Altra vs Topo, Best Shoe for Thru-Hiking? Surprising Conclusion. Olympus, Mountain Racer Lone Peak

[@QuadzillaHikes]

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[@TheFraziers]

One huge difference I don't hear people mention when comparing these is that the Topos have an aggressive arch support "bump" in the footbed and the Altras I've tried are close to completely flat in the arch. For me personally, I cannot use Topos without some serious pain because of this. Altras for me!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh yes good point, I didn't notice it as much or maybe I attributed that to the more narrow mid foot.

[@trailingupwards]

But why? Also, I don't think any animal with quads like that can truly perceive anything below and beneath said quads. I don't think you can feel anything below the knee mate. At least, not like we mere mortals.

[@Gerz970]

Which topos have you tried? I have had that problem with other shoes, mainly hoka, but my topo terraventure 3s don't seem to have overly aggressive arch support like those did.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Highly recommend replacing the insole. Fixed that problem for me straight away.

[@TheFraziers]

@@Gerz970 They were ultraventure 3s.

[@phans3943]

You're the best camping advisor i have found -- well, equal to skurka, let's say. It's your detail and greater knowledge of what's going on. Thanks for raising the bar. I like how sometimes you leave in your return to the camera. Nice touch.

[@mastercobweb]

I've tried Altras on long hikes after loving them on day hikes and had really bad foot and shin pain. When I switched to Topos I didn't have a problem so it seemed like zero drop just didn't work for my biomechanics when I was loaded with a pack and doing 20 miles. I still love Altras as a day-to-day and recovery shoe because of the wider mid-foot, but until they put out some low drop options I'm sticking with Topos.

[@marlo7218]

Now that is how to do a gear review video- beautiful scenery/wildlife and specific advice- Thanks!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@hoser7706]

Sage, solid advise from an honest source. No bias, just straight facts based on personal experience. Thank you for chatting about real world pros and cons of both and sharing it with such a beautifully composed video. I’d hike in Crocs if I coukd get there. 😬

[@peterbedford2610]

I used Altras for years, then tried the Topo Pursuit. It fit my wide foot and high arch much better than the Altra...and the Vibram lasted about 300 miles more than the Lone Peaks. Avtually, the whole shoe was much tougher than the Lone Peak.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

One thing I don't care for with Altras (although I'm on my second pair) is that the company seems TOO ready to listen to the gripes from the public, resulting in it changing design elements annually. My first pair was Lone Peak 3.5s. Every year after, they were tinkering with the gaiter system, monkeying with materials, etc., to the point where you couldn't really count on it essentially being the same shoe a few years later. I don't know if they've gotten better, but this last summer I just went online and replaced my 3.5s with an identical pair, barely used, via an online seller site. And I did it for about $15. To be honest, I replaced those, my Moab 2 Vents and my Brooks Adrenalize running shoes for about $65, total. All three pairs barely used.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

I used the Altra Lone Peak 7 on the PCT for 500 miles and they were perfect for me. ZERO blisters and they are still in good condition.

[@markroberts6971]

Been using Topo’s for four years. So much better than ever hoped to be in every way.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Great to hear.

[@mattallengroupatREAL]

I have the Topo Traverse, i love them. They are great if you are transitioning from boots to runners.

[@z0uLess]

You really are providing something that the general youtube review space is not. Thanks for being you. Edit: my problem with the Altra Olympus 5 is that the widening of the outsole on the heel area makes it so that the sides digs into your heel when you heelstrike when walking. It starts to become noticable after 10 or so days for me.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I appreciate ya and thanks for sharing your experience with the olympus

[@Xhadp]

For me Altra is king due to having a ton more options. Topos only has what? Two zero drop shoes? Altra has a wide range of options based on how much cushioning you want. Doesn't help that Altra is trying to push a non zero-drop "line-up" in which Topo already dove off the deep end with and nobody else has anything worth of note with the desired factors. Still, get stuff on discounts if you can. Got both of my Altras from REI garage sale. The upper fit and sizing stuff I totally understand. If the shoe is foot-shaped it shouldn't be a problem. And if you are still hesitant, you can try it on in store and can get something that your foot isn't complaining about. With experience you can try on a shoe and know if it'll work out in the long term.

[@christopherjarvis1815]

I have only worn Topos but my wife has worn Altra and Topo. I love Topo with the wide toebox. My wife’s experience has been that the Altras fall apart. She has one pair fall apart within a week. All of our Topos have lasted forever. They are nearly indestructible.

