I Go Hiking with Two Different Trail Shoes | At the Same Time!

In this video, I go hiking with two different trail shoes at the same time to see which pair is better. Comparing hiking shoes can be tricky, but wearing two different brands on the trail at the same time can help a lot it turns out! The hiking shoes I'll be comparing are actually both trail runners. One pair is the new Altra Lone Peak 5s, while the other is the new Topo Ultraventure Pros.

[@PrettyHikes]

It’s worth pointing out that these are my preliminary thoughts combined with the simple fact I want to try something new. Time will tell which shoe will be the best!

[@IsraelMagalit]

Thanks for the comparison. Very useful info. Do they basically fit the same in terms of sizing? I've tried the LP5s and size 10 fit me well. Just wondering if I would be a 10 in the Ultraventures as well.

[@PrettyHikes]

@@IsraelMagalit Yeah they fit very similar in sizing.

[@IsraelMagalit]

@@PrettyHikes awesome. Thanks for the reply! Cheers

[@CaptainCamp]

It's magic that this came in my recommendations, very helpful! I recently bought a pair of Ultraventure Pro and the Altra Timp 3, both feel good initially but haven't decided yet which one to take on my thru-hike. I will definitely try the same comparison. Btw nice gesture at 7:31

[@igraineohnefurcht4871]

Thank you very much for your comparison! I do own a pair of the Lone Peak 5.0 and a pair of Topo Terraventure 3. Speaking about the lateral control I like less sturdy shoes more in general so you can balance an uneven ground more easily with your feet muscles and ankles instead of with your knees and hips. So I do prefer the Altra to the Topo which is not as soft as the Lone Peak 5.0. But as I understand you seem to even slide a bit more in the pair of Altras so I did get your point as well. Happy holidays from Germany! 🎄🎅🌟

[@nnlark]

Thanks for all the info.

[@cletotirabassi]

Great video! Enjoyed the valuable content 👏🏻

[@KomengDeBatiste]

I'm a ultra trail marathoner and I wear Altras because I have bunions. This video opened up my eyes to other alternatives to Altras, thanks!

[@hardbodiezgym]

Fantastic video Ian. Love the footage and insights.

[@PrettyHikes]

Thanks brother!

[@e2dub]

Topo is killing it! Really putting out great trail shoes. Innovative design, high quality, and very good durability. I’m enjoying trail running in the MTN Racer 2, my first Topo. Good idea two different shoes simultaneously to compare. You’re on the right track as some of the best ski gear reviewers do this same technique to compare ski boots.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've done the same thing lol. Exactly shoes I needed comparing. Great match-up. In my experience the Altra treats don't come close to the Vibram, I was surprised you found them equal! I think your channel will do well, new sub.

[@rajmoran]

I switched from the Altra Timp to the Topo Ultraventure about a year ago. As a weekend day hiker, I found the sole to be better on rocky trails and the general comfort of the shoe to be better. Also, the Topo has just held up better over time and miles, so I think it's a better value.

[@dalefalgate2716]

I have the lone peak 4.5 but I have glute strain and hamstring injury and the zero drop seem to make it worse and very tempted at trying the topos

[@ldavis4428]

Nice review and great 2-shoe brand idea! Could you tell which shoe was wider across the toes and then also the met-heads? How stiff/flexible are the soles? Thanks!

[@trailrunningphil]

A great video. Good for you for taking them both out at the same time! I have a pair of the lone peak 5's and love them. I was considering getting the all weather version but they seem to be MUCH heavier! The topo's for me just look a bit cheap. I also have got too used to zero drop to want to change.

[@PrettyHikes]

To be honest, the topos feel like great quality minus the shoelaces. Since the filming of this video, I have exclusively been using the Lone Peaks. I too, really enjoy the zero drop. And I totally agree on going with the non all weather LPs. Feet get wet while hiking period. And all weather, waterproof, gortex or whatever take forever to dry! Those should be reserved for winter conditions in my opinion. Specifically when hiking in deep snow lol.

[@b_outside3608]

@@PrettyHikes Why did you choice to just wear the Lone Peaks only? I'm finding mine super slippery and thinking about getting a pair of topos (except it seems like they don't have size 12 in ultraventure pros?)

