❤thanks. I add: First walk yesterday with my new bought Altra Lone Peak 8 ... amazing. I was happy for each uneven ground, gravel, stones, branches etc. ... and I felt real save. Is it easy and light ... it is right ... as always in life.🍀 In addition Falke socks with ergonomic fit. And .. for transition phase ... I use sometimes toe spreaders (silicone) and go always barefoot in my home. I am so glad having these shoes ... so I trust I will make my 1st Megamarsch (50 km/12 h) in March '25. All my old shoes and heavy hiking boots that do not fit anymore I have sorted out ... too short ... not enough room for my feet. The big toe box in my Altras give my feet and toes enough room for "unfolding their real potential" ... as always in life. I am now 61 ... with real flat spready feet ... and not only shoe lessons learned ... 😉🙏 Greetings from Germany 🙋🏻♀️🇩🇪
I transitioned to barefoot style shoes almost 2 years ago now. It took me around 4-6 months for my muscles, ligaments, and bones to get used to it. My feet are super strong now. My achilles and calf area is super built. It took me a while to relearn how to walk. To get my hips aligned and landing on my midfoot vs heel. Nowadays, I do daily ankle, hip, and shoulder mobility exercises and my knee and hips issues have reduced significantly. @GrownandHealthy and @TaroIwamoto channels helped me a lot with transitioning and general aches. I still use Altra Lone Peak 5's when backpacking, but looking to switching to zero drop Topo Athletic shoes for the Vibram outsoles.
Nice one Paul. I switched about 6 yrs ago and don't wear anything else, no hip or knee pain, no corns etc and I'm pushing 70. For anyone worried about ankle support Altra do a mid boot, slightly higher ankle support and also more recently a proper hiking boot. Durability is always a compromise but like you said its like wearing your favourite slippers.😊
I'm almost 66! and have been a fellrunner, backpacker and ultra distance trail walker/runner for 50 years now... I've tried Altras twice over the years and can't get on with them. Inov8, Hoka's and New Balance all the way for me 👌 I'm lucky I think, but after many thousands of miles no pain in knees, ankles or hips even after consecutive 30+ mile days over mountainous terrain. Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge! As regards wet feet.... "embrace the suck" as they say... skin's waterproof in my experience! Great video Paul, cheers Alistair 👍
I switched to these a while ago. I didn’t have any issues - possibly because I walk 30k steps daily with the dog. I’ve also found my aching knees have disappeared. Similarly to you, these are my daily wears.
Indeed I changed from boots to trailrunners. First my favorite brand was Salomon... but now, I am convinced of Altars for a year. Got the LonePeak and the Superior. I Love them.😊
I have been hiking in Altra lone peaks for years and have thousands of trail miles on them. I now have pretty strong ankles and have never had a issue with rolling my ankles. Hiked both the West Highland way and coast to coast in April and May this year with no problems. No body pain or blisters 😊 Paul just keep a eye on the wear of the soles. By the end of the C2C. I was slipping and sliding in the English mud.
I was having massive issues with my ankles and knees, switching to lone peaks and other barefoot shoes has been transformative! I personally will never go back to conventional shoes
I've also done this recently! I bought a pair of HokaOneOne Speedgoat V and haven't looked back. I considered the Altra's but couldn't find my size with UK shipping. Both are popular on the PCT. I'll be saving the UK-style "heavy" walking boots for super-muddy mid-winter walks!
Speedgoats for the win . I am on my second pair and love the cushioning and grip. No low drop stuff. I put 500 trail running miles on the first pair. Hokas or go home 👍
@@michaelmoyer9792 When eventually your knees hips and whole body gets messed up from rediculously unnatural footwear, you won't be so happy anymore. You're weakening and taking out of balance your whole kinetic chain.
I have been using altra Lone peak for hiking for 2 years now, and it has been the Best transition i have ever done. Also no more kneepain for me. I did not had a period of time for My foot to get used to it, though i know many does. I instantly just felt better when hiking. Last year I went running a trail instead of hiking, just because I suddently was able to. I have not been able to run in more than 15 years. I also havent felt Any pain in My back since I startet using them though I have a injury in My back. Love Theese shoes❤
I've gone full weird mode and wear Vibram 5 Finger V Trek's for hiking. I get stopped so many times with questions on trail for wearing them and love to speak about the benefits! The Altra's in this vid look like perfect transitioning shoes. So glad you've seen the light Paul!
Recently tried these Paul.. super comfortable and do agree with your comments about cushioning and waterproofing. last few miles of my walk back yesterday was on hard surface and did feel it!
I love my Altras. I did notice when I was wearing them all the time the tread wore out a lot faster. I now have an older pair for everyday use and a newer pair that I only use for hiking. If you haven't looked into it yet, they also make a few models with more ankle support, such as the Lone Peak Hiker. And if you want one with more waterproofing, there's the Lone Peak All-Whtr and the Olympus Hike that both come in low and mid height versions. Also wanted to mention another recommended way to avoid bashing up your toes when hiking is to buy a half size bigger shoe than you normally wear, or a big enough size that you can fit the width of your thumb between the end of your toes and the end of the toebox.
Thank you very much Paul for this great video! I'm a beginner in hiking and still figuring out the best gear for me, i've had a lot of recommendations for wearing trail runners for hiking so i started doing some research. Your video is one of the best i've seen so far for this topic.
Glad to hear that zero drop shoes have fixed some problems for you. I have been wearing them for about 4 years now and I prefer less cushioning. I do not use regular shoes any more. My old shoes don't fit cos my feet have resumed their natural shape. My shoes of choice are vivo barefoot and I even like the five toed Vibrams that are designed for trails. Would not go back to clogs except for winter or using crampons. Great video 😀👍
Made up for you mate. As a professional mountain guy, I think it's about time you started fell running. Been watching you a while now, fell running is hiking the ups and running the downs. Perfect training for your longer efforts. Altras: great. It's about time the UK wised up to getting away from massive boots.