[@Talon813]

Purchased a pair of Topo Traverse and within 95 miles the collar of the right shoe began to separate, similar to what you see happening with the topos in this video. Contacted Topo directly as my local retailer directed, Topo rep said they couldn't warrantee the shoes as they had no replacements available. She offered a 50% discount off a new pair of any shoe they have, however since they don't have any Traverse in stock I'm shit out of luck. My wife went with Altra Long Peaks at the same time I purchased the Topos. Her Altras look brand new with the same exact milage, also she seemed to get much less dirt and sand inside her shoes then I did. Going with Altras after these completely fail.

[@jacoba5048]

You have a very dry, and sometimes subtle sense of humor in all your videos. I find myself laughing a lot. Subscribed 👍

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Haha glad someone can appreciate it

[@HenrySylvester01]

I totally agree, I flip between topo terraventure 3s, altra olympus 4s and lone peak 5s depending on if I can find them for cheap on eBay. They all consistently last ~500 miles at least in my experience. Gotta say though SOLE innersoles have lasted me 2000 over miles consistently and are great for thru hiking and complement those aforementioned shoes well imo

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Haven't tried the SOLEs yet, will have to give that a go.

[@charliejg]

I'm not a thru hiker, only a day hiker. I got a pair of Olympus 4s when they came out and really loved them. That Vibram sole is awesome. I was going to try Topos next to go away from zero drop and the MTN Racer 3 seems pretty good. Plus, it's less expensive than the new Olympus. Hoping to try some on soon. Thanks for the overview...

[@avoiceinthechoir5791]

Good video. I agree 100% with all your points. Personally, the Olympus is my go-to shoe for everything.

[@jamicrawford6729]

I would say be careful with REI as well with the comment, "if your shoe falls apart in a week you can return them". We did the Mt Rogers loop last year, 23 miles with no rain as well as no mud. The entire toe box of the shoe opened up after 15 miles, and being a thru hiker of the AT, you know that section of the AT is not strenuous enough to damage shoes. The local REI refused to take them back stating, "that's beyond normal wear and tear". I said, look up the receipt, I just bought them Thursday afternoon and today is Monday. I had to get their cooperate headquarters involved to get them exchanged and the cooperate headquarters wasn't happy as well. But I assume them losing $300 million last year wasn't making them happy as well

[@KenFernbach]

The real deal- I have to agree, really like this post. You have reinforced my belief that I made the right choices! Thanks 🙏

[@colbypark1311]

As far as the gaiters go on the Topos, I bought some dirty girls and took the Velcro they provided and attached it. I cut it about the same size as the Velcro on the gaiters and then super glued it just under the proprietary gaiters point on the Topo. I’ve got about ~35 miles with them and so far so good!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh good hack! Glad to hear they're working out for ya!

[@theoriginalkaro]

@colbypark1311 same here. Works great!

[@mr.ultrafino6891]

Great review that exactly sums up my experience. Topo seem like good, sturdier version of Altra. Unfortunately I cannot use them because of the narrow midsole. I stay with Altras 7. Still working on the pair that lasted almost 600 km without any significant wear or tear.

[@mtadams2009]

I don’t wear either because of the zero drop. I had Achilles injury many years ago and the zero drop makes my past injury worse. I love the way they fit, especially in the toe box. I go with Merrill’s or any similar shoe that is on sale. I always size up one shoe size. I learned that the hard way. I use the Darn Toughs and they work well. I agree with the footbeds, big difference. Take care

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for sharing your experiernce!

[@Gerz970]

They still are not as rigid as something like a Merrill but if you wanted to try something new someday most Tops actually aren't 0 drop, MTN racers (the ones in this video) I believe are 5mm and so are the ultraventures. The terraventures are 3mm drop so a bit closer to 0 but not quite.

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Jack! Always great to hear from you my friend 👊🏻👍🏻 Appreciate the information. God Bless 🙏🏻 Appreciate you! 🫶🏻

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Much appreciated

[@sheilaoregan8746]

I tried both and my preference are the Topo Ultraventure’s (I did try all their trail runners and these ones have extra cushion which make them my favourite). I always found that my feet moved around too much in the Altras and the heel support just wasn’t there for me. I wore my true size - if I had sized up they would have fallen off my feet. Been wearing Topo’s for 6 years and my feet are happy 😊

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Glad you found what works for you :)

[@duanehundley]

Nice to see someone recommending the ultra Cush soles such as the Olympus with the better vibram treads. My feet grew so much they no longer make my size (17’s). New balance is the only way to go for 17+

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Dang that's some big shoes! Yeah the lone peaks don't make sense for hiking, training sure, but hiking all day everyday give me all the cushion!

