Appalachian Trail Thru Hike 2023 - What shoes do thru hikers wear? Altra, Hoka, Topo, Merrill?

Lugs, Stack Height, Durability, and type of shoe....how do you make the decision to pick a shoe? I review the Altra Olympus 4 and 5 as well as the Lone Peaks, Hoka Challenger ATR6, Topo Athletics Mtn Racer 2 and Ultraventure 3.
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[@___Chris___]

I guess it depends on where and when you hike. Trail runners are great in warm and dry climates and only the rather occasional rain, but not all trails are like this. Having said this, I also have bad experience with hiking boots. The feet will get wet, not only due to bad ventilation and sweat, but also because GoreTex membranes will fail after putting enough miles in. If rain, mud and crossing streams is the norm (e.g. hiking in the Swedish mountains) let's keep in mind that there's a third option: there are rubber boots that are explicitly made for hiking and hunting (e.g. the Viking Trophy 4.0, Aigle Parcours, some models from Muck boots).

[@hikingwithbinerman]

If the laces are short, use lace locks. This is a triathlon trick for quick lacing!

[@592movement]

I’ll have to look into that. I actually started two holes up and it gave more room and helped diminish the heel lock issue. I’m still not sure if I’m going on the Oly 5 or the Ultraventure 3. It may be a game time decision, both are great shows.

[@markthiel2953]

Just traded my Lone Peak 6 for an Altra Olympus pair. I'm intrigued with the extra cushion. I have a pair of Merrell Moab hiking boots, but they are heavy. I love shopping at REI.

[@592movement]

I’ve not tried Merrells yet. I need to give them a spin.

[@smokymountainangel5923]

This is my current struggle! I attempted in 2019 and started with Oboz I got a few blisters the first week but I liked the shoe other than I felt they were so slippery. I am currently hiking with the Lone Peaks and love them. However I thought I’d try something a little more sturdy and just bought the Hoka Speedgoat. I’m not sure how I feel yet but we’ll see. So many decisions.

[@592movement]

The struggle is real. I thought the Topo Ultraventure was going to be the one, but got the Altra Oly 5 since so many people were recommending them. I'm not a fan of them yet, but walking around in them more to test them out. I love the lugs on them, super grippy.

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

Thanks.

[@592movement]

Appreciate you!

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

@@592movement thought I would talk a bit about my shoes. I have a pair of Keen's Targhee, love 'em. Have worn them walking in the neighborhood and parks but no trails. I have a pair of Salomons , but don't remember the model right now, but they are a great fit and tread. My foot Dr recommends Merrill and I may pick up a pair on trail after I have gone through the two above, since I know my foot will spread more. I have heard a lot about La Sportiva and would like to try them. I heard they are a cross of boot and runner, which makes them lighter than boots, but still have the support. Have y'all heard anything about La Sportiva? Anyway

[@birds.and.blazes]

You can tell you did your research!!

[@592movement]

Hoping it can save someone else some $$. Good luck today with Winnie!

[@robandnanbeck312]

I happen to know this guy, he always does his research. He's a sharp son of a gun - great guy also!

[@davewalters9843]

Sub number 494. I will be working at stanimals. I hope to get to see you! Have a great hike. Be safe

[@592movement]

We will see you….we’ve stayed there for our weekend hikes before.

[@myleftthumb2294]

You know you'd save money by just investing in one good quality pair of hiking boots like Danner Mountain Lights or Limmers.

[@592movement]

If you hit thetrek.com they have surveys of all the hikers and what type of shoes they finished in, you will be surprised at the results.

[@Bibs123]

When my feet get beat up and need support, I wear Hoka Speedgoats. My favorite shoe though is the Olympus. As far as quality, the Hoka is a better shoe. But, I love the zero drop. The Lone Peaks are garbage, in my opinion. Hoka needs to make a zero drop with the bigger toe box. That would be the ultimate shoe. They fall apart way, way too fast. People wear them because it's the hiker-nerd, cool thing to do. Don't abuse the return; it's not there for blatant experimentation, and it pisses me off when people abuse it. Great luck on the trail!

[@592movement]

It took forever to find the right pair. The first pair were Hoka Stinson’s. They blistered my feet. The next was the challenger atr6 and I kept them. I randomly tried on Altras because I didn’t think my wide foot would fit. I want to try out speedgoats but my local REI never has my size. Maybe an outfitter on trail might have them while I’m out. Yes though, if Hoka made a zero drop….game over.