Hiking Shoes or Altra Lone Peaks? The Trail Runner vs Hiking Shoe Question

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

I'm a very big hiker. I was taken in by the light-weight trail runners, which were extremely comfortable for the first 5 miles. After that, and with the added weight of a pack, the trail runners were like wearing thick socks with minimal support. Something that seems to be missed in many of these videos is that the equipment must fit the hiker. Many pieces of light-weight gear are great if you weigh 165 pounds with an ultra light pack. I will never miss carrying an extra pound in shoe weight at the end of the day if I have to contend with aching feet and ankles and a backache.

[@sunset3052]

Excellent points, thanks for sharing.

[@paddywiggle]

One other main difference that you should be focusing on is what muscles you need to be strong to use either shoe. In a trail hiker, the foot and ankle is much more stable, causing the work and movement to move up to the hips. Since your ankle and foot is not moving with the terrain, your hips have to adjust for that, and thus have adequate strength to support you. With a trail running shoe (not all but ESPECIALLY the Lone Peak) your ankle and foot have much more pliability in the shoe, meaning you will need more foot and ankle strength.

[@burnt-reynolds]

I jumped in cold turkey going from military style boots to Lone Peaks and lemme tell you. It was a painful journey, but now I have silly resilient ankles and feet. I did a 13 mile hike this morning in the rain and landed on the side of my foot twice, soreness, but otherwise non-event, didn't even slow me down. Still, I try to be careful. I have since moved on to many different shoes, still haven't found a good one that is comfortable (*after 10 miles.) and durable.

[@reJaneDoe]

The main problems watching this videos, is that they could as well be from mars. My mountains are either mud(up to ankle deep), running water, scree, snow or mix of anything above. They kill proper boots in a year or two... Runners, shoes, lol, the guide or instructor will straight deny your participation if you try to show up in a footwear like that.

[@burnt-reynolds]

@@reJaneDoe People do the CDT/AT/ and PCT in these types of shoes. Watch some thru-hiker channels.

[@reJaneDoe]

@@burnt-reynolds yeh, try to do chimtarga pass in those.

[@burnt-reynolds]

@@reJaneDoe Dunno what you want to prove here. You're on a website full of videos of this.

[@timbull6283]

Hi I've recently walked approximately 300 miles on the Portuguese Camino using LP 5's. I added an additional set of Sorbothane sole inserts due to lack of sole padding. Worked a treat. I'm 69 and weigh 100 kg. Far better than my Merrell Moabs. The extra toe box width is brilliant.

[@WalkingEng]

I took my Lone Peak 5's to the Camino de Santiago, so 500 miles, with about 100-150 miles of training before the trip. I covered and average of 16 miles per day on them and they never faulted at all and not a single blister in the whole trip. Most of the terrain is simple trails, but with some challenging sections. I'm still wearing them now more as a general day shoe, they didn't wear out too much and I think they've still got 200+ miles remaining. They are incredible and comfortable.

[@oilizer]

Thanks for this comment. I was looking at these for my second Camino trip in 1-2 years and it's good to know that they hold up well for a long backpacking journey.

[@HuggyBearHikes]

Love my Lone Peak 5....I'll never go back to traditional hiking boots. I wear my Lone Peaks everyday for the past year. Love the wide toe box and breathability

[@theredpilllion5922]

👍😃 I got the Altar Lone Peak trail runners for my wife. It’s the best trade I’ve ever made!

[@hikingbuddies8812]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mattpelofske4632]

It's fairly easy to find last year's model of Lone peak's for way less money I Got a Brand New Pair two years ago for only $65 so I'm always wearing last year's model basically

[@Moonlightmoonlight39]

Where did you find it ? Thank you

[@mattpelofske4632]

Rei outlet

[@viveviveka2651]

It might be worth adding that some shoes have light, breathable uppers (a huge plus for me) PLUS protective soles (thick foam, inserts, stabilizers, rock plates, or tough outsole materials, etc.).

[@childcrone]

I loved your description of the difference when you put each of these on: with the hiking shoe your foot goes into the shoe, vs with the Altra the shoe goes around your foot. My first barefoot-friendly hiking/running shoes were Lone Peaks 4 or 5 yrs ago and I love how they let my feet function and respond. For much more durable and terrain-capable trail shoes & boots, I'd say check out Vivobarefoot. They seem costly at the outset, but you get better performance and a few times the mileage out of them. About a year ago, when I wanted some outdoor work & hiking boots that would be mud/snow-capable, I chose Vivobarefoot Forest ESC boots. I've had them out in every situation I bought them for and I love them more every time I use them.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for the recommendation, I'll check them out!