[@DJStatexFreudIanSlip]

Good review and tips! I have a pair of Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX for a couple years and have used them on day hikes and multidays. Theyre still comfortable and holding up well. I would purchase a new pair once my current ones wear out.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh yes I wore some Vasque around 2018-2020 and they always held up well.

[@DJStatexFreudIanSlip]

@@QuadzillaHikes Yep! I did a gear review vlog a few yrs ago when i 1st got them.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Topo Pursuits are the shoe that the Lone Peak could/should have been. Pair them with Superfeet insoles and they’re the best shoes I’ve ever worn on trail.

[@josiebones1]

Great info! I do have to say the Altra Lone Peaks, Timps, and Superiors I have tried developed huge holes between approximately 70 to 120 miles depending on the model and the mid sole on the Lone Peaks flattened out very quickly as well. This has not been a problem with any of the dozens of other shoe models/ brands I have tried except for 1 pair of New Balance from a decade ago. The two pairs of Altra Olympus I have tried have held up better though. They were just a little unstable for me personally. I have not tried Topos so thanks for the info on them. I'm enjoying the content. Thanks.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience.

[@DanielLimbirdman]

My experience is the same with Altras. I have over dozen trail shoes and 30+ pairs running shoes. None of em developed side tear upper, with the exceptional of Altras! 3 out of 4 Altras torn up on 50km, and 200km. LP is the worst, good lord, that junk is make out of kite paper. Ok I lie, i did have a pair of saucony trail shoe failed on me, but that was after 500km.

[@hibiru6868]

The Olympus 4's were my favorite trail running shoes. They just died on me a few weeks ago after 350 miles. I bought a pair of Olympus 5's and they give me foot pain due to the changes that Altra made. Very disappointing considering how much I loved the 4's. The new timps are too narrow even though I love the Vibram. So I tried the Lonepeak 7s - like them but want more cushion and Vibrum with the same fit - bought three pairs of them so I'd have something good to run in for a while. Also bough Topo Ultraventure 2's - just ran in them for the first time today for seven "easy" miles. They felt good and will make a good rotation for when I want a short break from zero drop. Still haven't found a new favorite but I'll have to keep trying.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I dunno why they want to make changes to every iteration of shoes, that's probably my biggest annoyance, just keep the shoes the same if they work! It's not rocket science.

[@rodoutdoors]

I've been using Runventure 4's lately. For my feet the Lone Peaks are more comfortable, but I don't like how fast the MaxTrac outsoles wear down. The Vibrams grip better, but they aren't as flexible as the MaxTrac or my other barefoot style shoes. So it's a tradeoff. I could go with either but if I'm going to be hiking on slippery rocks, I'd probably go with Vibrams.

[@ghelhead]

Oh dude I saw you in the Richmond Ranges between Top Wairoa Hut and Mid Wairoa Hut. You were with 3 other people walking behind a girl. I was going SOBO. Still got 5 days till finish. Enjoying your videos 😊

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Hah yeah small world! Enjoy the finish, hope you get some good food!

[@sabijoli]

I like the topos that i’m wearing now, but i have to learn the lacing you describe. as i have very narrow heels and the opening has frayed right beneath the laces. I wish they had an integrated velcro instead of the proprietary gaiters. i also remove the insoles and use minimalist northsole inserts. thanks for the thorough and thoughtful review.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching! Yep you described my pain points.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

To be honest, I'm not really even on board with getting after-market insoles. Too many people use those as a crutch for foot comfort, when in the long run they may be better off allowing the architecture of their feet to grow stronger by allowing them to do what they're designed to do. For example, if you get something because you think you need more arch support, you're limiting how strong your arches can be when it comes to their ability to naturally support your foot. But it's highly individual. I've never really felt a need to replace an insole for no reason. I just ride them out.

[@Trevor.Morrice]

I bought a pair of topo in like 2015 that absolutely sucked but it seems they have gotten better recently

[@jradd77]

I don't know if you're familiar with Norda but if you're looking for the most durable trail runner out there, it's this. The midfoot to forefoot is very roomy without the clumsy feeling of Altras.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I'll look em up!