[@samizdat23]

I do a 2-mile walk w/my dog, mostly wooded, every weekday and pretty much alternate these two shoes. But with a couple twists. First, I was able to experiment with both of these shoes for $35 apiece by getting used pairs at my favorite Seattle consignment shop. Second, my left foot is a half size bigger than my right and I have the Altras in a 43 and the Topos in a 42. I've wanted to try walking w/the Altra on my left foot and Topo on my right. But really, I love them both and I like owning both.

[@tylernblaney]

Great review!

[@Runnerrwe]

Great video. I use several types of Altras for the trails. My go to is the Olympus 4. I like the gaitor system and big toe box

[@PrettyHikes]

Same! The Topos have a big toe box too. But I’ve only been wearing my Altras since this video.

[@ScottMoyse]

How has the Olympus 4 upper held up for you?

[@Runnerrwe]

@@ScottMoyse I have had 4 pairs and the first one ripped in front like a cut. I am not sure it I swiped in on a rock or it just ripped . The rest have been working fine

[@BaaSicStuff]

The topo is much more supportive than my Lone peaks, love them!!

[@archstanton9703]

It seems like the Topo won the contest, but you ended up wearing the Lone Peak 5 shoes. What were your reasons? I'm looking to switch from the Altra Timp 2 and am interested in Topo. The Timp 2 doesn't have much underfoot protection in the heel area. Thanks for the video!

[@NCtrailX]

I like several of the features of the Lone Peaks, but wasn't a fan of the zero drop setup for me. Guess I'm just too used to conventional shoes. Will certainly check out the Topos.

[@davidseals2939]

I just gave the Topos a full test on a 170 mile trail in New Hampshire. My feelings on them are mixed and still unclear. The good or really good was the Vibram sole. Grippiest shoe I have ever worn. I did not slip once in any condition or on any surface. Also- after 250 total miles, they show little wear. My Altra Timps would almost be out if mileage on previous similar hikes. Another impressive point was the rubber around the toes and material of the body. I have zero holes or signs of abrasion. I also had zero lateral movement. So what was bot to like. The cons were, heel slippage even w the heel lock lace method and the glue separating between the instep and solo. So the other part that I am still bothered with is that I did not love the feel on my feet. My feet did not hurt on 20 mile days but they didnt feel good either. I feel like I like the comfort and fit of the Altras and Solamon 3d pros but the durability and handling of the Topos

[@awoodby]

Thanks for the infoq, the durability is what I've been looking for in reviews! soooo many "unboxing" videos, none with wear. Quick tip as a leatherworker (amateur but dang do I watch some videos lol), get some barge contact cement. Follow the instructions, ie put on both sides and Wait 15 minutes before sticking together, and you can reglue the sole very well. Seems the manufacturer should do a better job, but this works very well, even glueing the strap back in my very rough use keen newports, holds enough the strap doesn't even pull back out, holding a sole on is easy peasy comparatively.

[@thaddeuscorea]

great idea. I know immediately how I feel about shoes in a store when I try two different brands at the same time. Super. I love my Lone Peaks but it is time for new ones. Maybe I will give the Topos a chance. You didn't mention how the fit runs? or crease point across the front? I guess there was no issue!

[@samizdat23]

Like he said, the toe box in the Altra is a bit roomier. The Topo also has ample room, but it's a little more heavily padded and structured.

[@raleighrascal1]

Great review, thanks. I have worn ALPs from 3.5 thru to 5s. Last year I bought TOPO Ultra- and Hydro-venture shoes. I am about to buy the Ultraventure Pro reviewed here. With ALPs, I have always worn a size larger to allow for foot expansion over long days on the trail. The TOPOs are also bought a full size larger but I feel they are a little too big. I was wondering if you had a similar experience in sizing and what sizing do you go for compared to your normal, everyday shoe size?

[@PrettyHikes]

For trail shoes I buy a half size bigger than I normally do. The two shoes reviewed in the video are the same size. They felt comparable as far as shoe size. The Topo didn’t feel larger to me. But you can have variations between sizes on the same shoe model. Like their size 9 might run larger than another brands size 9 but their 11 matches that same other brands 11.