[@wildweeds]

I've went through a few Oboz Sawtooths, but my favorite is the Hoka Speed Goat. I rotate between shoes, mainly these two for the most part.

[@peterbedford2610]

The Altra toe box was a huge game changer for me. I can backpack 15 miles/day with the Altra and my feet feel great. Never get a hiking boot again.

[@Hikingguy]

same

[@HuskyMike]

All good points and echos my experience going from hiking shoes/ boots (Merrells) into Altras. The Zero Drop took a bit to get used to but otherwise was a positive transition- including never getting blisters. Wanted something with a bit more cushion (and perhaps a longer lasting sole) so I'm currently wearing the Olympus 4s. So far so good.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, yea I tried the last model of the Olympus but the toe box was too narrow for me. Think that was the last model, maybe I should check out the latest. Moving on to trying the Topo Athletic Terraventure 3 next.

[@HuskyMike]

@@Hikingguy Most recently, I had the Terraventures (and Mtn Racer before them (can't remember which version)). Nice shoes- seemed a bit more sturdy than the Altras (?). Biggest issue I had was the raised arch. As soon as I put my foot in the Terraventures, I remembered why I switched back to Altras after the Mtn Racers. The raised arch was something I got used to, but never really felt "right". Otherwise, seemed like great shoes.

[@Hikingguy]

@@HuskyMike good to know thank you 👍

[@TheSurfskidude]

I have been wearing the exact same OBOZ ( outside Bozeman😁 ) for several years and buy 2 pairs every time they go on sale… one for my every day wear and one for hike a bouts with no pack over 15 pounds. When a pack gets heavier I switched to more support in my LOWA’s. Thanks for the comparison.

[@Dharma_Bum]

I got 1000km (600 plus miles) out of my LP5s before the soles were too worn to grip properly on trail. Still wear them around town. They still look new despite rough rocky terrain. I won’t wear anything else

[@gregwickstrom5479]

I recommend Lowa or Zamberlain boots. If you're carrying a fairly heavy pack, you'll need a heavier boot that provides arch support and protection. I like Lowa because they offer great low, light hiking boots as well as heavier boots for more serious experiences.🏃

[@viveviveka2651]

I'm leaning toward something in-between - more protective and durable than the Lone Peaks but not as heavy, clunky, hot, sweaty and unpleasant as the others. I have the Trabuco Max on order. We'll see how it pans out. I have some Mt. Emey hiking shoes that are surprisingly close to what I want. Just not quite.

[@jeket5007]

Just climbed Mt Kenya with the Lone Peak 5. Very cold wet conditions. My Shoes dried out fast when soaking wet and were surprisingly warm and very grippy on the snow at the top. Others that had traditional "hiking boots" had cold wet feet the rest of the trip because their boots never dried out. I will never use hiking shoes/boots ever again unless I'm on glaciers and must wear crampons.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I've had the same experience. I've hiked in wet and snow and I've always done well and stayed warm. When it's really cold I pair the LPs with NRS wet socks and my feet are very toasty.

[@brockowens7613]

Cris: stumbled across your site last week. Great info! We have a permit for R2R this September. This will be my first big hike so trying to decide if low top hiking boots or mid top hiking boots would be better. Again, I am a novice so need as much support/help as possible. Thank you in advance!

[@Hikingguy]

Go with trail runners

[@derekgrimes6544]

SUBSCRIBED.. ! I´ve been humming and hawing about what kind of footwear to invest in for loads of hiking and your video here was a great help; so thanks very much.. ! I´ll go more in direction trail runners because I occasionally like to push it a bit; and like the look of Hokas (maybe the goatspeed 5) because I sometimes have knee problems, I wonder why the altra lone peaks are so popular; I´ll have to check them out too but already don´t like the look of the sole. Vibram might be more durable and grippy. All the best from France; see you in the ALps sometime.. !

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yes, once you go to the trail runners, you'll never go back. The Lone Peaks seem to be the most comfortable out of the lot.

[@ruggedland]

I had gone through several pairs of Moab 2 and just recently discovered LP5 (bought a pair for $63 at REI) and love them to death so far. I’ll alternate between these two depending on seasons but mostly LP5 in summer/dry months

[@bibbidybopp760]

I prefer my inov-8 g270 ultras for trails. They're trail runners with a much grippier sole than altras. Excellent shoe, did an inaugural 8 miles in my brand new pair on a VERY technical, muddy and wet trail. Had zero blisters and never slipped once. Zero drop is the best for me and I vastly prefer letting my feet be able to have their full proprioceptive feedback loop by being able to feel twigs, roots, rocks, you name it. Makes for a more sturdy, stable hiker.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, thanks for the heads up, will add the G270 to the list. Just checked the specs out and they look really good.