[@daveholte7658]

Really enjoyed your video. It was spot on. There is no Best Shoe. So many variables I get tired of all these videos of what’s best in 2024? or saying I am not buying this model any more ….because of ….dah dah Your right. Don’t worry about just get out there Other than add better insoles I add a bubble lace. Keeps them tied and tighter than the junk that come with the shoes. Thanks again. Living life on the trails…

[@souljacker553]

For longer hikes (10 miles+) I like a lighter shoe, so I go with my Topo Ultraventures over my Altra Olympus. For day hikes I usually wear my Olympus. If I had to pick one for both applications, I would give my Topos the edge.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Funny for me I'd have the olympus edge out the topo because of the extra cushion if I'm doing big long days, but not enough that I wouldn't buy the topo if it were cheaper.

[@mattmatthewmatchuu]

gonna say this as pc as possible... so many overweight, clumsy, non athletic hikers out there whining about injuries or shoes wearing out leaving out the obvious reason why their body/shoes fall apart. so many ppl walk normally not lifting their feet up properly let alone with a backpack

[@FreshYoungDude]

Dude you did such a great job going over everything. Really enjoyable video! Great footage too. Subscribed! So would you say most people just need to be more mindful of how/where they step to avoid shoe damage? I have a new pair of Topo Pursuit 1’s in the mail I found on eBay for a steal and I want them to last.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I'd think so and gait and pronation and all of that effects things as well

[@rjeepster8640]

Bring a huge fan of the Olympus this settled it for me thanks

[@nickfischer8510]

New sub here. Based on your experience, which is better overall? Hoka speedgoat vs Olympus

[@RC-qf3mp]

Nice video. Ever train in minimalist shoes or try hiking in them? I used some for training and then just got so used to minimalist shoes for every aspect of life, I couldn’t go back to Altras or Topos.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I don't, mostly I just use whatever old pair of hiking shoes I have to train in. For thru hikes there's just so many steps that with 30-40 mile days I don't think my feet could ever handle minimalist shoes.

[@rschreck876]

The one pair of Topo’s I had didn’t breathe very well. The shoes were damp at the end of the day and still a little damp in the morning. Love Hoka’s but that stupid heel thing they are doing is making me think about switching to the Timp’s.

[@mikemurtha1333]

Excellent vid, I guess there is no holy grail of hiking shoes and best not to overthink it.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

There really isn't, very dependent on the individual and at the end of the day the better shape conditioning you're in the better any pair of shoe is going to feel.

[@jonathankobbe6073]

I love my Topo pursuits. The upper is very durable and plenty breathable. The sole is zero drop and 28mm stack height is a great balance in somewhat technical terrain imo. Altra do not offer a good alternative to that

[@DanielOutdoors]

I tried Topo Pursuit, those kinda suck to be honest. The gaiter is a no go for me, and the cushion. Altra Olympus is a much better shoe overall.

[@jonathankobbe6073]

@@DanielOutdoors first off you can get a gaiter on them as well but the altras are better in that regard. But the cushion is great, idk what you mean. The olympus are a very high shoe that is a hazard in somewhat technical terrain. Also there is just so much evidence on the upper getting holes wayyy too quickly. But sure if you want to replace your shoes after every other trip altras are by far the better shoe

[@DanielOutdoors]

@@jonathankobbe6073 Every brand that has the Vibram sole, get send to Vibram from them to make. If the shoe sole guarantee do not last 5 years, regarding its a Vibram reclaim, that the retail send to then producer need to send to Vibram. But I did had a Topo Terraventure 2 once too, and I had to reclaim those at store, they just couldn't do it because Topo didn't want to take the dealer reatail cost. And so Retail actually lost money on Topos faulty design of their shoe. As far for the pursuit nah, I'll will stick to my Olympus instead mine had loads of miles, but I do prefer Olympus versus LonePeak or Timps for sure. And also versus Pursuit and Speciakky Terraventure 2 Now with Altras or any barefoot shoe, also need transition, specially if you do a lot of runs on high elevated heels. The risk of injure is due to lack of transition. That for ancles, knees and back. It is very important to transition and train your feet and body as many understimate this. This also what my doctor told me when 10 years ago i was having knee pain before I tried Zero Drop Shoes like Altras. The benifit is however that in the longer run, barefoot shoe, toe box spread you feet naturally will improve and gain strenght, unlike or example with Hooka. As for this day I can tell that from walking 15-30 km outdoors or 17.000-18.000 at work I do not feel tired or fatigue as much as I would be 10 years ago. Your feet will adapt, but you actually need to pretty much "repair" and transition from walking with narrow shoes and elevated heels all your life. I can almost bet that when you turn older, the one who have walked more barefoot and with Zero Drop is going to have a stronger and better balance when the years come to you. The Olympus however is much more durable than other Altra models, but not more durable than Leather Boots, wich again have elevated heels, and narrow toe box. I am actually planning on more long distance hikes next year. And if all go according to plan I surely will pick my Olympus for a 3256 km trip.

