What is YOUR current Favorite Hiking Shoe??? 👇 Let Us Know Down Below!👇

Surprising that we don’t see hikers talk about shoes in gear vids more often. Probably the most important piece of gear imo.

Thanks Darwin! I now swear by the Lone Peak 5 after evolving from boots, to narrow shoes, to finally embracing the natural, lightweight and dynamic style of trail runners. All the best from Scandinavia 👍🏻

I went for the Olympus 4 after your recommendation and your trust in them. Love em … I’m a big heavy guy and they are brilliant … zero blisters really comfortable and grippy over both wet and dry rocks and amazing in sloppy mud 😊👍🏻

I love my Lone Peak 5's!! I can feel the sacred earth beneath my feet, yet I am feel very comfy! Walked a good 100 miles in them so far and they look brand new

I follow your hiking videos, glad to hear a new hike is in the works. Not usually the type of hiker who gets worked up about gear. I lean towards the "simpler the better" when it comes to gear. That being said, The Altra Lone Peak 5 was a revelation for me. I have had all kinds of trouble finding a good fit and this shoe is THE ONE!

When I started hiking again 18 months ago I went through 3 different pair of shoes before I finally got the Lonepeak 5. I love them

I just picked up the Olympus 4 and love them. Id tried Altras on a few times but didn't care for them. About a year ago I started running into issues with my toes getting smashed in the toe boxes so I decided to revisit the brand and am glad that I did. These are so comfy.

Using the lone peak 5 since the beginning of the year as my first trailrunner for hiking. Tomorrow starts my first multi day hike with it.

It’s interesting to see the differences in experiences. I love my Altra Lone Peaks 3.5. It was awesome. The cushioning and the grips on the soles was starting to go. I tried the LP 5, but hated the ripstop part because I can feel it snapping. The midsection was a little too narrow. Tried the Timps, again it’s too narrow in the mid section. REI happened to have the LP 4 on a discount. They weren’t bad, and while the heel cup could be a little better (a little too stiff), it was way better than the others. Took it out for 12 mile hike…the rip stop upper mesh developed a hole of where I bend my toes. What the heck?! I replaced it with the Topo Ultraventure, which is very similar to the LP 3.5. A lot of Altra fans are disappointed with their current lineups due to the durability and turned to Topo. I do hope your LP lasts a lot longer for you. I really want to love the Altras, but it isn’t in the cards for now.

How impressive it is that Darwin never actually looks down to grab the shoes?! He clearly put thought into this… nice attention to detail Darwin! Btw, just wanted to say that you've inspired me to start writing to companies or check their websites before I purchase an item to see what they're doing to give back to public lands. Definitely important to be more thoughtful about how we vote with our dollars!

Yep I purchased the lone Peak 5 my first ever Altra and man do I love these shoes. Great for walking and I’ve recently used them for cycling as I don’t go clipless. Love them.

Feels like 2018/19 with this one! Thanks Darwin.

Just a bought a pair myself (just before this video) and I’m pleased to agree with you Darwin, the Lone Peak is back! Was disappointed with the 4.5 after enjoying the 4, but the 5 has the Lone Peak back in spades! Great video and can’t wait to hear about you’re upcoming thru-hike 👍

I am using the same Lone Peak 5 which is my first introduction to trail runners away from traditional hiking boots. Loving it so far after about 75 miles.

Got some Lone Peak 5's recently as my first pair of zero drop hiking shoes. Love the width and grip. You can certainly feel the ground but I am enjoying that connection. Done about 50 miles in them so far and holding up well.

I got the lone peak 5s as my first trail runners for hiking and i loved them so much my first outing with them that i ordered a second pair right as soon as i got home

Just bought a pair of Lone Peak 5’s. I’ve been wearing xero shoes and I like the minimalism for every day wear but I could feel every rock I stepped on while hiking here in Arizona. The Lone Peak’s were like walking on bubbles! Seriously the softest mid section! Just got back from a 5.5 mile morning hike and I feel great!! Cant wait to put more miles on them. Thanks for the recommendation!

Hey Darwin, I know you got bored doing these kind of videos, but it really helped me. I'll be saving up for an Olympus shoe. I've hiked the Drakensberg (aka Dragon Mountain) in South Africa and realized I need a little bit more. The olympus seems to be it. Again, thank you! you made a difference in someone's life. Take care and good luck on the CDT. I'll be following along!

