I’ve tried Topo and the Vibram outsole is the only thing they have going for them. What nobody talks about is that they have a tremendous amount of arch support, which is so uncomfortable and a dealbreaker for me. Lone Peak and Superior are worlds better so hopefully Altra gets the outsole sorted sometime soon.
Completely agree, always wonder about this when people rave about Topos. I tried a pair on and it was a no-go due to the arch support. Staying the course with Altra. Only thing I don't care for so much are the colorways for the new Lone Peaks. I also wear them casually, especially during the winter when my minimalist shoe soles are too thin for the cold ground. Wish they had one option that is more of a neutral dark grey or black, more versatile for some of us. That said, I'm sure many enjoy what they're doing.
I'm on my first pair of the Lone Peak and....love them. Good grip with mud but the fit is a little loose, i think a half size down is a good choise for most tecnical single track. The durability is a big question, with only 30km the sole is higly damaged, but i run a lot of km on the tarmac...
Just ordered the Timp 5 GTX for trail running between autumn and spring in a cold climate where there's often slush, mud, or snow, etc. to negotiate, but I like the look of these more (they appear to have a better shape with more flexibility and comfort). How are they for stepping in shallow puddles, do they let water in easily in the ripstop fabric part? I'm new to Altras... been wearing Lems and Softstar for running so far on my barefoot journey, so I appreciate the videos :)
@@melissapink3263 the lone peak lets all the water through, but drain quickly too. The Timp GTX is great for shallow puddles, but as soon as water comes in down the ankles, they stay pretty soaked.
I’ve had really terrible durability issues with all my Altras of recent times. I’ve switched to the Topo Pursuit and I love them. Super comfortable, better midfoot and heel lockdown for me. Better midsole response from the Zipfoam than Ego in the Altra.
Have you heard/seen the podcard by Doctors of Running with Altra yet? I can totally recommend it. It has made me think about the Lone Peak and its evolution and if they'd ever go with Vibram.
It was a 2020 purchase, when leaving the house was unpopular 😉 I like using it on rainy days, although I haven't used it as much as I would have liked to lately 😅
Topo has a very strong upper, great toe box width and arch. I've gotten 800 miles on Pursuits and never got over 500 on Ultra LPs. If you've got a wide foot and arch. Try Topo.
I loved the Lone Peak 7, but yes, the outsole wears out very quickly. Additionally the upper, although very confortable is not very durable. I was hoping that LP8 would be little bit sturdier but there are really no relevant changes compared to LP7. Just bought the Timp 5 which look to be more durable... time will tell
Have been recently trying out Topo pursuits . My arches are fatigued , never had this with my Altra 6 . If this doesn’t work itself out going back to Altra….
There are quite a lot negative posts about the Lone Peak 8 on YT. I didn't watch them before but now I have ordered the LP 8's and ran on them today I get a bit insecure and a little bit scared because I Want to run on them in the Czech hills next week. I understand the LP 8 do not perform that well in wet conditions, I also experience my toes (narrow feet) swimming in the front of the shoes (and that gave you inbalance at going down hill?), and last there is this durability issue. Can't send them back now, while I ran on them. In my country (Netherlands) you can't buy them in a shop, as far as I know. Didn't you speak Dutch, by the way? These are my first pair of trailrunning shoes. I normally walk in barefoot shoes.
We mustn't forget that the LP is Altras best selling shoe, so although they get a lot of criticism online, they're still a cult favourite. 🤘🏻 In January Altra will release the LP9+ with Vibram outsole for better traction if wet surfaces. And yes, I was born in NL and lived there for 20 years before moving to Germany 😊
Hey! Excellent question! I occasionally run over 30km, but only when I'm training for a 50+ km race. For these runs I tend to go for something comfortable and plush like the Timp or Olympus. I like using the Mont Blanc BOA for race day, so I'd take them when I'm getting race ready. With two 50k races coming up this summer with a lot of elevation gain I'll probably be training a lot more in the Timp 5 and Mont blanc carbon (when it's released).
The main issue with the LP 7 and I assume 8 too is the heel lock, worse than any other Altra model, and in the 7 the upper and the lacea are so slippery, there is no way for them not to get loose way too soon. Miss the older Lone Peaks, ir they only added Vibram and Ego max or Pro it would be awesome, plus the draining holes back.