[@stevenbrewer8788]

Have you tried the all-new topo traverse? I love mine!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I have not, what do you like about it?

[@e2dub]

I’ll answer as I’m on my third pair of Topos, first two being the MTN Racers. Before Topos I used four sets of Altra. The Topo Traverse is specifically designed as a through hiking backpacking shoe. Just finished three days backpacking the Grand Canyon and several days hiking and trail running near Flagstaff. The Traverse is a 10/10 so far. Traverse uses a dual density mid sole, with a firmer foam than the runners, to provide more stability under the weight of a pack. They nailed the ride in these shoes. They look and feel more durably built than MTN Racer. A new insole that is designed to not absorb water. Shoe is designed with water drain ports too. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design of these. I also sprung for the Topo gaiters and they worked very well. The Traverse is easily the best shoe I’ve ever used for backpacking and hiking, 10 out of 10.

[@phillvallace]

I find the Olympus way to small, compared to Lonepeak, be nice if they fit me to try them out

[@Jerrymc1975]

Altra Olympus worked for me, but you could still feel rocks. Hokas (thickest sole” couldn’t feel rocks

[@CraigWrightStraygoat]

Would the Topo be any good for on cross trainer in the gym or would the lugs be a problem? I have very wide feet and a high arch. I’ve been wearing some barefoot shoes, great for width but they are killing my arches.

[@Lv4_o2]

Ok…it’s rare, yes rare…that I do not get blisters. Yes, it’s about you/your foot/terrain/weather/weight of pack. I’m still on a search for the perfect hiking shoe. I’m on to Altra Olympus 6, we will see. 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@tenzin044]

Hi there! Have a question. As yourself, I found out while ago to leave hiking boots and keep follow pct hikers using running shoes. I have to say that was a great idea! I used them many times now combo injinji running socks plus sealskinz socks. I used Lone Peak for first try and quick founded they was to thin. Jumped to olympus 4 and... fall in love! Now because they going older and less available maybe time for another change. So what do you think about change from olympus 4 to 5? Greetings from UK, Tom.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I think you probably won't notice much, the model year to model year changes are all pretty small the shoe companies just do it to sell new shoes at higher prices imo. So if the 4s worked for ya the 5s should be just fine.

[@newsbystringer]

Farm to feet socks are my personal preference over darn tough

[@VinceButler]

What is your actual foot measurement (like on a Brannock measuring device)? That would be helpful for context to understand how much you size up from your actual foot size.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

No idea, but good point for a future video.

[@DanielLimbirdman]

I own four Altras (2xLP, Timp, Superior) and two Topos (Mnt Racer 2 & 3) , mainly used for hiking and trail running in deep tropical forests with wet conditions, thick vegetation, and rugged, root-covered trails. The Altras didn’t hold up: two pairs had torn uppers within the first 50km (LP), Timp lasted around 200km before tearing, and i dare not to use superior on technical trail - Too slippery. On the other hand, both Topos have been impressively durable! with one still going strong after 500km despite visible wear, and the other looking nearly new at 140km. Altra’s durability is seriously lacking-it’s like they’re made of Temu paper with flimsy glue, not make out for technical deep forest trails.

[@thatsamazinggrace9512]

great summation of the two brands! ❤

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching!

[@dangaspar1707]

One other comment - zero drop shoes are not for everyone and you will needs lots of time to for your body to adjust. Some foot types (i.e., high volume feet) generally do not do well with zero drop shoes.

[@geneholmes7308]

i disagree, from what i have seen it's usually people that spend 0 time barefoot(wearing shoes at home) that can't wear zero drop. we are all born with zero drop feet but as we wear "normal" shoes your feet adapt to those and you have to adapt back if you switch

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Zero drop's definitely not a shoe to jump straight into for long hikes if you're not used to them. AFAIK the Topos have a 5mm drop though.