Lone Peak 3.0 is my favorite. I hoarded a few pairs, so hopefully I'll have them for a couple more years. But all the favorable reviews on the 5.0 gives me hope that I'll like the new ones.

Very excited to see what your thru hike will be!

As a Scout leader I do lots of hiking and backpacking. I am amazed with the fact that when everyone is complaining that their feet hurt, my 3.5's leave me no complaints. I don't have a wide foot. It was your original review that caused the purchase. Thanks.

The EGO midsole combined with the rock plate and comfort level and durability of the upper in the LP5 makes them IMO the best shoe Altra has ever made. They’re SO good. Looking forward to your next trip!

Thanks, Darwin. Excellent reviews. Can’t wait to hear where you will be heading on the next hike. 👍

I used my Timp 3s over 700 miles from Front Royale VA to Killington VT. When I finally replaced them the upper part of the shoe was still in decent shape, just the tread was wearing out and the cushion had broken down a lot. Mine also started looking like yours after only a few days, but the holes and damage never got any worse.

I also just switched from temps back to lone peaks. Agree 100% with durability issues of the temps. Hoping my lone peaks carry me better through my trail running and hiking season.

Great info!! It’s time for me to get new shoes and I love Altras because I have a Morton’s neuroma. Thanks for clarifying the difference between the 3.

The trade off for me with the Lone Peak 5's is the grip and toe box. I've hiked in every version and the 5's are the best so far. Have about 200 hundred on two shoes and they are holding better than the last three versions. Safe travels Darwin.

Thanks for that review of the shoes. I am currently using my lone peaks 4.5 (also my first ever pair of altras, but DEFINITELY NOT my last) and was so excited for the lone peak 5s. Will definitely get those once my current ones wear out :)

Well I have jumped on the Altra Lone Peak wagon aswell and im loving it all my other shoes feel wrong now as it is just super comfy to walk in

I have a very similar story regarding the Lone Peaks. My previous pair was the 3,5s and I didn’t like them so I went elsewhere for my hiking needs, now I managed to snag a pair of Lone Peak 5s for 80 bucks and I love them.

I wear Topo Terraventure 2’s. For me, they feel more stable than Lone Peaks (although I have not yet tried the LP5’s). Roomy toe box, Vibram soles, drainage ports, a rock plate and only a 3mm drop. Went up one full size and they’re perfect.

As a retired guy I’m certainly not at the level you are but I really much value your opinion. Thanks for taking the time to discuss these shoes😁

I've been wearing Altras since 2009 and currently use my Lone Peak 4.5 for all trail adventures. COming up the TRT!

Good timing! I've just moved to Olympus 4.0 for the extra cushioning underfoot. I still need to alter the lacing pattern to accommodate my very wide foot width and high bridge.

I've been wearing my Altra Superior 4.5 since October and i like them all enough. I'm not crushing big mile days so the low stack height(19mmi think) is great for me. I wear ultra running shoes that are only 14 mm height. I'm thinking about trying the new LP5 since I plan on doing more hiking on rocky trails and the rock plate would be a nice addition. I learned on top of Guadalupe Peak (TX) that my Superior 4.5s weren't really meant for long hikes in very rocky uneven terrain

I love my new Lone Peak 5! A little over 200 miles on them and no major wear yet. Great improvements on the durability side. My Timp 1.5 were my favorites up to now but I could never get even 300 miles on them before they were just trashed.

Nice return to the old-timey form. :) Huge congrats on 300k subs!

I've got the lone peak 5's and I love them. I can definitely attest to the lack of cushion. I ran on a treadmill with thin cotton socks while wearing them and got a blister. I feel like you need good socks to make this shoe work, but they feel great.

Hey Darwin - Nice review on the Altra's! It tried on a few models, however I couldn't get the fit I needed. I have found that the Brookes Cascadia's have a nice fit for my narrow size 13 feet. A few years back I started with the Cascadia 9 and last year bought 2 pairs of the model 13 (Orange/Blue) with the cool looking PCT logos. This August will the 4th NOBO section hike of the JMT (North Lake to Reds Meadow) with the Cascadia's. I think I found a keeper, No blisters, However, I don't think I would get 500 miles out of them. I do toss the stock insole and replace with a Dr. Scholl's running insoles that gives me better cushion. Keep the new Equip reviews coming, I have used them to purchase a lot of my equipment. Keep the sunny side up!

