Altra keeps working for me. So, until they stop working for my feet (never a blister) I will stay with them. The 4.0 LP was my favorite for fit, but they continue to be good. Awesome that you found a shoe that works best for you!
Nice review, Topo is a winner for me. Used to be a big Altra fan but when they sold the company sizing and quality went down with it. Topo hands down is putting out a better product. I have many pairs of Topo shoes in both the trail and road versions. Ultaventure3 and Mountain Racer 3 work great, I don't mind the 5mm drop. There road shoes are great also, uppers are quality and feet feel great.
Was that Altra sale around the Lone Peak 4.5 era? Yeah I don't mind the extra heel stack, but it's nice to have the zero-drop option for the trail now!
Thanks for the honest review. I had my heart set on Altra's but after this, I'll check out pursuits. I want something that will dry quickly, have a very grippy sole, and it comfortable while wearing for 6+ hours hard walking. I've got zamberlands for my touring shoes but they take an eternity to dry thanks to the goretex lining.
Yay team Topo! I had the first version of the Trailventure. Loved it. The Trailventure 2 is a bit stiffer and took longer to wear in. Fine now after getting wet on trail. BTW I have learned that Topo Athletic was recently taken over. Our UK distributor website is gone. Watch out for fake websites until Topo finds a new official distributor.
I still use boots I like the support of the boot. But I do use NB trail runners sometimes. I have wide foot will look into topo. Thanks for sharing and stay safe my friend good review
@@BackcountryPilgrim Not sure about toe box width but I've hiked out in Montana and Arizona this year and love how they grip rocks / boulders. These are also waterproof. I wore Vasque hiking boots for many years and found them to be very comfortable as well.
Great video thank you! I too loved the original ultraventure you showed that are gray with the highlighter green soles over the lone peaks. I found them to fit my narrow feet better and the cushion was nice and plush which I like. I’m trying to find another pair that feels closest to those, would you say the Topo Pursuit are the closest to the original ultraventure compared to the ultraventure pro’s or any of the other ones?
@@BackcountryPilgrim Okay I’m curious what you think about the ultraventure pro’s compared to those ultraventure’s? I wish I could just go into a store and try them all on but I’m having trouble finding a place in my area that carries them all
I just logged about 800 miles on the my Pursuits. Cushioning and the uppers are still great, but the tread under the plantar region is worn about flat. I too, have a wide foot and an arch. These fit me great. I bought Altra LPs for 5 years...not anymore.
I moved from boots to trail runners a few years back. I had several pairs of Altras and I feel I never got my money's worth out of them before they crapped out so I tried the Topo Ultraventure Pro and have used them exclusively for backpacking the past two years. I honestly can't say enough good about them. I have trouble with overpronation and big toes going numb from that even with a good insole. The Topos are the only shoe I've found so far that has a slight arch support built into the bed of the shoe. That extra support has made a world of difference for me. Since they worked so well for my feet for hiking, I ended up purchasing another style for my everyday wear and yet another for my daily walks. I've become a diehard Topo fan. Their customer service is really great. I had a pair that ripped during a hike across the toe when I tripped on a rock and they replaced them easily. Had another pair that had a strange defect in the cushioning around the ankle and they also replaced them. Had to send pictures and such but they were great to stand behind their product. Concerning the Vibram sole, I can attest that they have much better grip than what Altra uses. I slipped so much and busted my knees often with the Altras. No problems with the Topo shoes.
Wow that's a legit testimony for Topo! I've had good experience with their customer service too (after I basically destroyed my MTN Racers - not their fault LOL). I have high arches and the Pursuits were fine - and the reviews seem to indicate arch support is another major plus with them.
@@AbelisI I use the Phantom 2 as my everyday shoe. It's technically labeled as a running shoe. I use the MTN Racer 2 as my walking shoe. It has lugs on the sole and is a trail runner but I live and walk on a rough dirt road so it's beneficial for me.
With my big feet, the Altras were the only option that worked for me. I'll try some Topos to see if they fit. I guess i could cut my feet narrower, but I'm not that dedicated to hiking...
i've been using altras for about 6 years now, the main thing that keeps me going back is the last year models generally going on sale from 50-80$, i want to try the topo persuit but they're never on sale less than 140$. i think i'll give them a try next pair though because i don't find the altras lasting as long as they used to
The original Altras were a smidge wider. After they were bought by fashion conglomerate VF, they narrowed them just enough to be too narrow for me. My foot is not wide but my toes are more squared off versus rounded taper so I need a wider toe box. Altras current wide version is far too wide for me. I was a diehard Altra LP customer before they were bought and made this change. I switched to Topo Pursuits and honestly they are much better all around. The Vibram sole is far better, lasts longer and grips better (by a lot). For me, the shape has been perfect. They have remained comfortable far longer than the Altras ever did and they are a perfect fit for my foot. My only concern is now they are getting harder to find. I’m going to try the Topo Runventure next. Vibram sole, square-ish toe box and zero drop. It kills me that REI doesn’t carry more zero drop, wide toe box shoes.