I've been thinking about zero drop shoes for a while and investigated the pros and cons. I had an ultra walk last weekend (63 miles) and 2 weeks beforehand the shoes I had been planning to use failed. I bought some Altra Lone Peak 5 and only had a week to try them out- and only for very short distances and only on easy flat surfaces. I wore them for the ultra walk and they were brilliant- very comfy with no foot or blister problems. I was so happy I immediately bought a second pair 🙂 I'm a definite zero drop convert
I switched all my shoes and boots to barefoot/wide toe box after suffering from bunions. Problem fixed so much better. Even changed safety boots at work as I wear for nearly 10 hours a day. My only problem is on a long distance walk with camping gear they give me terrible blisters so I have now taken to pre strapping the hot spots on my toes. Chase mountain is 👍 another great video Paul thanks
switched to trail shoes a few years ago and love them, all you need is a few pairs of seal skins and I find them so much nicer for the big distances that we cover here in the wet, boggy peak district, just added the Altra shoe to my list, great review
Most videos are just "this is what I did...". I prefer your videos because the majority contain lessons, suggestions etc. For us beginner types this is vital. Keep it going.
I made the switch to trail runners a few years ago, opting for the Hoka Anacapa High tops. The MOST comfortable shoes I've ever walked in, covering getting on for 350 miles in this pair alone. Supreme comfort across all terrains. Hoka are from now on, my go to brand. As for the aches and pains, I totally agree with you, I have had no problems at all.
I hiked the Colorado Trail (480 miles) 2 years ago in Altra Olympus 4’s. Incredible shoes - no blisters, no hotspots and very little aching feet. Have just hiked The Skye Trail (80 miles) in Altra Timps (they were cheaper at the time of purchase) and they performed just fine. Olympus are my preferred shoe as the Vibram sole means they’re super grippy and they’re more durable than Lone Peaks but all the Altras I have owned have been great.
I love Altra shoes. A female friend of mind bought some and she said she no longer got knee pain as well. They have a really light hiking boot with ankle support that I love too
Great video - you are such a good communicator/educator! I'm a huge Altra fan myself, but you've said it all better than I could have and any time I want to encourage someone to consider trail runners and zero-drop I'll send them them to your videos.
Paul I had really bad cronic ancle issues and like you I did research and I changed to the altra no drop shoes, within 2 weeks my ancles were better and I've been using them for about 3 years now, took me about a month to get used to the no drop.
I've just received mine after watching your review. Managed to get the All Weather version on a sale (£71 😮😮) and fits perfectly. This is the shoes I've waited for a very very long time. Fits perfectly, comfortable, looks fabulous and waterproof! I can't thank you enough bringing this to my attention. 😀 I will try them tomorrow in the Chiltern Hills 😅
I agree Paul they are a game changer 👍. I have had a problem with pain in the arches of my feet for few years. I purchased a pair of altra lone peak all weather three months ago and my feet have thanked me for it. No more pain 🥳🥳. Cheers Paul. Atb Sconja 👍👍
About two months ago I went for the summer, winter mountain boots to Karrimor Sabre V2 Trail Running Shoes. No blisters and comfortable! Not for snow and winter but great for summer, autumn.
Love my Altras! I only wear zero drop foot shaped shoes. Can't imagine wearing anything different. Pairing barefoot style shoes with Injinji socks has completely eradicated my blister problem.
Like you I suffer from knee pain and so I went down the same route and bought the Altra Olympus as they are gortex lined and I need waterproofing. First time I wore them I thought I’d wasted a lot of money as I only walked 2km up hill home from my workplace and my legs ached like hell! But I stuck it out and switched between them and normal trainers hourly until I got used to them, now I have completely stopped wearing anything else and just this week I completed a 3000ft mountain hike that before would have caused me serious knee pain and to my surprise even the decent was just a pleasure. I’m going to invest in the mids now as well for when it starts snowing. I’m sure these are not for everyone but they are without a doubt the best purchase I’ve made in years
Cheers Paul. This video is what made me look into zero drop trainers / shoes. I bought my first ones last week and am currently 'transitioning' into them. wow. What a difference. I am aching (calves and feet) but already after just wearing them twice (about 5 miles i've done) I feel my posture changing (straighter) and i did have morton's neuroma in my left foot for the last 7 years, that's not surfaced since wearing them either. The ones i got were trainers (Torin 7). I have also now ordered more (Olympus 5 and Paradym 7). Thanks so much for the doing this video !
I've been using the merrell moab's for nearly six months now and they've been amazing I hike anything from 40/60 miles a week and they've held up excellently! Where as pretty much every pair of trail runners I've owned I've killed them within 3 or 4 months.
Always suffered with my knees, old footy injury and 40 years of roofing! Just received my Altra Olympus 4s, look forward to test driving them! Thanks for the heads up! 😀
I've been in barefoot only shoes for over 10 years now, mainly Vivobarefoot and Vibram FiveFingers but some Merrell barefoot too. I've never had a problem doing 2/3 day hikes in them but after doing the Dales Way, it was hard work on the feet especially carrying a heavier load. So I've started exploring Altra and so far I'm pretty pleased with them, a lot more cushioning than barefoot shoes but that suits a long distance and heavier pack better in my opinion.
Tried boots like this, and the barefoot ones too. Just couldn't get used to them so returned to my normal leather boots. However, the experience did teach me about the wider toe box so I now wear Hanwag Tatra Wide.
Running both fell and tarmac and all my years of training have had its toll on my knee's paul. Meniscus issues and osteoarthritis on the Meniscus has given me terrible pain. Compression socks helped. For me paul HOKA trail fantastic chose and bold colours.
Welcome on the zero drop side! I'm only using boots when it's snow or well below freezing. And the Olympus has Vibram soles - better grip from my experience comparing to my old Lone Peak 5.
