Altra Killer? Is the Topo Pursuit Now the Best Zero-Drop, Wide Toe Box, Trail Runner?

Рет қаралды 20,078

Күн бұрын

Are They Altra Killers??? I've been a pretty big Altra fan since I switched to trail runners, but for the last year or so I've really been enjoying shoes from TOPO Athletic. Recently, they came out with the PURSUIT - a zero-drop trail version of one of their more popular road running models and it just might be the perfect combination of features for hiking.
0:00 From Altra Lone Peak to Topo Pursuit
0:56 The Pursuit's Combination of Features
1:15 Shoe Review Challenges
1:52 Altra Features and Issues
3:06 Topo Athletic Features
4:07 Altra vs. Topo Pursuit Comparison
4:17 Price
4:35 Stack Height
5:11 Toe Box Width
5:17 Stability
5:30 Soles
5:48 Durability
6:08 Weight
6:35 Drop Height
7:01 Upper Material
7:15 My Conclusion
---- LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO ----
Topo Pursuit - bit.ly/3si6tNP
Topo Ultraventure Pro - bit.ly/44iHOWq
Topo Ultraventure 2 - bit.ly/3E5SfSs
Altra Timp - bit.ly/3qt0Trj
Altra Lone Peak - bit.ly/3KMkytb
LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and CLICK the BELL for #camping, #hiking, #backpacking, and the gear that goes with it! Using these product links helps this channel grow at no cost to you. THANKS!
GET MY FREE BACKPACKING CHECKLIST: www.BackcountryPilgrim.com/20...
MY HIKING GEAR: www.BackcountryPilgrim.com/my...
BLOG - www.BackcountryPilgrim.com
INSTAGRAM - / backcountrypilgrim
FACEBOOK - profile.php?...
---- MUSIC ----
Intro/Outro Music: "Happiness" Composer: Benjamin Tissot Standard License certificate #2232653 from bensound.com.

Пікірлер: 96

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Are you team boots or team trail runners (or something else)? Which brand(s) are your current winners?

@NicoleZockt 11 ай бұрын

Can u Link me the Source of that Feet-Infographic u are showing in the beginning? Looks very interesting. Thank u :)

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

I think I just did an image search on different feet types. :)

@CameronVirrill 11 ай бұрын

Specific, clear, informative, and focused. Well done.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@elifan2523 2 ай бұрын

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!

@BackcountryPilgrim 2 ай бұрын

Definitely a better sole but the rest will depend on your feet! :) Thanks for watching and glad it helped!

@Tortomus 6 ай бұрын

Really well put together video bravo

@BackcountryPilgrim 6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@andrewbarry5130 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Sounds like these will fit the bill. Have you worn zero drops before?

@MtnWanderer-TieDye- 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

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.

@TrailandBackAgain 11 ай бұрын

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!

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Yeah man go with what works. Once we get you out here on the rocks we'll see if you change your mind! ;)

@stanmakowski1985 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

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!

@Love2Wander 11 ай бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

Yeah, I still like boots for snow or rugged heavy hiking trips.

@papa1351 3 ай бұрын

You started talking about "just a roomy toe box" and talked me right out of them.

@BackcountryPilgrim 3 ай бұрын

Glad it helped you make a decision!

@GideonSmit 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Good to know! Thanks Gideon!

@bajageorgia6933 3 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 3 ай бұрын

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!

@fouroakscrafts7240 11 ай бұрын

Great review! I personally love the Hoka Speedgoat hiking shoes. Very comfortable and cushiony.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

That's one I've never tried. What's the toe box width compared to others?

@fouroakscrafts7240 11 ай бұрын

@@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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Nice! Vasque were my first boots and I think it was 20 years before I replaced them lol

@stevechamberland6657 8 ай бұрын

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

@BackcountryPilgrim 8 ай бұрын

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.

@Rance120 10 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 10 ай бұрын

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!