[@bbttresidder7224]

Just found your video and it exactly mimics my dilemma. I have the same Oboz, but don’t love them, and have a pair of Altra Lone Peak 6’s I’m “trying before I buy” from Amazon. I’m 63 and hoping to do more hiking, really want to be comfortable, and your comparison helped a lot. My question: what socks do you wear with you Altras? I have thick wool socks from REI, some thinner ones, some toe socks, and then some cycling socks of nylon; thoughts?

[@Hikingguy]

I wear all types but generally the Darn Tough hiker mid is what works for most conditions - nothing fancy just works

[@deepskychaser5707]

This was a great and informative video! I’m considering either the Altra Lone Peak 6, the Topo pursuits, and the Topo Terraventures. Which one would you recommend the most for a day hike?

[@Hikingguy]

I'm liking the Pursuits now

[@viveviveka2651]

Nobody ever talks about this, in my experience, but it's very important for some of us: Cactus spines and other thorns penetrate some shoes much more easily than others. I can't count how many times my hikes have been interrupted and the soles of my feet painfully stabbed by cactus thorns, especially from the cholla but others as well. Some shoes are very susceptible. Most are somewhat susceptible. Others are immune. The cholla spines can and do penetrate not only the soles, but also the sides of many shoes.

[@paavoviuhko7250]

I am using Lone Peaks now. I was a little bit resistant because of 3 twisted ankles over quite a few decades so I wore boots with ankle coverage. I finally picked up my courage and gave up on that. The Lone Peaks are great for trails but I have my doubts about using them for bushwhacking. I have an old pair of leather Zamberlans that I would use for tougher terrain but definitely not for thru hiking.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, these are for trails, if you are going off-trail, def get something with more protection.

[@dragonlo6514]

I switched to trail runner "Salomon Speedcross 5" and really like these. Still have Moab hiking shoes as well

[@Hikingguy]

I'll check those Salomons out, ty

[@dragonlo6514]

@@Hikingguy thank you. I switched because of an older video you did on this same topic

[@markgoodsmith7229]

Could you comment on heal to toe issues between the two. I tried A.L.T.s 4.5 and within a week I developed the dreaded plantar fasciitis. Took me Six months to work through it. I wear the Sawtooths now, but they are heavy and my foot is not very comfortable. Heavy wool socks helps with fit, but runs hot.

[@charliejg]

Thanks for this comparison! Are there any hiking style shoe out there that has the nice toe box like Altra shoes? I've been using Atra Olympus 4s for hiking and have some Olympus 1s for every day wear. I've looked at several other shoe models but none seem to have that toe box I love on the Olympus shoes along with the grippy sole, nice thick stack. Now, I was considering trying the Lone Peak, but didn't because of the smaller stack height. I hike most of the time in Pennsylvania and experience lots of rocks. Has the tread been improved on the Lone Peak 7? Again, thanks for your information!! I'm subbing.....

[@carlbernsen1290]

I bought a used pair of LP5’s (couldn’t justify the new cost for testing). Amazing slipper-like feel and my feet stay well aired and dry. I walk, not run, so they should last longer. Now that I’ve used them for a while I can justify the new cost next time.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I feel the same way. Once I started using them, the cost of having my feet comfortable was just worth it.

[@SK-fy8dl]

Can you add your past recommendations (lone peak) and alternative hiking shoes recommendations (oboz sawtooth) to your website?

[@fetB]

are the lone peak the yellow version? Looks a bit more like sand wheras the product image is like bright yellow

[@northtexashiker]

As usual a solid video.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@eunlee2936]

I'm interested in buying either hiking boots or shoes. Haven't hiked yet, but interested in joining my friends who enjoy it and go out on trails rated "hard" by AllTrails. I'm very physically active. I've run marathons, ride many cycling centuries and gran fondos, and Cossfit. So although I haven't hiked before, I'm sure one of my first outings will be on one of the hard trails with my friends. I see that hiking boots are not always necessary. But the trails we will be on are pretty rocky and technical. A couple of trails they frequent are Old Rag and Raven Rocks in VA. The people reviewing those places all seems to say hiking boots are recommended. What is your suggestion/opinion?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea parts of the AT and that area can be rocky, but plenty of AT hikers use trail runners. For me trail runners work fine on everything except off-trail, but if you really want to put the max protection on your feet as a new hiker, a boot is the move.