Delighted these trail runners have fixed your knee and hip problems Paul . I changed from trad boots to Salomon trail runners 9 M ago and I loved them for their lightness and comfort. Sadly they fell apart after 6 months use so had to get a refund. Now using walking shoes and will not go back to boots except for very wet/ muddy weather.
love to hear it helps you. I'm barefoot man for 5ish year now and I love it so much. Have a nice x km in front of you without any pain and injury. And Altra - Lone Peak is my choice as well :-)
In 2022 I walked the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela and then onto Fisterra, in-total approximately 300 miles wearing Lone Peak 5 shoes. My longest one day hike was 25 Miles. I did change the insoles to a sorbothane cheapy (£7) from Millets which are an improvement over the originals giving more cushioning. I have since bought another pair plus some Olympus., they are that good.
Thanks Paul, great content as usual. I wore LP 6’s recently on the Dalesway and have done a lot of trail running in them. I think they have their place in the hiking wardrobe but honestly, shorter, drier and warmer walking is where they excel. Durability and grip in the wet is questionable. They’re definitely part of the solution but not all for me anyway.
I made the move to barefoot shoes 3 years ago, using a combination of vivobarefoot and altra. I only use this type of footwear now and it's certainly worth the move. Took me around 6 months to adapt and now I the results showed when I did to fully coast to coast over 12 days in altra lone peak 4. Be prepared for your feet to spread. I am a EE width at minimum now.
I've been using trail shoes myself for my recent hikes and camps , ive found them much better , just worry about the ankle protection, but i suffer with my knees too and the shoes feel lighter, cheers paul , atb 👍
I have been wearing barefoot Freets around town for a couple of years and they have taken quite some adjusting to. I still feel uncomfortable in them sometimes like when im hurrying with a heavy backpack and it feels like my whole skeleton is jarred by every step. The Altra zero drop but still padded trail and running shoes I have, on the other hand, were an immediate pleasure to wear from the moment i put them on. At the recommendation of a friend I went a size up to maximise the benefit of the big toe box and the slight circus clown look has not translated into any loss of sureness of foot.
Thx for sharing your experience. I used heavy hiking/mountain boots for my tours for about 20 years, changed to trailsrunners (LonePeak 5) for my first 120km hike with some overnighters. What a relief :). I weigh about 120 kg - so i was a little suspicous if those light trailrunners would be able to cope with my weight. No blisters and everything fine. Yes, those shoes find a limit at rough sharp gravel trails or real uneven trails with lots of slippery roots and stones. The sole is just to thin and flexy for this sort of terrain and my feet feel like slipping around :). Thats the only occasion where i miss my stiff soles mountaineering boots. Oh and wear is a problem with the Altras. My first leather mountain boot got their 3rd sole from Hanwag - they are about 20 years old and i still wear them in cold or rainy winter conditions at events, even if they a really worn - but they do their job.
Paul i have been using Ultras for years now, they were marvellous even with heavy backpack. It took me months to transition but wouldn’t change back. Makes your ankles and feet so much stronger and I have never had a blister or black toes and I feel so much more agile when going over rougher track. Just have to realise you’ll get wet feet, they were so warm in the snow.
IMO it's important to distinguish between zero drop shoes and barefoot. And Paul do in the video but reading some comments it seems that some don't. Barefoot shoes will necessarily be zero drop (or very close), but zero drop can have as much cushioning as any other shoe/boot. I've always looked for low drop shoes, but it was hard to find for many years or even find how much drop a model had. I think it's great that drop is a thing now and it's much easier to make decision about what to use. I've had Altras for a while now and can't say I'm completely used to zero drop yet. I try to mix the use of zero drop with other shoes. I think getting used to just one type isn't good either and prefer switching between Altra and other brands for some variety.
I agree that its hard to find the drop, especially in European and UK shoes. Zero drop hasn't become such a big issue here yet. Hopefully that will improve over time.
If people have weight issues which effects the hips knees etc you ll need arch support for compensation on your joints…at the end of the day maybe pushing back from the table more frequently will help.🤔🤷♂️
I was wondering when you'd switch over! I'm glad you finally did, they really are superior for hiking. I'd love a video of you testing these shoes out in the rain with your sealskin socks, I am in the market for waterproof socks to wear with trail runners. Thanks, love your videos!
Very useful topic for walkers and runners! Worth reading ‘born to run’ by chris mcdougall, in which he writes about mexican barefoot runners, the downsides of cushioned trainers and their links to joint and back pains. He claims we have been conned into believing we need cushioning by the sports shoe industry. A fascinating read!
Thanks. I am a convert to low drop shoes. I do find Lone Peaks are great for most conditions but do suffer in Peak District mud. Like you, perhaps the solution is to have another spare pair of something else in the bag, just in case. Thanks for the video. Very informative
Thanks for doing this video, Paul, and thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been dealing with hip and lower back issues for a while and will give zero drop shoes a go. Cheers bud
Been wearing trail runners for outdoor stuff, for years, Paul, unless it’s really wet out. Never had any trouble with them, but they only last for about 60 hours as the inners flatten down overtime. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
The Altra running shoes are vegan too. I got lone peaks for the wide toe box. I didn't realise they were zero drop but i do love to walk trails in them.
I’m another person who switched to barefoot shoes a few years ago: I’ve suffered from back problems for over two decades. I wear ones with no padding, bought off Amazon for $50 (Aus). They have made a massive difference for me. I’m back running again after years and my back pain has almost gone. Combined with a good nightly physio routine, a standing desk and walking barefoot at home, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I do miss wearing nice looking trainers, but the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes far outweigh the drawbacks.
After years of wearing my beloved Merrell Moabs I will definitely will be trying Altras next. Likely the Lone Peak 7 or 8... The lower stack height of the Lone Peaks I like because you feel the ground more instead of having a ton of cushioning from higher stack shoes. Altra has also made their Olympus 5 trail running shoes available in a more durable Goretex hiking version (hike low) which I'm also very likely to get for wet winter use. Can't wait to try these out!..
Ive walked three Caminos in France and Spain in trail runners, no problems not very waterproof, but they dry out quickly always take a newspaper to stuff in when wet and take out the laces and insole to help drying out
Definately in the market for these. Ive been looking for a decent trail shoe for a while so thanks for this. Never heard of them. Heard of barefoot but pricy.