[@awoodby]

lol, good look with green and yellow, you may start a fashion :)

[@gabrielesettimi2637]

Thanks for your feedback!! I wanted to ask you if you ever use goretex shoes? What about hiking in freezing, wet, cold, snowy westher? Many thanks

[@jbinmd]

Long-term test? My problem w/ Lone Peak and Timp is that the sole under the heels collapses after not too many miles.

[@dagconst1]

Love all my Topo’s

[@awoodby]

How'd the topos hold up for you? I'm just checking them out now and am amazed with the fit, only shoe out of 20 I'm trying that doesn't need an insole at all to fit my arch and wide foot. I think I have to keep them just because they fit my foot so darn well.

[@venicebeachsurfer]

Why don't more people use Merrel? I did buy a pair for a hike a few years ago, seemed very stiff, but aren't they all like that?

[@robertveronda4225]

Interesting way to compare them, palm slap, why hasn't it been done more often and sooner! Thanks for the information.

[@barondavis5692]

I can’t imagine wearing these different shoes at the same time. I’ve found the 5mm drop difference too great. I’ve also found the EVA midsole on the Topo compresses quicker than Altra. Thanks for the post.

[@PrettyHikes]

Good to know! I might end up just selling the Topos since I’ve just been wearing the Altras. It was weird hiking with the two different drops.

[@barondavis5692]

Pretty Hikes I just got the Olympus 4 but haven’t tried them yet. Definitely more protection from the ground.

[@ScottMoyse]

@@barondavis5692 how is the upper holding out on your Olympus 4's?

[@barondavis5692]

Scott Moyse I’ve found the uppers hold up fine. It’s the mid sole that craps out around 350 miles. I’m 225 pounds. The shoe may give out because it may be made for a 145 pounder, not a bigin.

[@ScottMoyse]

@@barondavis5692 interesting. Thanks for the info

[@WasatchWill]

Came here to see your thoughts on the Lone Peak 5 and got to see its actual namesake, Lone Peak summit itself. Bonus! 🤣 But seriously, I'm just bummed they dropped the recognizable Lone Peak ridgeline profile for which the shoe is named after in favor of a more generic, contemporary art profile of a mountain. Anyway, great way to test two shoes at once. I take it those Lone Peaks will be appearing in the Lehi store soon or you going to keep switching back and forth between both pairs? I actually just purchased a new pair of 4.5s there on cloeouts to replace my 3's, but think I'm also going to pick up another pair of Salomon X Ultras sometime soon to bounce back and forth between. But those Topos sound nice too.

[@PrettyHikes]

I’m planning on keeping both pair I tried. I wore the Topos last night on a hike and then the Altras today on the same trail. I honestly liked the Altras more. I think the Topos will require a little more breaking in. The heel cup is better on the Lone Peaks. In the video I have it a tie, but today I liked them more than last night.

[@andersnord8163]

Thx, just a question, do you have the same size on the shoes? I do have the Altra LP 5 but started looking at Topo, the only problem is that I can´t try them in a shop...so have to order them from Germany(living in Sweden).

[@PrettyHikes]

Yes I am wearing the same size on both shoes.

[@shoresy6183]

You should have mentioned that some Topo shoes have a shoe drop (5 mm), whereas the Altra's are all zero drop shoes. This can be a game changer for some folks that have issues wearing zero drop shoes. I have fairly new shoes now, but I'm probably going to try out a pair of Topo's next time I need shoes.

[@wolfeadventures]

Was the Topo more stable? The Lone Peak feel sort of sloppy on uneven terrain.

[@randygonzalez5758]

That was my biggest complaint about the LPs (great overall shoe but sloppy on uneven terrain or when descending) The ultraventure performs MUCH better in these situations. With that being said, the LP is more comfy during “normal” hiking conditions

[@rjeepster8640]

Sad we can’t seem to make a good shoe here in the us, except for Keen boots made in Oregon.

[@BigBadBank]

Genius!

[@PrettyHikes]

Haha! Thanks!

[@barondavis5692]

Look forward to see how the Tooos are doing after 300 miles.