@peterbedford2610 5 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@B_r_u_c_e 11 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@joker2100 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Good plan!

@tommyterrell5737 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

I understand. These were the least obnoxious LOL!

@florianfrey2002 9 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 9 ай бұрын

I didn't really notice but that's not something I've really worried about in the past. Hmmmmm.

@citrumpet1 6 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 6 ай бұрын

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. :)

@randalgc 7 ай бұрын

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 7 ай бұрын

They feel like slightly lower cushion zero drop Ultraventures to me. :)

@randalgc 7 ай бұрын

@@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

@BackcountryPilgrim 7 ай бұрын

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. :)

@ms7fam433 11 ай бұрын

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...

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'm not even sure that would count off base weight - so what's the point really? :)

@ms7fam433 11 ай бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim they say every pound you take off your feet is like taking 5 pounds off your pack...

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Bwahahahahaha!

@Dante07cid 11 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

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!

@SteffenThomsen 7 ай бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim Timp 5 will have Vibram outsoles.

@BackcountryPilgrim 7 ай бұрын

I wonder if it will save them.

@altmuligmannen3086 10 ай бұрын

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?

@BackcountryPilgrim 10 ай бұрын

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!

@stoehr 4 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 4 ай бұрын

Mine haven't ever but I am sure regular shoes didn't help!

@flutingaround 2 ай бұрын

Topo Pursuit 2's are out now. Any thoughts?

@BackcountryPilgrim 2 ай бұрын

I haven't seen them and I haven't worn out my 1s yet! :)

@uliseshernandez1228 5 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 5 ай бұрын

Ah, bummer! Different shoes for different feet! :)

@uliseshernandez1228 5 ай бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim that is right

@brandonwilliams2431 11 ай бұрын

Not to change the subject of the video but I see your ula custom pack. Are you still liking that ula ????

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Nice catch and yes - I love it. (Now I just need to stop reviewing packs for a while so I can use it more!)

@brandonwilliams2431 11 ай бұрын

@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.

@mathias4863 4 ай бұрын

Nice video. Is there a plastic plate in the heel lining, or is the heel area complete flexible like on the Lone Peaks ?

@BackcountryPilgrim 4 ай бұрын

No rock plate like the LPs have.

@mathias4863 4 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 4 ай бұрын

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.

@mathias4863 4 ай бұрын

Many thanks, that helps. Good to know it can be described as "squishy heels", never to late to learn new adjectives.

@BackcountryPilgrim 4 ай бұрын

Ha!

@Fauxchem 4 ай бұрын

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 4 ай бұрын

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!

@Fauxchem 4 ай бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim I respect that

@wking8 8 ай бұрын

How does the sizing compared to altra for you?

@BackcountryPilgrim 8 ай бұрын

Sizing was the same for me.

@wking8 8 ай бұрын

Thanks. I tend to wear 10 for altra running and 10.5 for their trail runners.

@BackcountryPilgrim 8 ай бұрын

@wking8 I did my trail runner size.

@drSamovar 6 ай бұрын

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!!

@BackcountryPilgrim 6 ай бұрын

Yeah, I really think ultra is riding a reputation they made for themselves 3 or 4.years ago. It's really too bad..

@mmmmmlemons 11 ай бұрын

The intrusive arch support in topo shoes makes them unusable for me. Shame, as they look like they may be good shoes.

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

That's too bad! Their arch support is what many people say makes them so comfortable. If only we all had the same feet! :)

@SpaklesDr 4 ай бұрын

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.

@BackcountryPilgrim 4 ай бұрын

They're fine for walking down mostly flat trails but on technical terrain I can't recommend them!

@suspicionofdeceit 2 ай бұрын

What alternative?

@derekhand7904 11 ай бұрын

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

@BackcountryPilgrim 11 ай бұрын

Oh I dare! Lol. You'd probably like these if you want LPs with good soles. :)

@derekhand7904 11 ай бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim I’ll try them out when it’s time for a new pair