I switched from boots to Saucony Peregrine trail runners a few years ago for long distance hiking and found my ankles got stronger and more resilient but my toes were feeling constricted, so this year tried Altra Lone Peak 6. Didn't take long to get used to the zero drop and the wide toe box has made all the difference. I can now cover a good 50-60km with no problems at all. Having covered about 500km on varying surfaces I would say that the soles are now about half worn so are comparable to the Sauconys for sole wear.
I've been trail running for years now, and moved to used my running shoes in some hikes. I find trail runners best in the summer and when carrying a lighter pack. At this point I've tried all Altra models. The Olympus with Vibram outsole are very comfortable. But my favourites are still the Timp. Topo Athletic also does some great zero-drop shoes.
I had really bad issues on descents and steps down but never anything up steps or ascending. Then my left knee was giving me jip and I realised even though was room and my shoesize it was essentially my walking boots. I went the next size up and had zero issues since. I think the older you get the flatter your feet go so you will slowly increase in size. I couldn't do the barefoot style but trail runners for summer might be called for
just bought a pair in Puke Green and purple, because that colour was £30 cheaper, so far so good, comfort and grip is excellent, some pain in calfs, on first few days I think i will wear them in the summer months, but stick with boots, for mud and wet
Hi Charlie, good leg stretch for you both in poor summer conditions that's walking in the British Isles hopefully better weather next time looking forward 👍
Hay Paul, I’m still rocking the lone peak 4s that I’ve had for around 3/4 years not put massive amounts of miles in them but there still going, can’t wait untill there done so I can get the 7s or what ever is new out then, also use the vibram five fingers but there an acquired taste not on the trail though as you can feel everything 😊
Bought my first pair of Altra's yesterday after seeing rave reviews about them online. I can say hands down one of the best fitting shoes for my above average sized feet. I've only done 5 miles in them so far but im going to be walking in your footsteps next week Paul and get the cumbrian way done in them!
I have the Altra Lone Peak 6, I was dubious at first, but wanted something lighter than my hiking boots, even with 1/2 size up they squashed my toes. The lone Peak have been amazing, I haven't worn them for trail running, just walking and hiking, I've done many Peaks and found that they performed admirably. Mine didn't need breaking in as such, the shoe is really pliable and light, I found my calves had to get used to, and transition into wearing zero drop shoes. Now, after a few hundred miles ( I wear mine all the time as well) I don't get any issues. I am doing the south Downs Way in August, apparently some of the trail can be quite stoney, so I'll see how they hold up there. I love them, and will definitely be ordering more.
I can vouch for wearing these; just completed Land's End to John o'Groats in 51 days covering 1058 miles. Started with a used pair of the lone peak 6, then a new pair of 6's at mile 145 which were good until Glasgow. By then hardly any cushioning then swapped to Lone peak 7 from Glasgow to JoG. They're good when transitioning from road, gravel to stones etc but on the West Highland Way was a bit uncomfortable feeling the stones under foot, sometime your front of foot twisted one way but heel wanted to go the other way, minor nuisance really. The wide toe box is great when going down hill, i trained with normal trail runners and bust a few toenails off with these all present at finish lol So a big thumbs up for these from me.
I recently bought the Altra Timp 5. They've been a revelation, in terms of comfort. I can't imagine wanting to go back to wearing my heavy-duty Scarpas, unless in winter or when it's really muddy underfoot
Hey Paul, I had Alturas as normal shoes, the soles were gone in 3 months. Just done TBM in Hoka Speedgoat 5, soles gone after 170 Km, luckily the shop refunded me. Now onto Hoka Mafate, which seem more durable. However I did say on my TMB I would never through hike in boots again. Runners much more comfy, lighter and dry quick.
I went with Lone Peaks for years then switched to the Olympus. I did not like how quick the tread and uppers wore down or ripped on either model but I thought the Olympus is better in my opinion. I really did not like the poor traction on both. I’m now trying the Hoka Speedgoat. So far they have outstanding grip on rocks and roots (Vibram soles). I wish they came with the Altra toe box.
Did the Cumbrian way 2 years ago using the Lone Peak 5’s and what a revelation! Same benefits as you described in your vid Paul. Then did the WHW. Again no problem. Then switched to a pair of Brooks for the SDW and DNF!!! Badly strained ankle and was out of action for a couple of months. Have since bought a pair of Altra Olympus 5s and hoping to do the Beacons Way in Sept. Altra all the way! 👍
❤thanks. I add: First walk yesterday with my new bought Altra Lone Peak 8 ... amazing. I was happy for each uneven ground, gravel, stones, branches etc. ... and I felt real save. Is it easy and light ... it is right ... as always in life.🍀
In addition Falke socks with ergonomic fit. And .. for transition phase ... I use sometimes toe spreaders (silicone) and go always barefoot in my home.
I am so glad having these shoes ... so I trust I will make my 1st Megamarsch (50 km/12 h) in March '25.
All my old shoes and heavy hiking boots that do not fit anymore I have sorted out ... too short ... not enough room for my feet.
The big toe box in my Altras give my feet and toes enough room for "unfolding their real potential" ... as always in life.
I am now 61 ... with real flat spready feet ... and not only shoe lessons learned ... 😉🙏
Greetings from Germany 🙋🏻♀️🇩🇪
Been dealing with chronic pain the last 4 years, you give me hope that these will at least relieve some of that pain. Great review!
I transitioned to barefoot style shoes almost 2 years ago now. It took me around 4-6 months for my muscles, ligaments, and bones to get used to it. My feet are super strong now. My achilles and calf area is super built. It took me a while to relearn how to walk. To get my hips aligned and landing on my midfoot vs heel. Nowadays, I do daily ankle, hip, and shoulder mobility exercises and my knee and hips issues have reduced significantly. @GrownandHealthy and @TaroIwamoto channels helped me a lot with transitioning and general aches. I still use Altra Lone Peak 5's when backpacking, but looking to switching to zero drop Topo Athletic shoes for the Vibram outsoles.