So far I've only worn them casually. I can of course make a short vid, but I'd be lying if I said I went for real hikes in them 😅 They are super comfortable, and very easy to slip on and off without needing to jam my feet into them. Vibram outsole is gold on wet surfaces. Mud does get tricky though, and will still slide around. It rains a lot here, so trails do tend to get muddy quickly. They're obviously not waterproof, but that only becomes an issue when you walk through deeper puddles thanks to the stack height. I was out last weekend in the rain, and my feet stayed warm despite getting wet. A good thing is that the rain doesn't collect inside the shoes, as the upper is fairly breathable and the water seeps out quickly enough. I particularly like wearing them on the day or day after a long run, as my toes can get pretty beaten up and get sensitive, and the Timp Hiker's toebox is volumous enough for my toes to move around without hitting the top.
I know they are zero drop but are they completely flat inside? Like 100%, including the insole? I have a pair of Lems and they have contouring at the arch. Only a few mm but it destroys my left arch. I need something flat and would appreciate the advice! Thanks.
Hmm, I find it hard to answer. The insoles are flat, but the edges curl up to wrap around the sole of your feet. Do you mean this? Alternatively, you could remove the insoles, as Altra designs their shoes to also be comfortable without insoles. Not everyone likes that though.
@@TDMiller No, I mean like a bump, rise, drop or curve built into the footbed of the shoe itself. I realize zero drop means there shouldn't be any "drop" but a lot of brands still contour the footbed at the arch a little (looking at you, Lems). I can actually feel the difference in my Lems with my hand. If I had to guess I'd say it was like 2mm. But it is enough to hurt my arches. Also, some shoes seem to have a tilted foot bed leaning toward pronation or supination, even if very slight and even when they say zero drop. I just want a flat chunk of sole under my foot, lol. As for the insoles as long as they are, the same mm from heel to toe they should be fine. But they can be changed, or as you said, removed. Thanks again!
@@kitcraft9516 I see. Feeling the foot bed with my hand, it does feel flat, although the area for my heel and ball of my foot feel somewhat compressed. So I don't notice any deliberate arch support, but just my own pressure points being more compressed if that makes sense?
I wore Altras exclusively from 2018 until 2024. I have since quit purchasing them because the build quality it hot garbage now. My experience (over 3 different models) is they start falling apart at about 100 miles and are completely useless for running/hiking at about 250 miles. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could see yours delaminating as you were talking about them.
As much as i dig em for comfortability, durability with Altra been issues for years, consistently terribly BADDDD. Entire shoe easily falls apart after 100-200 miles. They can't even use a proper adhesive that can hold outsole, shiet just came fly out!
Oh Mann 😃, kämmen reicht bei der Mähne wohl nicht mehr. Das sollte man vielleicht mal wieder in Form schneiden. Es sei denn, du lässt gerade wachsen. 🤫Mal sehen was draus wird, du schaffst das schon. 😉
I’ve tried Topo and the Vibram outsole is the only thing they have going for them. What nobody talks about is that they have a tremendous amount of arch support, which is so uncomfortable and a dealbreaker for me. Lone Peak and Superior are worlds better so hopefully Altra gets the outsole sorted sometime soon.
100% agree ! For me Topo reminded me about my old soccer days. And I hate soccer shoes 😂
Good to know. I hear so many people switching to Topo, it's good to hear it's not always better.
Completely agree, always wonder about this when people rave about Topos. I tried a pair on and it was a no-go due to the arch support. Staying the course with Altra. Only thing I don't care for so much are the colorways for the new Lone Peaks. I also wear them casually, especially during the winter when my minimalist shoe soles are too thin for the cold ground. Wish they had one option that is more of a neutral dark grey or black, more versatile for some of us. That said, I'm sure many enjoy what they're doing.
Thanks for sharing that information, what about a 5mm drop of the Topos? It still stops me from switching to the Topo
arch support AND way too much toe spring. maybe even more than some aggressive racers
I'm on my first pair of the Lone Peak and....love them. Good grip with mud but the fit is a little loose, i think a half size down is a good choise for most tecnical single track.
The durability is a big question, with only 30km the sole is higly damaged, but i run a lot of km on the tarmac...
