Altra trail runners

[SteveNorthumberland]

Has anyone any experience of using these?

Am planning on doing the west highland way, my normal go to trail runners are inov8 but have seen loads of people over the pond using and swearing by Altria’s.

Just wondered what anyone’s thoughts and experiences were?

Thanks

[prog99]

Ditched innov8 a few years ago. Spent most of my summer wanderings in a cheap pair of moremile trail shoes. Fraction of a price and although not as durable they didn't last much less than those many times more in price.

[WalkWithWallace]

So many hikers raved about them, I was after a pair of the Altras too, but the flat profile didn't suit my feet when trying them on. Went with the Saucony Peregrine ISO shoes instead.

[SMRussell]

I have a pair of Altra King MTs and a pair of Superior 4s.

MTs: excellent lugs for muddy boggy terrain, but the lugs would make them a bit pants for the mixed terrain you'll get on the WHW. I'm not super keen on the fit, but I probably got these in a half size too small.

Superiors: I love these shoes. The zero drop and wide toe box make for an extremely comfortable shoe. They took a bit of getting used to as I wore barefoot shoes for most of my running before deciding to try out something more cushioned without loosing the zero drop and wide toe box. I've used them for running in the North Pennines and the Cheviots - so through a lot of bog and mud - and I've found them to me grippy enough and drain well. Not as good as my Inov8 X-Talon 200s for the bog and mud but the X-Talon 200s are not great for routes that will have mixed terrain. That's where the Superiors really shine for me. I've also worn the Superiors running through the streets and harder/gravelly local trails and found them just as comfy. The only two gripes I have with them are a) durability of the tread and b) ridiculously long laces. For a) I am a bit disappointed at how quickly the tread initially wore down, however, this has slowed and I haven't experienced dip in performance. For b) whatever, laces can be shortened or changed. Altra have recently put out a Superior 4.5 which, according to the reviews I have read, is an excellent shoe made even better. Apparently they've improved some issues with the Superior 4. The new model is apparently grippier and a closer fit. Am I going to buy a pair? Yes, yes I am.

Other shoes - I have a few pairs of Inov8 Roclite 290s. I used to find these an okay shoe for running but since my second ultra marathon they just don't suit my feet for running. I wear them for walking the dog. They don't drain as well as other trail shoes so wouldn't use them for a hike if I thought I was going to encounter any bog. I have started breaking in a pair of Inov8 Terraultra 260s. I was initially unimpressed for the first run but persevered. They drain better than expected and performed pretty well over mixed terrain, including running downhill through bog, and very grippy on rock. I've two ultras for next year a shortie and an 80miler. Its currently a toss up between the Altra Superiors and Inov8 Terraultras for the long one.

I would think the Superior 4s or possibly a pair of Altra Lone Peaks would be alright for the WHW.

[Ben More]

I've used Altra Lone Peak 2's for the last 3/4 years. The first pair did me on the TGO Challenge - twice; as well as other backpacking trips and local day walking. They were retired as the tops were starting to fall to pieces and the soles were getting pretty thin. They were fine on all terrains and extremely comfortable. Need to go a half size up from normal. Never had any problems with sore feet/blisters.

Loved them so much I bought two more pairs - at half price. The second pair has been well used on local walks because of Lockdown.

The third pair is still in the box - waiting for the second pair to expire.

Don't know about later models - but, these have been the best trail shoes I've used. May not suit all folks - feet are strange things - but, have been superb for me.

[kenncunn]

So many hikers raved about them, I was after a pair of the Altras too, but the flat profile didn't suit my feet when trying them on. Went with the Saucony Peregrine ISO shoes instead.

I wear a pair of saucony peregrines too very comfortable trail shoes

[SteveNorthumberland]

I have got a pair of Altra king MT’s fairly cheap and so far am impressed, I swapped the laces for some lock laces.

See how they go for a few weeks or so then invest in some lone peaks, I contacted altra Europe about sizing and fit issues between the lone peak 4.0 and 4.5 as the new ones have had the tongue stitched differently and the sizing is out slightly, they put me in touch with their foot specialist in the USA to discuss my individual requirements now that’s customer service.

[Tam Collie]

I bought a pair of Altra Lone Peak 4 back end of '19. I wanted to get into mountain running though jogging downhill is a better description. You get the idea, a wanna be fell runner.....

Anyway, I think they are brilliant. The Toe box is enormous and at first sight you'd think I had six or seven toes in there but they are really comfortable. I did wonder about the very low and flat profile thinking there would not be much heal protection on rougher tracks but again you get a solid placement and shielded from any sharp stones. I had always previously been a big B3 boot man in the mountains , but not any more takes these by choice now.

The lugs on the soles are large and provide good grip but I have been tripped a couple of times as I shuffled down a track and they caught ... but that can be put down to poor shuffling technique.

Draw backs, there are some .
Seem to be less effective at what I would call lateral grip, so when you are traversing they feel less secure. Maybe just me or the movement in the toes box but definitely not as good as going downhill (or uphill). Wouldn't scramble in them. They also wear noticeably quickly.

They aren't waterproof, not really surprising but an experience long since forgotten is wet feet. I remember the surprise at feeling sensation ebbing from cold white feet. Ways round it and as I said not really surprising. They call it breathable I believe, but you do have to be aware of this especially if you go out in the cold and the wet.

The biggest drawback for my PoV was that the material in the uppers (Lone Peak 4.0) is not very robust. I tore mine third time out when in heather, a big 2 inch tear down the side just above the sole. I was very disappointed . Bought a pair of INOV8 shoes as replacements but didn't get on as well with them and ended on youtube looking for a way of fixing them. Now fixed and thankfully back in use.

So these are my shoes of choice now and except on days were I might go scrambling or where crampons are going to be needed I'm more than happy with them.