So barefoot made you strong enough for an overnighter? That's commendable advertising.
@@mezmerya5130 Strong enough to whoop your sorry ass
Topo have no shoes with 0 drop in mid i think. Its sad
Nice one Paul. I switched about 6 yrs ago and don't wear anything else, no hip or knee pain, no corns etc and I'm pushing 70. For anyone worried about ankle support Altra do a mid boot, slightly higher ankle support and also more recently a proper hiking boot. Durability is always a compromise but like you said its like wearing your favourite slippers.😊
I'm almost 66! and have been a fellrunner, backpacker and ultra distance trail walker/runner for 50 years now... I've tried Altras twice over the years and can't get on with them. Inov8, Hoka's and New Balance all the way for me 👌
I'm lucky I think, but after many thousands of miles no pain in knees, ankles or hips even after consecutive 30+ mile days over mountainous terrain.
Finding the right footwear can be a real challenge!
As regards wet feet.... "embrace the suck" as they say... skin's waterproof in my experience!
Great video Paul, cheers Alistair 👍
I switched to these a while ago. I didn’t have any issues - possibly because I walk 30k steps daily with the dog.
I’ve also found my aching knees have disappeared. Similarly to you, these are my daily wears.
YES, so pleased you're covering this topic, the transition takes some time, but its 100% worth it in the long run!!
Indeed I changed from boots to trailrunners. First my favorite brand was Salomon... but now, I am convinced of Altars for a year.
Got the LonePeak and the Superior. I Love them.😊
I have been hiking in Altra lone peaks for years and have thousands of trail miles on them. I now have pretty strong ankles and have never had a issue with rolling my ankles. Hiked both the West Highland way and coast to coast in April and May this year with no problems. No body pain or blisters 😊 Paul just keep a eye on the wear of the soles. By the end of the C2C. I was slipping and sliding in the English mud.
I was having massive issues with my ankles and knees, switching to lone peaks and other barefoot shoes has been transformative!
I personally will never go back to conventional shoes
I've also done this recently! I bought a pair of HokaOneOne Speedgoat V and haven't looked back. I considered the Altra's but couldn't find my size with UK shipping. Both are popular on the PCT. I'll be saving the UK-style "heavy" walking boots for super-muddy mid-winter walks!
Speedgoats for the win .
I am on my second pair and love the cushioning and grip.
No low drop stuff.
I put 500 trail running miles on the first pair.
Hokas or go home 👍
@@michaelmoyer9792 When eventually your knees hips and whole body gets messed up from rediculously unnatural footwear, you won't be so happy anymore. You're weakening and taking out of balance your whole kinetic chain.
I have been using altra Lone peak for hiking for 2 years now, and it has been the Best transition i have ever done. Also no more kneepain for me. I did not had a period of time for My foot to get used to it, though i know many does. I instantly just felt better when hiking. Last year I went running a trail instead of hiking, just because I suddently was able to. I have not been able to run in more than 15 years. I also havent felt Any pain in My back since I startet using them though I have a injury in My back. Love Theese shoes❤
I have used Salomon trail running shoes for many years, so comfortable and light, can't beat them.
Altras have been my hiking shoe of choice for a couple of years now. Simply the best
I've gone full weird mode and wear Vibram 5 Finger V Trek's for hiking. I get stopped so many times with questions on trail for wearing them and love to speak about the benefits!
The Altra's in this vid look like perfect transitioning shoes. So glad you've seen the light Paul!
Recently tried these Paul.. super comfortable and do agree with your comments about cushioning and waterproofing. last few miles of my walk back yesterday was on hard surface and did feel it!
I love my Altras. I did notice when I was wearing them all the time the tread wore out a lot faster. I now have an older pair for everyday use and a newer pair that I only use for hiking. If you haven't looked into it yet, they also make a few models with more ankle support, such as the Lone Peak Hiker. And if you want one with more waterproofing, there's the Lone Peak All-Whtr and the Olympus Hike that both come in low and mid height versions. Also wanted to mention another recommended way to avoid bashing up your toes when hiking is to buy a half size bigger shoe than you normally wear, or a big enough size that you can fit the width of your thumb between the end of your toes and the end of the toebox.
Thank you very much Paul for this great video!
I'm a beginner in hiking and still figuring out the best gear for me, i've had a lot of recommendations for wearing trail runners for hiking so i started doing some research.
Your video is one of the best i've seen so far for this topic.
Glad to hear that zero drop shoes have fixed some problems for you. I have been wearing them for about 4 years now and I prefer less cushioning. I do not use regular shoes any more. My old shoes don't fit cos my feet have resumed their natural shape. My shoes of choice are vivo barefoot and I even like the five toed Vibrams that are designed for trails. Would not go back to clogs except for winter or using crampons. Great video 😀👍
Thx. I am in the process of changing n completely agree regarding the benefit to ankles n knees.
Made up for you mate. As a professional mountain guy, I think it's about time you started fell running. Been watching you a while now, fell running is hiking the ups and running the downs. Perfect training for your longer efforts. Altras: great. It's about time the UK wised up to getting away from massive boots.
I've been thinking about zero drop shoes for a while and investigated the pros and cons.
I had an ultra walk last weekend (63 miles) and 2 weeks beforehand the shoes I had been planning to use failed. I bought some Altra Lone Peak 5 and only had a week to try them out- and only for very short distances and only on easy flat surfaces. I wore them for the ultra walk and they were brilliant- very comfy with no foot or blister problems. I was so happy I immediately bought a second pair 🙂
I'm a definite zero drop convert
I switched all my shoes and boots to barefoot/wide toe box after suffering from bunions. Problem fixed so much better. Even changed safety boots at work as I wear for nearly 10 hours a day. My only problem is on a long distance walk with camping gear they give me terrible blisters so I have now taken to pre strapping the hot spots on my toes. Chase mountain is 👍 another great video Paul thanks
switched to trail shoes a few years ago and love them, all you need is a few pairs of seal skins and I find them so much nicer for the big distances that we cover here in the wet, boggy peak district, just added the Altra shoe to my list, great review
Most videos are just "this is what I did...". I prefer your videos because the majority contain lessons, suggestions etc. For us beginner types this is vital. Keep it going.
