weeks, I was able to lace them normally without getting any pain on the top of my feet. My hypothesis is that it took my feet a while to adjust to the new foot strike from the "no drop" feature. I walked a number of long days, 38 - 43 kms, and my feet were never weary -- I never had that "I can't wait to take off my shoes" feeling that my heavier boots and shoes used to give me after a long day.
The one issue that I am debating is the waterproofing. These Lone Peaks had something but it wasn't great. Walking through wet grasses in early morning for a couple of kms would get my socks and feet wet, but they dried very quickly. I did have one 20 minute rain and my feet got wet but were dry again in a half hour or so. I have never had much luck with goretex keeping my feet dry anyway, and they do take a LOT longer to dry than these trailrunners. I know Altras is working on better waterproofing, but I have heard from some outdoor types that they prefer no waterproofing at all because of the shorter drying time.
I have posted this in other threads, but I think we on the camino are way behind the times. Trail runners are by far the most popular shoe worn on wilderness trails in the US, and the Camino is much less wilderness than they are, which means even less reason for hiking shoes or boots.
This photo was taken in 2015 of one lonely pair of trail runners. Doubt I’ll be able to take a photo like this again.I have posted this in other threads, but I think we on the camino are way behind the times. Trail runners are by far the most popular shoe worn on wilderness trails in the US, and the Camino is much less wilderness than they are, which means even less reason for hiking shoes or boots.
Suggest you try replacing the standard inserts with gel type - I use Scholl "Work" gel insoles - they seem to dissipate heat better and provide improved cushioning without altering the zero drop setup.I've been trying a pair of Lone Peak 3.5 and it's very different from my LaSportiva Wildcats that I've used on the last 3 Caminos. Very comfortable but, there is this sensation of walking slightly uphill in sand when I walk on pavement. Must be the soft cushioning combined with a difference of 12mm to zero drop. I imagine this just takes a little getting use to. But more concerning is how hot they are!! It's 63 degrees and cloudy outside, just went for a 1mile walk and though my feet didn't sweatthey del like they were on Fire, did someone put a heating pad under the soles? Is this normal, does it have something to do with the zero drop and using feet muscles more? To be clear I'm not experiencing and friction to cause the heat.
How are the Lone Peaks with regard to lateral stability on some of the uneven paths and steeper down hills? Do they feel "sloppy"?
The trail runner version. By lateral stability I am thinking in the mid foot.
Any compensation by the lacing will help to control excess volume. In other words, if all excess volume around your midfoot and forefoot was capable of being eliminated with just the method of lacing, you are able to control how much of that volume is taken up. You can keep the tension as light or as heavy as you wish, so there is no need for making things too tight.What about extra space in the toe box if the midfoot is stableized by lacing?
The lateral stability is pretty good. A lot depends on how much volume/width your foot takes up in that shoe, though. It is a wide toe box thru the midfoot, so a person with a low volume/width foot will be doing a bit more 'slipping' around in it on very uneven terrain.
Some of that can be dealt with variable tightness in lacing the shoe, and if their is some slippage, it can even be desirable as a shoe that is twisting as it rolls over, will twist around the foot and is less likely to force the foot to twist and roll over with it. That gives the wearer a bit more time for the wearer to adjust his/her weight off of the that foot to save / prevent injury to the ankle in the more serious twists and rollovers.
I wore out two pairs of Lone Peak 3.5, and since March I use the more recent Lone Peak 4.0.I have done around 500 km in them so far, and with 6 weeks until I start the CF I will rack up a few hundred more in training. No real visible sign of tread wear yet, but will they last the distance? Should I get a new pair soon and do just a few weeks in them keeping the old pair for the bulk of my training work-up? Any feedback much appreciated. Cooee.
Hi, Geoff,Based very much on the good advice in this thread I purchased a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail runners for my first Camino this Sep18. I am very happy with them - they were great straight out of the box; no blisters (so far at least - fingers crossed) and quite comfortable. The only very small niggle is that I have found them a little slippery on wet, smooth bitumen. Has anyone else experienced grip issues with these shoes? But my specific question is about their longevity. I have done around 500 km in them so far, and with 6 weeks until I start the CF I will rack up a few hundred more in training. No real visible sign of tread wear yet, but will they last the distance? Should I get a new pair soon and do just a few weeks in them keeping the old pair for the bulk of my training work-up? Any feedback much appreciated. Cooee.
Many thanks for the good advice. Will do. CooeeHi, Geoff,
I didn’t have any rain, so I can’t comment on the traction on wet smooth surfaces, but it was great on all on and off road surfaces I encountered from Almería to Salamanca. That’s about 1000 kms, and my shoes were just starting to get little holes on the top (later, someone told me that washing them off to get the dirt off every night would extend their life becuse the dirt particles eat at the fibers). But the treads are still quite good. I would buy a new pair if I were you, though. Others have posted pictures of taped shoes while still on the camino, and I think the company guarantees 500 miles in the US.
I was very happy with my Altras, but I know that in the rain I would have gotten wet feet. That seems to be the way thru-hikers walk these days — you get wet feet, but they dry quickly in these shoes. Buen camino, Laurie
Thanks Priscilla - good feedback. I will get a new pair for the CF. CooeeI bought a new pair of Altra Lone Peaks for my CF journey in 2016, after putting many miles of mountain hiking on my first pair. I'm glad I did! I remained blister and pain free -- I have major structural issues with my feet and have a hard time finding shoes that work. These Altras have changed all that.
Buen Camino!
Thanks for your feedback Piero. Seems the consensus is as you say - get a new pair for the CF and train in the old ones. CooeeI wore out two pairs of Lone Peak 3.5, and since March I use the more recent Lone Peak 4.0.
Both pairs last more than 1200 Km before "retiring" them. The soles were still in good condition at the end.