I like the soles on the Topo’s, but I didn’t like the tongue and lack of stitching on the front bumper of the Runventure 4, so I kept the LP6. I’ll probably try the Topo’s again after my LP6 dies.
Thanks for your review. I have the lone peak 7 but am interested in trying the pursuit. I normally wear size 10 but have to wear 11 with the Altra. Do you know if the pursuits are more true to size? I don't live in an area where I can try them first unfortunately.
My last pair of Topos were the ultrafly 2. I felt that I would have wanted them to be even a bit wider in the toe box. Since that I have tried Altra Duo and Paradigm 4.5. which I felt were slightly wider. Are all Topo shoes generally a bit narrower in the toe box compared to the Altra "original fit"? Or is the Topo Pursuit perhaps a wider shoe than other Topos, more similar to the width of the Lone Peaks?
I think Topo always goes a bit narrower than Altra, the Pursuits felt about the same as other Topos to me. If Altra is a good width for you, I'd stick with them!
There was just too much arch support in this shoe and did not work well with my super feet insoles. Loved the shoe otherwise! I am now using the new Terra Venture 4, which has less arch support, and is working out great for me. I just feel like TOPO's are a better built shoe, overall. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the reply. But i mean the plastic in the heel area. My heels causing holes into the lining. Only the old Olympus and the LP lasting longer then 300km. As they have a flexible heel area without a plactic plate. The Olympus changed and now the LP are the last without a plate. So perhaps the pursuit are also flexible.
Sorry forgot about this! Unlike the Altras with squishy heels, the Topo's heels are pretty stiff because of a plastic piece on the exterior. Only the top 1/2" or so is soft. I am not sure if there is anything else on the heel's interior.
I have degenerative cyst disease in a few other back problems My back's pretty messed up. I want barefoot minimalist shoes but my wife thinks that that's bad for me to do. So I'm trying to look for something else and these look pretty good I definitely want zero drop anybody else have any suggestions?
@BackcountryPilgrim I have a catalyst and just really debating on dropping the money for an ohm done in orange like yours for when I hike in hunting season in Southern Indiana.
Biggest issue I have with the Topos is that they have massive toe spring. People are talking about the zero drop and natural walking but no one is talking about how much the toes are bending upwards. I mean just look at the side profile of the shoe. Your toes are curled up all the time and its just ridiculous imo and keeps your plantar fascia constantly under tension and I personally can feel the stress on my feet a lot more than in Lone Peaks. Even tho I am bummed about the durability, cost and lack of grip, I am kind of forced to keep going with the Lone Peaks for now.
I don’t mean this to sound negative or aggressive; but your toes don’t splay cos of years of wearing modern/toe constricting footwear. I wore toe crampers too up until about 8 years ago. Using toe spacers and allowing your feet to get back to normal will help over time. It’s not instantaneous and my own feet still have some work to do. But I can’f go back to narrow footwear. They hurt my feet.
I plan to try the Topos for 1 reason only - Vibram soles. If Lone Peaks had Vibram soles I wouldn’t be looking for an alternative. The traction, especially on wet rock in my part of the country, is awful from Altra. I want the wide toe box and hope the Topos are wide enough.
I 100% get it! I don't know why Altra uses Vibram for their Olympus but not Timps or Lone Peaks - the MaxTrac sucks for anything but dirt. Altras rule for really wide feet or if you're not often on rocks/roots, but if the Topos are wide enough for you, I think it will be a done deal!
Well, width is objective but wide is relative. For my feet, Topo is wide and Altra are boats haha. The good news is Altra has a couple models with decent traction now. :)
Bye Bye Lone Peaks!........Altra has dropped the ball repeatedly over the last few years.....the flashy colors, the "welded"(cheap looking) seams, changing the historical lacing pattern, fgs!......really glad to have a new option!!
I got tricked by the influencer Altra craze...after switching away due to the horrible lateral support and durability...I am loving the alternatives. Altra is just simply bad.
How dare you besmirch the good name of Altra. I had the lone peaks I used them on 2 hikes and switched to the Olimimpus I need a vibram grip the mountains here are kinda slick so I need the extra grip
Are you team boots or team trail runners (or something else)? Which brand(s) are your current winners?