I've been using 2 pairs of Altra Lone Peak 5's over the last 2 years, amazing shoes. No blisters at all, I wish I had discovered them many years ago 🙏
Cheers Paul, recommend these for my old man. Appreciate your advice
Absolutely, I made the switch some time ago, definitely worth while.
Only wear boots in winter now, have been wearing trail/approach shoes for years, and ankles are stronger for it.
Love my Olympus trail runners, I also use indingi toe socks under Darn Tough hiking socks, no blisters in the Adirondacks in NY!
I made the switch to trail runners a few years ago, opting for the Hoka Anacapa High tops. The MOST comfortable shoes I've ever walked in, covering getting on for 350 miles in this pair alone. Supreme comfort across all terrains. Hoka are from now on, my go to brand. As for the aches and pains, I totally agree with you, I have had no problems at all.
I have the same hokas, but low top, but I wish they had the Altra toebox a little cramped on the toes
I hiked the Colorado Trail (480 miles) 2 years ago in Altra Olympus 4’s. Incredible shoes - no blisters, no hotspots and very little aching feet. Have just hiked The Skye Trail (80 miles) in Altra Timps (they were cheaper at the time of purchase) and they performed just fine. Olympus are my preferred shoe as the Vibram sole means they’re super grippy and they’re more durable than Lone Peaks but all the Altras I have owned have been great.
I love Altra shoes. A female friend of mind bought some and she said she no longer got knee pain as well. They have a really light hiking boot with ankle support that I love too
Have the same, Lone Peak 8, love them.
Great video - you are such a good communicator/educator!
I'm a huge Altra fan myself, but you've said it all better than I could have and any time I want to encourage someone to consider trail runners and zero-drop I'll send them them to your videos.
Paul I had really bad cronic ancle issues and like you I did research and I changed to the altra no drop shoes, within 2 weeks my ancles were better and I've been using them for about 3 years now, took me about a month to get used to the no drop.
I've just received mine after watching your review. Managed to get the All Weather version on a sale (£71 😮😮) and fits perfectly. This is the shoes I've waited for a very very long time. Fits perfectly, comfortable, looks fabulous and waterproof! I can't thank you enough bringing this to my attention. 😀
I will try them tomorrow in the Chiltern Hills 😅
I agree Paul they are a game changer 👍. I have had a problem with pain in the arches of my feet for few years. I purchased a pair of altra lone peak all weather three months ago and my feet have thanked me for it. No more pain 🥳🥳. Cheers Paul. Atb Sconja 👍👍
About two months ago I went for the summer, winter mountain boots to Karrimor Sabre V2 Trail Running Shoes. No blisters and comfortable! Not for snow and winter but great for summer, autumn.
Love my Altras! I only wear zero drop foot shaped shoes. Can't imagine wearing anything different. Pairing barefoot style shoes with Injinji socks has completely eradicated my blister problem.
Like you I suffer from knee pain and so I went down the same route and bought the Altra Olympus as they are gortex lined and I need waterproofing. First time I wore them I thought I’d wasted a lot of money as I only walked 2km up hill home from my workplace and my legs ached like hell! But I stuck it out and switched between them and normal trainers hourly until I got used to them, now I have completely stopped wearing anything else and just this week I completed a 3000ft mountain hike that before would have caused me serious knee pain and to my surprise even the decent was just a pleasure. I’m going to invest in the mids now as well for when it starts snowing. I’m sure these are not for everyone but they are without a doubt the best purchase I’ve made in years
Cheers Paul. This video is what made me look into zero drop trainers / shoes.
I bought my first ones last week and am currently 'transitioning' into them. wow. What a difference.
I am aching (calves and feet) but already after just wearing them twice (about 5 miles i've done) I feel my posture changing (straighter) and i did have morton's neuroma in my left foot for the last 7 years, that's not surfaced since wearing them either.
The ones i got were trainers (Torin 7). I have also now ordered more (Olympus 5 and Paradym 7).
Thanks so much for the doing this video !
I've been using the merrell moab's for nearly six months now and they've been amazing I hike anything from 40/60 miles a week and they've held up excellently! Where as pretty much every pair of trail runners I've owned I've killed them within 3 or 4 months.
Always suffered with my knees, old footy injury and 40 years of roofing! Just received my Altra Olympus 4s, look forward to test driving them! Thanks for the heads up! 😀
So what do you think about them now?
I've been in barefoot only shoes for over 10 years now, mainly Vivobarefoot and Vibram FiveFingers but some Merrell barefoot too.
I've never had a problem doing 2/3 day hikes in them but after doing the Dales Way, it was hard work on the feet especially carrying a heavier load.
So I've started exploring Altra and so far I'm pretty pleased with them, a lot more cushioning than barefoot shoes but that suits a long distance and heavier pack better in my opinion.
Tried boots like this, and the barefoot ones too. Just couldn't get used to them so returned to my normal leather boots. However, the experience did teach me about the wider toe box so I now wear Hanwag Tatra Wide.
Running both fell and tarmac and all my years of training have had its toll on my knee's paul. Meniscus issues and osteoarthritis on the Meniscus has given me terrible pain. Compression socks helped. For me paul HOKA trail fantastic chose and bold colours.
Welcome on the zero drop side! I'm only using boots when it's snow or well below freezing.
And the Olympus has Vibram soles - better grip from my experience comparing to my old Lone Peak 5.
exactly what I've experienced, I've lone peak7 and Olympus 5s, and the Olympus seem much better quality and definitely more grip
Delighted these trail runners have fixed your knee and hip problems Paul . I changed from trad boots to Salomon trail runners 9 M ago and I loved them for their lightness and comfort. Sadly they fell apart after 6 months use so had to get a refund. Now using walking shoes and will not go back to boots except for very wet/ muddy weather.
love to hear it helps you. I'm barefoot man for 5ish year now and I love it so much. Have a nice x km in front of you without any pain and injury. And Altra - Lone Peak is my choice as well :-)
In 2022 I walked the Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela and then onto Fisterra, in-total approximately 300 miles wearing Lone Peak 5 shoes. My longest one day hike was 25 Miles. I did change the insoles to a sorbothane cheapy (£7) from Millets which are an improvement over the originals giving more cushioning. I have since bought another pair plus some Olympus., they are that good.