About the uppers, a small crack appeared on the external sides of the tissue of the uppers of all shoes after about 700 Km, and I patched them with kevlar+dacron tissue to make them last longer.
My policy is to use my shoes, in their first 500-600 Km, only for running, and then they are "redirected" to the hicking/nordic walking activities, because after that period the elasticity and shock absorption of the inter-sole decreases.
So, all in all, Geoff, I suggest you to buy a new pair of shoes and break-in them before starting your Camino, and keep the others for short walks/trekkings.
I am on my 3rd pair of Altras. I get about 550-600 miles a pair. I hike in all circumstances from desert to high mountains. They are the only trail runners that I find comfortable with my plantar fasciitis other wise I wear Keen boots. I prefer the lighter. Along with my Darn Tough socks even when wet and muddy my feet stay warm. I do replace the liners with Super Feet.Based very much on the good advice in this thread I purchased a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail runners for my first Camino this Sep18. I am very happy with them - they were great straight out of the box; no blisters (so far at least - fingers crossed) and quite comfortable. The only very small niggle is that I have found them a little slippery on wet, smooth bitumen. Has anyone else experienced grip issues with these shoes? But my specific question is about their longevity. I have done around 500 km in them so far, and with 6 weeks until I start the CF I will rack up a few hundred more in training. No real visible sign of tread wear yet, but will they last the distance? Should I get a new pair soon and do just a few weeks in them keeping the old pair for the bulk of my training work-up? Any feedback much appreciated. Cooee.
Based very much on the good advice in this thread I purchased a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail runners for my first Camino this Sep18. I am very happy with them - they were great straight out of the box; no blisters (so far at least - fingers crossed) and quite comfortable. The only very small niggle is that I have found them a little slippery on wet, smooth bitumen. Has anyone else experienced grip issues with these shoes? But my specific question is about their longevity. I have done around 500 km in them so far, and with 6 weeks until I start the CF I will rack up a few hundred more in training. No real visible sign of tread wear yet, but will they last the distance? Should I get a new pair soon and do just a few weeks in them keeping the old pair for the bulk of my training work-up? Any feedback much appreciated. Cooee.
Thanks for the update Davie - much appreciated. Yes, I have ordered a second pair for the CF. CooeeHiya Geoff,
I used Altra Lone Peak 3.5's on the Norte & Ingles in June/July and a few more miles on my return home. They are looking a bit worn on the soles but I think they are good for 1000 miles total. (although I always avoid road-walking where possible).
I am currently planning the Via Serrana & VDLP in February 2019 using two pairs to overcome any snow/rain issues. Lately, I have been watching a load of VLOGS on the Pacific Coast Trail and it seems the goto footwear out there are the Altra Lone Peak 3,5's.
As you can tell - love the shoes
Davie
Good advice - Many thanks. Have ordered a second pair - will look at the liner issue as well. CooeeI am on my 3rd pair of Altras. I get about 550-600 miles a pair. I hike in all circumstances from desert to high mountains. They are the only trail runners that I find comfortable with my plantar fasciitis other wise I wear Keen boots. I prefer the lighter. Along with my Darn Tough socks even when wet and muddy my feet stay warm. I do replace the liners with Super Feet.
Appreciate the feedback Vacajoe - second pair have been ordered. Cooee.My Altra Timps were a bit slippery out of the box and through the 1000kms they lasted, but the comfort and blister-free nature made up for that one flaw! Uppers had holes before the tread was worn down but they lasted.
However, I’d be a new pair and wear them for a few days before your Camino - your current pair have done their part already.
Hi Geoff, i have a pair of the Altra Timps and agree that the grip of smooth wet surfaces isn't great. But love everything else about itBased very much on the good advice in this thread I purchased a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 trail runners for my first Camino this Sep18. I am very happy with them - they were great straight out of the box; no blisters (so far at least - fingers crossed) and quite comfortable. The only very small niggle is that I have found them a little slippery on wet, smooth bitumen. Has anyone else experienced grip issues with these shoes? But my specific question is about their longevity. I have done around 500 km in them so far, and with 6 weeks until I start the CF I will rack up a few hundred more in training. No real visible sign of tread wear yet, but will they last the distance? Should I get a new pair soon and do just a few weeks in them keeping the old pair for the bulk of my training work-up? Any feedback much appreciated. Cooee.
Thanks Katie, I agree - I have ordered a second pair for the CF. CooeeHi Geoff, i have a pair of the Altra Timps and agree that the grip of smooth wet surfaces isn't great. But love everything else about it
Thanks, but not in Australia yet. Happy with 3.5’s so have got second pair on the way. CooeeThe Lone Peak 4 model is now out and has "a stickier sole and an updated lug pattern for more grip". www.altrarunning.com/men/lone-peak-4
Good old Keen mids! Gotta' love 'em!Laurie @peregrina2000
Hmmmmmm sounds interesting- I’ll be on the lookout for the verdict after the real-time test on camino. Sounds like you’re offering yourself as a Guinea pig. I looked at Hoka ones but the odd base made me a bit nervy about the walking mechanics, so didn’t buy them.
I have had corns (2) in same place as yours between 4 and 5 toe on right foot. I can’t walk long without my tiny ‘podiatrist special for me’ soft spacer . Even though I’ve been back a few times for extra backup ., none have been as good as the first one she made for me. You just have to be lucky there too.
I had tested shoes recently and bought a pair of Brooks Ghost. So comfy and wide toe box but I’m going to walk in my old Keens mid boots as they are goretex lined and it’s going to be cold and wet for me this time I think. The ghosts are ‘airy ‘ and would be great if warm and dry.
Good luck with the test Laurie
Buen camino
Annie
Hi @PilgyGood old Keen mids! Gotta' love 'em!
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