[@supporterofsanity]

I love the fit and initial feel of the lone peaks but I feel every root rock and pebble underfoot. After only 5-6 miles I am dreading the slightest bump on the trail. I don’t need ankle support I think I am just too heavy for the lightweight Peaks. Any recommendation for a trail runner with a thicker sole or a sole more resistant and protective against objects directly under foot?

[@Hikingguy]

Try the Topo Athletic Pursuit or Terraventure - both have thicker / tougher soles. amzn.to/3WChT9Q

[@supporterofsanity]

@@Hikingguy great thanks

[@rickchandler2570]

I don't like the LP's, they beat my feet up badly. The Oboz though were horrible. I had a lot of problems with rolling my ankle in them. I do like using trail runners though, just not the LP version. Groomed trails though, you could get away with just using your favorite running shoes.

[@sirfranski9176]

Thank you for this review. These are the exact two pairs of shoes I currently own. Bought the Oboz first because I wanted a lighter weight hiking boot. Loved them for the first 50 miles or so, but out of nowhere, started to develope a really bad hotspot/blister problem on my left heel rendering the Oboz pretty much useless. An associate @ REI had me try on the LP6s & have been wearing them on every trail since. So comfortable & light weight. Only problem is, as you said, not as durable. Much of the hiking I do is off-trail in really rugged country & there are times that the heft & grip of the Oboz are sorely missed. Any thoughts on why the Oboz would suddenly start behaving this way? Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for sharing that, and yea, the thing with the Oboz is that they don't really adapt to your foot, so if don't fit them well, you get blisters like you described. In 2022 I'd have to think there are lightweight and durable materials that Altra could improve the LPs with, but it's just a guess. I'm going to try the Terraventure 3 which is supposed to be somewhere inbetween these two shoes. Stay tuned...

[@PrivateRash]

Trail runners are awesome for good weather on trails. But if you're going to be mostly off trail and bushwacking or in cold/snow... then the extra protection of the hiking shoes or boots pays off huge! In deep snow and below zero temps, trail runners are just a bad idea...

[@vicmyers431]

I have hiked 100's of miles of really rugged terrain in the northeast in my Lone Peaks (3 or 4 pairs) but I have done that with a light day pack. I love them and swore I'd never hiking in boots again. However, this summer I plan on hiking the John Muir Trail with my daughter and I'm not exactly ultralight. My pack weight is looking around 25 - 30 pounds before food and water😬. Ironically, I have been breaking in the Oboz Sawteeth as I ruck around town with 40 pounds in my training and preparation for the JMT. The big question I have for anybody is...can I carry a heavyish backpack wearing Altra Lone Peaks or Olympus? Is that something that people do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@Hikingguy]

I've used my LPs for backpacking with around 30lbs, no problem. And lots of PCT / AT hikers probably carry decent loads and wear LPs, so I think you're good with them.

[@laxuscloud2495]

I would suggest the olympus with heavier loads. And with longer trails.

[@laxuscloud2495]

I use my trail running shoes salomon speedcross 5 for hiking steep, muddy mountains ( i live in a tropical country so our mountains here are almost always wet from rain ) and man the salomons don’t have any problem with those 6mm lugs and grippy outsole 😂. So yeah. Trail running shoes in my opinion is better that traditional boost. So heavy and they retain heat more so you get sweaty feet. Not good. Other shoes on my radar Hoka speedgoat 5 Saucony peregrine 12 Saucony xodus ultra ( coming this year ) Altra LP6 Altra Olympus 5( coming this year ) La Sportiva Akasha II

[@Thehikingtribe]

Speedgoats are not good for hiking. Their upper sole is not gripping or hugging; hence, u roll your ankle easily because remember their soles are higher than others. In short, Hoka Speedgoats don’t have stability.

[@laxuscloud2495]

@@Thehikingtribe ah so that's why i have been having a more stable and comfortable hike everytime i use my SG5's. Did not roll my ankles even once. Hhmmm.. i wonder why

[@Thehikingtribe]

So u don’t have any of that problem? Most of the time I have to do rock scrambling and SG5 doesn’t perform well on that terrain for me. Maybe because of soft outer sole and upper body.

[@laxuscloud2495]

@@Thehikingtribe coming from salomon sc5. Sg5 is an upgrade.. last time we went hiking with lots of we rocks. And have been grippy as fk. My buddy who has a salomon speedcross 5 also, had a hard time traversing with us because of the terrain. Yeah sure when it was muddy he has advantage but most of the terrain are wet rocks and roots. And i felt stable more than before when i wore the sc5. A lot of factors contribute also. Next month will go on a major climb again. And will be wearing sg5. My buddy also ditched his sc5 and just bought sg5 in preparation.