Thanks Paul, great content as usual. I wore LP 6’s recently on the Dalesway and have done a lot of trail running in them. I think they have their place in the hiking wardrobe but honestly, shorter, drier and warmer walking is where they excel. Durability and grip in the wet is questionable. They’re definitely part of the solution but not all for me anyway.
I made the move to barefoot shoes 3 years ago, using a combination of vivobarefoot and altra. I only use this type of footwear now and it's certainly worth the move. Took me around 6 months to adapt and now I the results showed when I did to fully coast to coast over 12 days in altra lone peak 4.
Be prepared for your feet to spread. I am a EE width at minimum now.
I've been using trail shoes myself for my recent hikes and camps , ive found them much better , just worry about the ankle protection, but i suffer with my knees too and the shoes feel lighter, cheers paul , atb 👍
I have been wearing barefoot Freets around town for a couple of years and they have taken quite some adjusting to. I still feel uncomfortable in them sometimes like when im hurrying with a heavy backpack and it feels like my whole skeleton is jarred by every step. The Altra zero drop but still padded trail and running shoes I have, on the other hand, were an immediate pleasure to wear from the moment i put them on. At the recommendation of a friend I went a size up to maximise the benefit of the big toe box and the slight circus clown look has not translated into any loss of sureness of foot.
Thx for sharing your experience.
I used heavy hiking/mountain boots for my tours for about 20 years, changed to trailsrunners (LonePeak 5) for my first 120km hike with some overnighters. What a relief :). I weigh about 120 kg - so i was a little suspicous if those light trailrunners would be able to cope with my weight. No blisters and everything fine.
Yes, those shoes find a limit at rough sharp gravel trails or real uneven trails with lots of slippery roots and stones. The sole is just to thin and flexy for this sort of terrain and my feet feel like slipping around :). Thats the only occasion where i miss my stiff soles mountaineering boots. Oh and wear is a problem with the Altras. My first leather mountain boot got their 3rd sole from Hanwag - they are about 20 years old and i still wear them in cold or rainy winter conditions at events, even if they a really worn - but they do their job.
Very yes! I stock up on Altras when they roll the versions and liquidate the old stock at Sierra.
Im using Topo trail runners for hiking they are also very good.
Paul i have been using Ultras for years now, they were marvellous even with heavy backpack. It took me months to transition but wouldn’t change back. Makes your ankles and feet so much stronger and I have never had a blister or black toes and I feel so much more agile when going over rougher track. Just have to realise you’ll get wet feet, they were so warm in the snow.
IMO it's important to distinguish between zero drop shoes and barefoot. And Paul do in the video but reading some comments it seems that some don't. Barefoot shoes will necessarily be zero drop (or very close), but zero drop can have as much cushioning as any other shoe/boot.
I've always looked for low drop shoes, but it was hard to find for many years or even find how much drop a model had. I think it's great that drop is a thing now and it's much easier to make decision about what to use. I've had Altras for a while now and can't say I'm completely used to zero drop yet. I try to mix the use of zero drop with other shoes. I think getting used to just one type isn't good either and prefer switching between Altra and other brands for some variety.
I agree that its hard to find the drop, especially in European and UK shoes. Zero drop hasn't become such a big issue here yet. Hopefully that will improve over time.
If people have weight issues which effects the hips knees etc you ll need arch support for compensation on your joints…at the end of the day maybe pushing back from the table more frequently will help.🤔🤷♂️
I was wondering when you'd switch over! I'm glad you finally did, they really are superior for hiking. I'd love a video of you testing these shoes out in the rain with your sealskin socks, I am in the market for waterproof socks to wear with trail runners. Thanks, love your videos!
Love my lone peaks
Very useful topic for walkers and runners! Worth reading ‘born to run’ by chris mcdougall, in which he writes about mexican barefoot runners, the downsides of cushioned trainers and their links to joint and back pains. He claims we have been conned into believing we need cushioning by the sports shoe industry. A fascinating read!
Thanks. I am a convert to low drop shoes. I do find Lone Peaks are great for most conditions but do suffer in Peak District mud.
Like you, perhaps the solution is to have another spare pair of something else in the bag, just in case.
Thanks for the video. Very informative
As soon as you started showing the exercises around 0:45, I knew you had been watching Chase Mountains!
Thanks for doing this video, Paul, and thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been dealing with hip and lower back issues for a while and will give zero drop shoes a go. Cheers bud
Altras are a really good start as they still have a decent amount of cushioning.
Been wearing trail runners for outdoor stuff, for years, Paul, unless it’s really wet out. Never had any trouble with them, but they only last for about 60 hours as the inners flatten down overtime.
All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Cheers Paul, not made my choice yet but your experience and advice really helps.
Good summer & dry choice.
I recently have a pair size 50 and really love the toebox, and your feet stay dry due to the larger fit, worth the money
The Altra running shoes are vegan too. I got lone peaks for the wide toe box. I didn't realise they were zero drop but i do love to walk trails in them.
Great, didn’t know that. Hope they taste good
I've recently moved from boots to the Nike Pegasus', and they're pretty good. Handy gortex keeps you're feet dry and they're nice and wide.
I’m another person who switched to barefoot shoes a few years ago: I’ve suffered from back problems for over two decades. I wear ones with no padding, bought off Amazon for $50 (Aus). They have made a massive difference for me. I’m back running again after years and my back pain has almost gone. Combined with a good nightly physio routine, a standing desk and walking barefoot at home, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I do miss wearing nice looking trainers, but the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes far outweigh the drawbacks.