Can u Link me the Source of that Feet-Infographic u are showing in the beginning? Looks very interesting. Thank u :)
I think I just did an image search on different feet types. :)
Specific, clear, informative, and focused. Well done.
Thank you!
Altra Timp 1.5 was my favourite hiking shoe, on my last pair. Been looking at the Pursuit as an option, thanks for the review!
Definitely a better sole but the rest will depend on your feet! :) Thanks for watching and glad it helped!
Altra keeps working for me. So, until they stop working for my feet (never a blister) I will stay with them. The 4.0 LP was my favorite for fit, but they continue to be good. Awesome that you found a shoe that works best for you!
Yeah man go with what works. Once we get you out here on the rocks we'll see if you change your mind! ;)
Nice review, Topo is a winner for me. Used to be a big Altra fan but when they sold the company sizing and quality went down with it. Topo hands down is putting out a better product. I have many pairs of Topo shoes in both the trail and road versions. Ultaventure3 and Mountain Racer 3 work great, I don't mind the 5mm drop. There road shoes are great also, uppers are quality and feet feel great.
Was that Altra sale around the Lone Peak 4.5 era? Yeah I don't mind the extra heel stack, but it's nice to have the zero-drop option for the trail now!
Good review. You are the Nick Offerman of shoe review (and I mean that as a compliment).
Love it! :)
Really well put together video bravo
Thank you!
Thanks for the honest review. I had my heart set on Altra's but after this, I'll check out pursuits. I want something that will dry quickly, have a very grippy sole, and it comfortable while wearing for 6+ hours hard walking. I've got zamberlands for my touring shoes but they take an eternity to dry thanks to the goretex lining.
Sounds like these will fit the bill. Have you worn zero drops before?
Yay team Topo! I had the first version of the Trailventure. Loved it. The Trailventure 2 is a bit stiffer and took longer to wear in. Fine now after getting wet on trail.
BTW I have learned that Topo Athletic was recently taken over. Our UK distributor website is gone. Watch out for fake websites until Topo finds a new official distributor.
Good to know! Thanks Gideon!
You started talking about "just a roomy toe box" and talked me right out of them.
Glad it helped you make a decision!
I still use boots I like the support of the boot. But I do use NB trail runners sometimes. I have wide foot will look into topo. Thanks for sharing and stay safe my friend good review
Yeah, I still like boots for snow or rugged heavy hiking trips.
Great review! I personally love the Hoka Speedgoat hiking shoes. Very comfortable and cushiony.
That's one I've never tried. What's the toe box width compared to others?
@@BackcountryPilgrim Not sure about toe box width but I've hiked out in Montana and Arizona this year and love how they grip rocks / boulders. These are also waterproof. I wore Vasque hiking boots for many years and found them to be very comfortable as well.
Nice! Vasque were my first boots and I think it was 20 years before I replaced them lol
Great video thank you! I too loved the original ultraventure you showed that are gray with the highlighter green soles over the lone peaks. I found them to fit my narrow feet better and the cushion was nice and plush which I like. I’m trying to find another pair that feels closest to those, would you say the Topo Pursuit are the closest to the original ultraventure compared to the ultraventure pro’s or any of the other ones?
They feel like slightly lower cushion zero drop Ultraventures to me. :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim Okay I’m curious what you think about the ultraventure pro’s compared to those ultraventure’s? I wish I could just go into a store and try them all on but I’m having trouble finding a place in my area that carries them all
That was a few years back and I wasn't strictly comparing them. I feel like the Pros are more structured but man that was a while ago haha. :)
I just logged about 800 miles on the my Pursuits. Cushioning and the uppers are still great, but the tread under the plantar region is worn about flat. I too, have a wide foot and an arch. These fit me great. I bought Altra LPs for 5 years...not anymore.
Thanks for the info!
I moved from boots to trail runners a few years back. I had several pairs of Altras and I feel I never got my money's worth out of them before they crapped out so I tried the Topo Ultraventure Pro and have used them exclusively for backpacking the past two years. I honestly can't say enough good about them. I have trouble with overpronation and big toes going numb from that even with a good insole. The Topos are the only shoe I've found so far that has a slight arch support built into the bed of the shoe. That extra support has made a world of difference for me. Since they worked so well for my feet for hiking, I ended up purchasing another style for my everyday wear and yet another for my daily walks. I've become a diehard Topo fan. Their customer service is really great. I had a pair that ripped during a hike across the toe when I tripped on a rock and they replaced them easily. Had another pair that had a strange defect in the cushioning around the ankle and they also replaced them. Had to send pictures and such but they were great to stand behind their product.