[@PrettyHikes]

I’m curious too! I honestly have only been wearing the Altras 😬

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

I have the Ultraventure v1 and the upper sucks. It blew open on both shoes right at the arch after less than 300km and at the ball of the foot. My foot slides all the way to the front on steep downhills and the grip on loose ground is ridiculously bad. All in all, a shoe I would recommend for light hiking only, in dry conditions and definitely not on technical or steep terrain.

[@jennyfrey2307]

Topo does NOT have zero drop feature? How did that affect your opinion?

[@randygonzalez5758]

The Ultraventure has a 5 mm drop but Topo has other shoes they offer with zero drop

[@alexwbanks70]

Thanks

[@PrettyHikes]

Actually I stopped wearing the Topos almost immediately. I’ve been wearing the Altras all summer and they have been great.

[@frankcosette3046]

Are they équivalent in weight? Both zero drop? Thanks for the video

[@PrettyHikes]

They are very comparable in weight.

[@pgreenx]

No. Altars are 0drop and topos are 5mm.

[@jessewigent9776]

Love the method to compare. Did you weigh them? Difference?

[@PrettyHikes]

Yeah I did. Should be in the video I think 🤔

[@jessewigent9776]

@@PrettyHikes yup, in the text right around 2 min mark. Apologies. Very close in weight. I have ALP 4.5, and about to replace, so looking for LP5 on sale since LP6 just released (not sure why so close to the 5), but the Topo shoes seem to be getting some love lately so this seemed like a good vs video. Seems if they’re that close I would buy ALP if on sale over Topos reg price.

[@PrettyHikes]

@@jessewigent9776 yeah I’ve actually only been wearing the LP5s for hiking. Which is funny considering this video I state the opposite. I just ended up liking them more.

[@Chupabrah]

What kinda Little Rascals experiment?! Mind = blown

[@daffee360]

Is there much difference in the width of the toe box?

[@PrettyHikes]

They are very similar. I would say the Altras are more roomy through the mid foot. I’ve actually only been wearing the Altras since this video. The Topos feel like they will need a little more breaking in/acclimation which I mostly unwilling to do. Every Altra I’ve ever owned has just been super comfortable and no breaking in process needed. I worry those Topos will rub my heel.

[@dersinndeslebens9780]

Which midsole is more firm? The topo or the altra?

[@awoodby]

the topo has a very firm midsole, I don't have that Altra here to compare though. I love the firm midsole as I'm dealing with some metatarsalgia issues.

[@MrEsPlace]

I've found that, whether it's because it was 100 degrees outside, it was raining or a flooded trail, that filling my shoes with baking soda to absorb the moisture and keep them from stinking. Then, I'll just suck out the gross baking soda with a shop vac and viola.

[@pgreenx]

I cant decide between the UV pro and the Terravnture; how about this for your next test???

[@mistersmith3986]

If you get the Terraventure, get the new Terraventure 3. Terraventure 3 has better flex than Ultraventure Pro.

[@pgreenx]

@@mistersmith3986 thanks. That’s funny you mention it. I didn’t want to get into it in my comment but I bought the new terraventure 3. In addition to the flex, I like the lower drop and it has the mega grip outsole like the UV pro.

[@mistersmith3986]

@@pgreenx AWESOME 👍 I have Topo Athletic MT-2, Runventure 2, Ultraventure 1 and Ultraventure 2. Runventure 2 are no good for my feet. My Ultraventure 1 are the best of all, but I'm also planning on getting the Terraventure 3.

[@terenceleechris2174]

I think the real Altar Lonely Peak's competitor is Topo Pursuit instead, not Ultraventure Pro.

[@MarioRodriguez-zi1xl]

You only feel foot fatigue when your foot muscles are week. And the problem is it is vicious a circle, you use dicker sole because you get foot fatigue. It is important to train the muscle of your feet and once you get them stronger you will see how your foot fatigue diminishes. The thinner the sole the stronger and healthier your feet will get overtime.

[@kevinkant6817]

I topo while I hike in the nude, very refreshing

[@terenceleechris2174]

To be honest, the outlook of Topo shoes are really far more out-of-fashion, not enough attraction, and ever making the wrong colour combinations when compared to Altra or other hiking shoes brands.

[@jennybtx]

Are you trying to say the Topo shoe colors are ugly?

[@D45VR]

I think you wore 2 different shoes by accident and made the video to cover up for your embarassment...