Just ordered the Timp 5 GTX for trail running between autumn and spring in a cold climate where there's often slush, mud, or snow, etc. to negotiate, but I like the look of these more (they appear to have a better shape with more flexibility and comfort). How are they for stepping in shallow puddles, do they let water in easily in the ripstop fabric part? I'm new to Altras... been wearing Lems and Softstar for running so far on my barefoot journey, so I appreciate the videos :)
@@melissapink3263 the lone peak lets all the water through, but drain quickly too. The Timp GTX is great for shallow puddles, but as soon as water comes in down the ankles, they stay pretty soaked.
@ I’m thinking LPs with waterproof socks is the answer. If they were made with Vibrams to handle ice it’d be a no brainer.
@melissapink3263 LP9+ will be with Vibram if you're willing to wait until January 😏
@@TDMiller ahh I had a feeling they were coming. Thanks for the heads up (: I suppose it's not that long to wait.
just bought a pair after this review thanks
I’ve had really terrible durability issues with all my Altras of recent times. I’ve switched to the Topo Pursuit and I love them. Super comfortable, better midfoot and heel lockdown for me. Better midsole response from the Zipfoam than Ego in the Altra.
I hear that alot. Crazy how many issues Altra has had with durability.
Yep, my Outroads died after 150km and my Olympus 5’s are stuffed after 330km. That puts them ~$1 per km for me. Crazy stuff
I totally agree. I was Altra only for 10 years and now love the Topo pursuit. WAY better
Agreed. Used LPs for years. Tried the Pursuit and everything about them is better.
love the LP... Altra's OG... my feet are happy in them
Have you heard/seen the podcard by Doctors of Running with Altra yet? I can totally recommend it. It has made me think about the Lone Peak and its evolution and if they'd ever go with Vibram.
@@TDMiller not sure I have .. will check it out though - thanks 🙏
Good to see you've got a rowing machine Timothy. As you say, the 8's are pretty much a 7 but cheaper 😀
It was a 2020 purchase, when leaving the house was unpopular 😉 I like using it on rainy days, although I haven't used it as much as I would have liked to lately 😅
Topo has a very strong upper, great toe box width and arch. I've gotten 800 miles on Pursuits and never got over 500 on Ultra LPs.
If you've got a wide foot and arch. Try Topo.
I loved the Lone Peak 7, but yes, the outsole wears out very quickly. Additionally the upper, although very confortable is not very durable. I was hoping that LP8 would be little bit sturdier but there are really no relevant changes compared to LP7. Just bought the Timp 5 which look to be more durable... time will tell
Awesome review! I love my escalante 3's, what Altra trail shoe would you suggest is the most similar the escalantes?
@@shauntaylor5303 the Lone Peak are definitely the closest. Thanks!
kI've done over 20 in miked terrain and they are great. will do 20K on Timp 5 this weekend in order to compare.
Have been recently trying out Topo pursuits . My arches are fatigued , never had this with my Altra 6 . If this doesn’t work itself out going back to Altra….
There are quite a lot negative posts about the Lone Peak 8 on YT. I didn't watch them before but now I have ordered the LP 8's and ran on them today I get a bit insecure and a little bit scared because I Want to run on them in the Czech hills next week. I understand the LP 8 do not perform that well in wet conditions, I also experience my toes (narrow feet) swimming in the front of the shoes (and that gave you inbalance at going down hill?), and last there is this durability issue. Can't send them back now, while I ran on them. In my country (Netherlands) you can't buy them in a shop, as far as I know. Didn't you speak Dutch, by the way? These are my first pair of trailrunning shoes. I normally walk in barefoot shoes.
We mustn't forget that the LP is Altras best selling shoe, so although they get a lot of criticism online, they're still a cult favourite. 🤘🏻
In January Altra will release the LP9+ with Vibram outsole for better traction if wet surfaces.
And yes, I was born in NL and lived there for 20 years before moving to Germany 😊
Hey I love your videos! Do you ever run 30 km and more? If so, what do you like to wear in those runs?
Hey! Excellent question! I occasionally run over 30km, but only when I'm training for a 50+ km race. For these runs I tend to go for something comfortable and plush like the Timp or Olympus. I like using the Mont Blanc BOA for race day, so I'd take them when I'm getting race ready.