[@JaySoul711]

What boot is better against rattlesnake bites? I’ve seen 8” high hiking boots. Do you have any recommendations on this ? Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

I'm not sure what's rattlesnake bite proof but probably not these guys. I'd probably go with the heaviest leather boots that you can find. Asolo makes some solid models,

[@dersinndeslebens9780]

Do you know the trailrunners from topo-athletic?

[@Hikingguy]

Working on my 100 mile review right now, should have a video next week

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Finally broke down and tried the Lone Peaks...quite hesitantly... about 3 weeks ago. Absolutely blown away!! Really comfortable and my feet feel great after a long hike. Longevity has me concerned, but I guess you have confirmed what I expected. Wish they'd make one with a polyurethane midsole instead of the molded EVA. Are you aware? I guess now I need to create a shoe account for replacements every 9 months🤷‍♂️ I like them that much.

[@Hikingguy]

Ah that's great to hear, and yea, I was a bit late onto the LP bandwagon but I've been really happy. Not sure if they make one with a poly midsole, but I did try a few other models and they didn't fit nearly as good as the Lone Peaks. I've just accepted that I'll pay a little more in replacements for the comfort, which is probably worth it. I just ordered a pair of Topo Athletic Terraventure 3 which are supposed to be a more durable version of the LPs. Will keep you posted.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

@@Hikingguy I'll keep my eyes peeled for that review then.👍 BTW...ran into a dude on Condor today that was up there because of your guide this week. I know its already in the numbers, but hey, your efforts are making a difference!🤣

[@Hikingguy]

@@ColemanOutdoors ha that's great, glad you and other folks are getting to bag Condor, ti's a great one, and thank you as always 🙏👍

[@quietfire286]

great video

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

got 2 pairs of merrell moabs ventilaters n my truck and water proof ones at home switch them out when ever.

[@30m3]

My go to hiking shoe is the Arc'teryx Aeoris FL, super light, agile, moves with your foot and best of all the grip is unmatched. I've had Lone Peaks and unfortunately the traction wasn't good for me.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice thanks for that, will check them out

[@DerrickLytlephoto]

I honestly can’t see why 99.9 percent of people buy hiking boots

[@poughquagpops3379]

A higher hiking boot could help with avoiding rolling your ankle. I rolled my ankle with low top hikers (avulsion fracture). Not at all fun. Just the sound of rolling my ankle was frightening and I was 2 miles from my car. Walking out those 2 miles to the trailhead wasn't fun, nor was trying to drive back home. Took months to heal. A high top hiker has a purpose/following. One single misstep could ruin your day.

[@dennisw8026]

I do too much bushwacking, running shoes are ridiculous for that

[@stevenshorten6184]

The Lone Peak is far less than 1 lb. It's about 11.5oz in a size 10.5.

[@Hikingguy]

Specs from here per pair - bit.ly/391guF8

[@stevenshorten6184]

@@Hikingguy oh thank you. You're measuring per pair.

[@Hikingguy]

@@stevenshorten6184 yup, that's why in the calc I halved the cadence - overall though, yea, the LPs are way lighter than the shoes, and my feet are way happier

[@leonfisher]

It's hard to beat the bots for first comment. I've got the Lone Peak 5's and the same OBOZ. At first I was so impressed with the Lone Peaks, but mine didn't last 200 miles. For me I'd like to find something with the comfort of the Lone Peaks with the durability of the OBOZs. Should be easy to do, but I can't find that grail.

[@Hikingguy]

The bots were especially good today... and yea, I wish the LPs were more durable. I'd say 200 miles is probably an anomaly, I burn through a ton of shoes and usually get about 400-600 out of these. Hoping with modern materials that the LP 7 will be tougher and have a better tread. Even if you could squeeze 800 or so out of them, it would be a huge improvement.

[@ChopperChad]

Try Topo’s. 3 or 5mm drop and wide toe box. Much more durable than Altra. They’re at REI and have been very popular according to their shoe dude.

[@leonfisher]

@@ChopperChad Good call but don't come in wide versions.

[@leonfisher]

@@Hikingguy Perhaps, I should clarify; the Lone Peak 5's still look pretty good and have lots of tread, but the midsole is crushed at the ball of the foot. I'm still using them it's just that the comfort was gone at 200.

[@Hikingguy]

@@ChopperChad thanks for the recommendation - buying them now to try out - reviews look good 👍

[@mynock250]

No one who is a tail runner, you know a runner who RUNS on trails considers the Altra a trail runner. Its way to heavy.

[@viveviveka2651]

My feet get very uncomfortably sweaty and hot in heavier uppers.

[@thelosttraveller4725]

Altra forever...... Never get a hiking boot again....