Concerning the Vibram sole, I can attest that they have much better grip than what Altra uses. I slipped so much and busted my knees often with the Altras. No problems with the Topo shoes.
Wow that's a legit testimony for Topo! I've had good experience with their customer service too (after I basically destroyed my MTN Racers - not their fault LOL). I have high arches and the Pursuits were fine - and the reviews seem to indicate arch support is another major plus with them.
@@MtnWanderer-TieDye- which 2 pairs did you get for daily use and walking. I want to try topo too.
@@AbelisI I use the Phantom 2 as my everyday shoe. It's technically labeled as a running shoe. I use the MTN Racer 2 as my walking shoe. It has lugs on the sole and is a trail runner but I live and walk on a rough dirt road so it's beneficial for me.
With my big feet, the Altras were the only option that worked for me. I'll try some Topos to see if they fit. I guess i could cut my feet narrower, but I'm not that dedicated to hiking...
Yeah, I'm not even sure that would count off base weight - so what's the point really? :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim they say every pound you take off your feet is like taking 5 pounds off your pack...
Bwahahahahaha!
Topo Pursuit 2's are out now. Any thoughts?
I haven't seen them and I haven't worn out my 1s yet! :)
i've been using altras for about 6 years now, the main thing that keeps me going back is the last year models generally going on sale from 50-80$, i want to try the topo persuit but they're never on sale less than 140$. i think i'll give them a try next pair though because i don't find the altras lasting as long as they used to
Good plan! For some reason, REI only has the women's right now but other places let you try and return if they don't work out.
The original Altras were a smidge wider. After they were bought by fashion conglomerate VF, they narrowed them just enough to be too narrow for me. My foot is not wide but my toes are more squared off versus rounded taper so I need a wider toe box. Altras current wide version is far too wide for me. I was a diehard Altra LP customer before they were bought and made this change.
I switched to Topo Pursuits and honestly they are much better all around. The Vibram sole is far better, lasts longer and grips better (by a lot). For me, the shape has been perfect. They have remained comfortable far longer than the Altras ever did and they are a perfect fit for my foot.
My only concern is now they are getting harder to find. I’m going to try the Topo Runventure next. Vibram sole, square-ish toe box and zero drop.
It kills me that REI doesn’t carry more zero drop, wide toe box shoes.
Yeah, I'm surprised more companies haven't gotten on board! When I find a shoe that works I buy as many as I can lol!
I like the soles on the Topo’s, but I didn’t like the tongue and lack of stitching on the front bumper of the Runventure 4, so I kept the LP6. I’ll probably try the Topo’s again after my LP6 dies.
Good plan!
Thanks for your review. I have the lone peak 7 but am interested in trying the pursuit. I normally wear size 10 but have to wear 11 with the Altra. Do you know if the pursuits are more true to size? I don't live in an area where I can try them first unfortunately.
I wear the same size in both Altra and Topo. Hope that works for ya! If Amazon or REI carry them you should be able to return if not. :)
Great review. I'm interested in trying these shoes but I'm not a fan of any of the three colors that are offered for the men's version.
I understand. These were the least obnoxious LOL!
My last pair of Topos were the ultrafly 2. I felt that I would have wanted them to be even a bit wider in the toe box. Since that I have tried Altra Duo and Paradigm 4.5. which I felt were slightly wider. Are all Topo shoes generally a bit narrower in the toe box compared to the Altra "original fit"? Or is the Topo Pursuit perhaps a wider shoe than other Topos, more similar to the width of the Lone Peaks?
I think Topo always goes a bit narrower than Altra, the Pursuits felt about the same as other Topos to me. If Altra is a good width for you, I'd stick with them!
There was just too much arch support in this shoe and did not work well with my super feet insoles. Loved the shoe otherwise! I am now using the new Terra Venture 4, which has less arch support, and is working out great for me. I just feel like TOPO's are a better built shoe, overall. Thanks for the video.
I've got pretty high arches so these were a good fit. I could see flatter feet being unhappy, glad the Terraventures worked out for ya!
Nice video. Is there a plastic plate in the heel lining, or is the heel area complete flexible like on the Lone Peaks ?
No rock plate like the LPs have.
Thanks for the reply. But i mean the plastic in the heel area. My heels causing holes into the lining. Only the old Olympus and the LP lasting longer then 300km. As they have a flexible heel area without a plactic plate. The Olympus changed and now the LP are the last without a plate. So perhaps the pursuit are also flexible.