With two 50k races coming up this summer with a lot of elevation gain I'll probably be training a lot more in the Timp 5 and Mont blanc carbon (when it's released).
The main issue with the LP 7 and I assume 8 too is the heel lock, worse than any other Altra model, and in the 7 the upper and the lacea are so slippery, there is no way for them not to get loose way too soon. Miss the older Lone Peaks, ir they only added Vibram and Ego max or Pro it would be awesome, plus the draining holes back.
Also, I.agree, I wouldn't use the LP 7 or 8 for running, they are almost useless for that
the rear-flap or rear-fin also is a very good indicator of heel-striking, i.e. running/hiking movements and habbits...
What's going on with the Timp Day Hiker😀🦋👣
So far I've only worn them casually. I can of course make a short vid, but I'd be lying if I said I went for real hikes in them 😅
They are super comfortable, and very easy to slip on and off without needing to jam my feet into them. Vibram outsole is gold on wet surfaces. Mud does get tricky though, and will still slide around. It rains a lot here, so trails do tend to get muddy quickly.
They're obviously not waterproof, but that only becomes an issue when you walk through deeper puddles thanks to the stack height. I was out last weekend in the rain, and my feet stayed warm despite getting wet. A good thing is that the rain doesn't collect inside the shoes, as the upper is fairly breathable and the water seeps out quickly enough.
I particularly like wearing them on the day or day after a long run, as my toes can get pretty beaten up and get sensitive, and the Timp Hiker's toebox is volumous enough for my toes to move around without hitting the top.
I know they are zero drop but are they completely flat inside? Like 100%, including the insole? I have a pair of Lems and they have contouring at the arch. Only a few mm but it destroys my left arch. I need something flat and would appreciate the advice! Thanks.
Hmm, I find it hard to answer. The insoles are flat, but the edges curl up to wrap around the sole of your feet. Do you mean this? Alternatively, you could remove the insoles, as Altra designs their shoes to also be comfortable without insoles. Not everyone likes that though.
@@TDMiller No, I mean like a bump, rise, drop or curve built into the footbed of the shoe itself. I realize zero drop means there shouldn't be any "drop" but a lot of brands still contour the footbed at the arch a little (looking at you, Lems). I can actually feel the difference in my Lems with my hand. If I had to guess I'd say it was like 2mm. But it is enough to hurt my arches.
Also, some shoes seem to have a tilted foot bed leaning toward pronation or supination, even if very slight and even when they say zero drop. I just want a flat chunk of sole under my foot, lol.
As for the insoles as long as they are, the same mm from heel to toe they should be fine. But they can be changed, or as you said, removed. Thanks again!
@@kitcraft9516 I see. Feeling the foot bed with my hand, it does feel flat, although the area for my heel and ball of my foot feel somewhat compressed. So I don't notice any deliberate arch support, but just my own pressure points being more compressed if that makes sense?
@@TDMiller Yes, and thank you again! It sounds promising. I apricate you taking the time to check.
How much length your feet in centimetres?
For me the perfect shoe. I wear them even at office.
100%! I've been buying older versions for exactly that. So comfortable, and they look awesome too.
Is it possible to remove the stone guard?
I'm afraid not, it's inside the midsole
Different enough to buy the 8? Or get the 7 on sale?
Definitely just get the 7 on discount. They're almost identical
@@TDMillerSome say that 7s are narrower than 8s in toebox, is that true?
Do the 8's feel firmer than the 7's to you?
Not noticably tbh. They probably need a few runs in them to soften up.
I wore Altras exclusively from 2018 until 2024. I have since quit purchasing them because the build quality it hot garbage now. My experience (over 3 different models) is they start falling apart at about 100 miles and are completely useless for running/hiking at about 250 miles. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could see yours delaminating as you were talking about them.
As much as i dig em for comfortability, durability with Altra been issues for years, consistently terribly BADDDD. Entire shoe easily falls apart after 100-200 miles. They can't even use a proper adhesive that can hold outsole, shiet just came fly out!
And they call these sneakers shoes. 🤣
Oh Mann 😃, kämmen reicht bei der Mähne wohl nicht mehr. Das sollte man vielleicht mal wieder in Form schneiden. Es sei denn, du lässt gerade wachsen. 🤫Mal sehen was draus wird, du schaffst das schon. 😉