[@timmo971]

Does anyone else get squeaky Olympus 5s after they get a bit damp? I believe it’s because it’s not solid length of vibram but instead there is small cavities that open up and hold moisture.

[@SteffenThomsen]

The Timp 5 has a vibram outer sole and they have ditched the holes.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh that's great to know, that shoe might be worth revisiting then as a good middle of the line option between Lone Peak and Olympus.

[@SteffenThomsen]

@@QuadzillaHikes Topo on the other hand has two models that doesn't have the ortholite insole. The Traverse and the Pursuit 2. They have their FKT insole, that doesn't soak up water like a sponge.

[@geminisneverlie]

This was super based thank you 🙏🏾

[@joeswoods]

Solid review video.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Thanks for watching

[@rodneygraham3492]

Are there any situations where you recommend a hiking boot over a trail runner? Thank you!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Mountaineering, that's the only case I can think of, or like living off grid in Alaska or something

[@Avenjin]

have you tried the new Olympus 6?

[@flutingaround]

Aren't the uppers less breathable on the Topos? Which shoes dry out faster? And rock plates...do they help? Are they necessary?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I didn't notice any less breathability, base model the altras dry faster because the insoles don't absorb water like the topos do. I think rock plates can be helpful, but I usually just run a superfeet and that's good to go.

[@flutingaround]

​@@QuadzillaHikes Thank you for the answers. I really appreciate that.

[@Woodthrush]

Thanks, Quad! 😄

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Any time!

[@justapedn1]

Topos gave me blisters in a 6-day race.

[@AML.3891]

Topo tiene una calidad de construcción superior pero al menos en España valen el doble ya que las Altra las puedes encontrar en oferta y la Topo casi no tienen descuento. Además del arco como comenta alguien y la suela con menos grosor según el modelo.

[@brewlovinrunner]

I wear a like both but I prefer Topo.

[@roonz2140]

Great video! Remember I met you in 2016 hiking up Blood Mtn with Wife now ex-wife.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Oh I have a little clip of you guys in this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3fbloxjgMh0p68

[@DanielOutdoors]

Altra Olympus for the win 🎉

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Ultra cush!

[@DanielOutdoors]

@QuadzillaHikes Yeah man I use them too, like you can problaby do any thru hike with most outdoor shoe that fits right out there, gore tex, boots, Salomon, hooka, merell or sandal... But for me the Altra transition and Olympus specially compared to Lone Peaks been amazing

[@VintheValley]

Soooo good! Thank you. Also, you have the most amazing legs!

[@matthewthalhamer2825]

I'm over here like I can barely afford walmart shoes

[@geometerfpv2804]

Altras are zero drop and the insole is completely flat. Topos have a drop and a big arch. They aren't even close to "the same". I think you just have a philosophy where you don't care; after experiencing pain, your body will just adapt and modify itself and overcome. That's fine, that's one philosophy, but that doesn't make what you are calling "gear nerds" wrong. If you underpronate, the flat Altra could be great while something with an arch can cause you a lot of pain. Similarly if you overpronate and you wear a flat shoe, it's gonna cause you a lot of pain. You may just push through that until your body learns to deal with it, which it will, but the fact remains. You don't have to act like your perspective is better and they are "overthinking". It's just two different approaches to a problem.

[@marilynsue4273]

Thee Altas can become TOO BIG in the toe - if you are between sizes be careful.

[@Mannavegr]

Topo last so much longer than Altra. Love bouth but Altras just dont last more than a couple of months :(

[@sylenzyostampa]

and the winner is......La Sportiva !::)))))))

[@QuadzillaHikes]

I'm gonna wear a pair of la sportiva on the AT next cause I found them on-sale with REI :)

[@my22pm]

@@QuadzillaHikesI’m from future and want to tell you that this is so bad bad decision. Don’t even think about la sportiva.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

@@my22pm 🤣

[@FDNRunningandMotivation-ws1hd]

what a joke 😂

[@trailingupwards]

OMG shoes... These shoes rule... These shoes suck...

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Hah just watched that video last week.

[@sizzle3207]

Thanks for nothing 💀

[@IMUSTHCOOSEANEWNAMEB]

you can wear shoes the right size and keep your toes, don't believe pseudo scientists

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Yeah what would I know I've only hiked 16,000 miles

[@trailsandbeers]

No contest, Topo are so much better than Altra.

[@DanielOutdoors]

😂 No way they are

[@bgwalkin]

Your comparing apples and oranges. Altra is trash.