Sorry forgot about this! Unlike the Altras with squishy heels, the Topo's heels are pretty stiff because of a plastic piece on the exterior. Only the top 1/2" or so is soft. I am not sure if there is anything else on the heel's interior.
Many thanks, that helps. Good to know it can be described as "squishy heels", never to late to learn new adjectives.
Ha!
I have degenerative cyst disease in a few other back problems My back's pretty messed up. I want barefoot minimalist shoes but my wife thinks that that's bad for me to do. So I'm trying to look for something else and these look pretty good I definitely want zero drop anybody else have any suggestions?
I'd check with a chiropractor pr foot doctor, I am definitely not qualified to speak to how these various features would work for you!
@@BackcountryPilgrim I respect that
Not to change the subject of the video but I see your ula custom pack. Are you still liking that ula ????
Nice catch and yes - I love it. (Now I just need to stop reviewing packs for a while so I can use it more!)
@BackcountryPilgrim I have a catalyst and just really debating on dropping the money for an ohm done in orange like yours for when I hike in hunting season in Southern Indiana.
Biggest issue I have with the Topos is that they have massive toe spring. People are talking about the zero drop and natural walking but no one is talking about how much the toes are bending upwards. I mean just look at the side profile of the shoe. Your toes are curled up all the time and its just ridiculous imo and keeps your plantar fascia constantly under tension and I personally can feel the stress on my feet a lot more than in Lone Peaks. Even tho I am bummed about the durability, cost and lack of grip, I am kind of forced to keep going with the Lone Peaks for now.
I didn't really notice but that's not something I've really worried about in the past. Hmmmmm.
Although the Pursuits are wide they got me blisters specially on the pinkies, while the LPs have never done that. I retired the Pursuits from running.
Ah, bummer! Different shoes for different feet! :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim that is right
How does the sizing compared to altra for you?
Sizing was the same for me.
Thanks. I tend to wear 10 for altra running and 10.5 for their trail runners.
@wking8 I did my trail runner size.
I don’t mean this to sound negative or aggressive; but your toes don’t splay cos of years of wearing modern/toe constricting footwear. I wore toe crampers too up until about 8 years ago. Using toe spacers and allowing your feet to get back to normal will help over time. It’s not instantaneous and my own feet still have some work to do. But I can’f go back to narrow footwear. They hurt my feet.
Mine haven't ever but I am sure regular shoes didn't help!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
I plan to try the Topos for 1 reason only - Vibram soles. If Lone Peaks had Vibram soles I wouldn’t be looking for an alternative. The traction, especially on wet rock in my part of the country, is awful from Altra. I want the wide toe box and hope the Topos are wide enough.
I 100% get it! I don't know why Altra uses Vibram for their Olympus but not Timps or Lone Peaks - the MaxTrac sucks for anything but dirt. Altras rule for really wide feet or if you're not often on rocks/roots, but if the Topos are wide enough for you, I think it will be a done deal!
@@BackcountryPilgrim Timp 5 will have Vibram outsoles.
I wonder if it will save them.
If topo actually made wide tow boxes, I would replace all my shoes with that brand!
Well, width is objective but wide is relative. For my feet, Topo is wide and Altra are boats haha. The good news is Altra has a couple models with decent traction now. :)
Bye Bye Lone Peaks!........Altra has dropped the ball repeatedly over the last few years.....the flashy colors, the "welded"(cheap looking) seams, changing the historical lacing pattern, fgs!......really glad to have a new option!!
Yeah, I really think ultra is riding a reputation they made for themselves 3 or 4.years ago. It's really too bad..
I got tricked by the influencer Altra craze...after switching away due to the horrible lateral support and durability...I am loving the alternatives. Altra is just simply bad.
They're fine for walking down mostly flat trails but on technical terrain I can't recommend them!
The intrusive arch support in topo shoes makes them unusable for me. Shame, as they look like they may be good shoes.
That's too bad! Their arch support is what many people say makes them so comfortable. If only we all had the same feet! :)
How dare you besmirch the good name of Altra. I had the lone peaks I used them on 2 hikes and switched to the Olimimpus I need a vibram grip the mountains here are kinda slick so I need the extra grip
Oh I dare! Lol. You'd probably like these if you want LPs with good soles. :)
@@BackcountryPilgrim I’ll try them out when it’s time for a new pair
The sound is horrible on this video.
It was experimental and yeah needs work, thanks.
They'd be better if they put a gator trap on them instead of that goofy hook system.
Not the easiest system for sure but it works once it's on!