After years of wearing my beloved Merrell Moabs I will definitely will be trying Altras next. Likely the Lone Peak 7 or 8... The lower stack height of the Lone Peaks I like because you feel the ground more instead of having a ton of cushioning from higher stack shoes. Altra has also made their Olympus 5 trail running shoes available in a more durable Goretex hiking version (hike low) which I'm also very likely to get for wet winter use. Can't wait to try these out!..
Ive walked three Caminos in France and Spain in trail runners, no problems not very waterproof, but they dry out quickly always take a newspaper to stuff in when wet and take out the laces and insole to help drying out
Just bought a pair of the v6 of these to complement my Vivobarefoot Forest trackers
Definately in the market for these. Ive been looking for a decent trail shoe for a while so thanks for this. Never heard of them. Heard of barefoot but pricy.
I have gone for the exact same combination as you - Lone Peak and Olympus. Love both for different reasons 😁
Very good choice is trail runners. I switched in the early 2000s to this type. I love zero drop.
I switched from boots to Saucony Peregrine trail runners a few years ago for long distance hiking and found my ankles got stronger and more resilient but my toes were feeling constricted, so this year tried Altra Lone Peak 6. Didn't take long to get used to the zero drop and the wide toe box has made all the difference. I can now cover a good 50-60km with no problems at all. Having covered about 500km on varying surfaces I would say that the soles are now about half worn so are comparable to the Sauconys for sole wear.
I've been trail running for years now, and moved to used my running shoes in some hikes.
I find trail runners best in the summer and when carrying a lighter pack.
At this point I've tried all Altra models. The Olympus with Vibram outsole are very comfortable. But my favourites are still the Timp.
Topo Athletic also does some great zero-drop shoes.
I had really bad issues on descents and steps down but never anything up steps or ascending. Then my left knee was giving me jip and I realised even though was room and my shoesize it was essentially my walking boots. I went the next size up and had zero issues since. I think the older you get the flatter your feet go so you will slowly increase in size. I couldn't do the barefoot style but trail runners for summer might be called for
Paul … at the pace you walk you would be just fine with flip flops too
just bought a pair in Puke Green and purple, because that colour was £30 cheaper, so far so good, comfort and grip is excellent, some pain in calfs, on first few days I think i will wear them in the summer months, but stick with boots, for mud and wet
Thanks Paul, just what I wanted to know about these as I asked the question on your previous vid. Great work.
Welcome to the Olympus club, I switched to them earlier this year and they really are good.
Got some altra lone peak all weathers mid boots, a sort of happy middle, but still when going up high in the lakes i went for my salewa rapace.
Hi Charlie, good leg stretch for you both in poor summer conditions that's walking in the British Isles hopefully better weather next time looking forward 👍
Hay Paul, I’m still rocking the lone peak 4s that I’ve had for around 3/4 years not put massive amounts of miles in them but there still going, can’t wait untill there done so I can get the 7s or what ever is new out then, also use the vibram five fingers but there an acquired taste not on the trail though as you can feel everything 😊
Bought my first pair of Altra's yesterday after seeing rave reviews about them online. I can say hands down one of the best fitting shoes for my above average sized feet. I've only done 5 miles in them so far but im going to be walking in your footsteps next week Paul and get the cumbrian way done in them!
Going to buy a pair soon. Thanks.
Always explain things clearly. Appreciate the advice everytime.
I have the Altra Lone Peak 6, I was dubious at first, but wanted something lighter than my hiking boots, even with 1/2 size up they squashed my toes. The lone Peak have been amazing, I haven't worn them for trail running, just walking and hiking, I've done many Peaks and found that they performed admirably. Mine didn't need breaking in as such, the shoe is really pliable and light, I found my calves had to get used to, and transition into wearing zero drop shoes. Now, after a few hundred miles ( I wear mine all the time as well) I don't get any issues. I am doing the south Downs Way in August, apparently some of the trail can be quite stoney, so I'll see how they hold up there. I love them, and will definitely be ordering more.
I can vouch for wearing these; just completed Land's End to John o'Groats in 51 days covering 1058 miles. Started with a used pair of the lone peak 6, then a new pair of 6's at mile 145 which were good until Glasgow. By then hardly any cushioning then swapped to Lone peak 7 from Glasgow to JoG. They're good when transitioning from road, gravel to stones etc but on the West Highland Way was a bit uncomfortable feeling the stones under foot, sometime your front of foot twisted one way but heel wanted to go the other way, minor nuisance really. The wide toe box is great when going down hill, i trained with normal trail runners and bust a few toenails off with these all present at finish lol So a big thumbs up for these from me.
I recently bought the Altra Timp 5. They've been a revelation, in terms of comfort. I can't imagine wanting to go back to wearing my heavy-duty Scarpas, unless in winter or when it's really muddy underfoot
Hey Paul, I had Alturas as normal shoes, the soles were gone in 3 months. Just done TBM in Hoka Speedgoat 5, soles gone after 170 Km, luckily the shop refunded me. Now onto Hoka Mafate, which seem more durable. However I did say on my TMB I would never through hike in boots again. Runners much more comfy, lighter and dry quick.
I went with Lone Peaks for years then switched to the Olympus. I did not like how quick the tread and uppers wore down or ripped on either model but I thought the Olympus is better in my opinion. I really did not like the poor traction on both. I’m now trying the Hoka Speedgoat. So far they have outstanding grip on rocks and roots (Vibram soles). I wish they came with the Altra toe box.
Similar experience. I'm going to try the Hoka Skyline Float as it looks to have a wider, or less pointy, toebox than the Speedgoat.
Did the Cumbrian way 2 years ago using the Lone Peak 5’s and what a revelation! Same benefits as you described in your vid Paul. Then did the WHW. Again no problem. Then switched to a pair of Brooks for the SDW and DNF!!! Badly strained ankle and was out of action for a couple of months. Have since bought a pair of Altra Olympus 5s and hoping to do the Beacons Way in Sept. Altra all the way! 👍
Homemade Wanderlust convinced me to switch a couple of years ago. Much more comfortable.
my lp7s saved me. the olympus5 are the best though. worth every penny