I love the lone peak 5. I have about 200 miles on my current ones. Downfall for me is under wet conditions the traction lacks compared to other shoes or my oboz boots. Also , about 100 miles in the front stitching came out and the rubber came apart but some glue fixed it all up. Great review of all 3... Thanks for always putting out great material!

I have to agree with the decision on the LP5. I bought my first pair a few weeks ago and love them! I had to return first pair and go up a size but a size up was a big difference. They're super comfy!

I agree; I got a new pair of TIMPs this spring, but returned them in two weeks because the toe box was cramping my little toe knuckle; I replaced it with a pair of Lone Peak 5s which are working well for me.

I love my lone peak 5's. They are really working out well.

I switched from Lone Peaks to the Olympus about a year ago due to some persistent heel and ankle pain. Love the Olympus. Everything I loved about the Lone Peak with about twice the cushion. But the sole is still flexible enough that I only notice a small reduction in ground "feel".

I rode the lone peak 3.5 from Springer to daleville along the AT in 2019. Over 700 miles. Never got one blister, my feet/ legs never hurt. I love the 3.5s. P.s. pro tip; save money, buy your hiking shoes off ebay.

I just love the Vibrum Sole so the Olympus is my current favorite. I loved it on the Foothills trail and it showed no wear nor did I have any issues with it. It is the most cushion of any Altra I have tried. I plan on using it this month to hike the final 250 miles of the AT, so I will get to see if I have problems with the “clunkiness” you mentioned. Glad to hear you like the latest Lone Peak, because that is what I had been wearing as an everyday shoe prior to giving the Olympus a try. Good Video!

I'm also going with the Lone Peak 5 this summer - everything you said, plus the fact that the toe cap is now sewn in and shouldn't separate like the 4's and 4.5's.

I switched to minimal shoes and actual I am using Vibram Fivefingers V-Trek and Zaqq Roqq Trail. Both very light and comfortable. It takes some time to get used to minimal shoes but you are already used to zero drop.

Great choice! I used the Lone Peak 5’s on the AZT this year. Rocked 500 miles and held up great. Picked up another pair in Flagstaff, and headed North! The bright yellow ones are the way to go 😬

The Altra King MT also had a Vibram Megagrip sole. This model is really meant for hiking more so than running. I really like the Velcro strap that allows you adjust for going uphill vs down and also prevent your laces from coming untied. They have less cushion however. You might want to give it try.

Hey Darwin! Just bought a pair of Khaki Lone Peak 5's for my summer backpack trips. They feel fantastic on my feet and am super excited to get them on the trail. Thank you for another great video and congrats on hitting 300K!

My favorite summer shoe was Salomon x ultra 3 Mid GTX but this spring I start walking whit my new Lone Peak 5 and love it. 👍 I hope my ankle so do 😊 Thanks for great review!

I replaced a pair of Superiors at the NOC after wearing them from Amicalola. I went with the Lone Peak 5. I was very happy with them right up to the time I left the AT at Hot Springs to take care of some things back home. I will be wearing them when I go back to the Trail in the fall for another 270 miles, finishing it in sections over 30 years. I especially like the soft heel counter. No hard cup to give me blisters. I had no blisters on the 274 mile walk. I also credit Injinji toe sock liners inside of my Darn Tough socks. Fwiw, I weigh 200 lbs. and am 67 years old. I carried 25-32 lbs. I felt the need to edit this in: The previous 5 pair of Altra shoes (all models) wore out in the area of the heel liner. The liner fabric used in the past five years has been substandard (compared to other trail runners that I previously wore). The sole on my new Lone Peak 5 shoes is wearing pretty rapidly on the outside of the heels, partially due to my tendency to supinate, partially because they have pretty substantial knobby soles, and partially because the sole material was probably formulated to grip well on smooth, wet rock, which they appear to do fairly well. It's a tradeoff. Hard soles don't grip well on smooth, wet rock. I have a broken rib to remind me from 8 years ago while wearing another brand with very little surface area on the sole in the heel area due to a tread pattern with numerous tiny points and minimal contact area.😒 I also use Powerstep insoles, preferring them to Superfeet (personal preference). I hope this is useful for other trail runner wearing distance hikers. ☺

I’ve been using the Lone Peak 4.5 for about a year and a half and have been looking at a replacement since mine are getting worn out. After this I’m gonna go with the Lone Peak 5.0 thanks for the vid

I have had the Timp 3 for a few months and I walk 50km a week. I have the delamination issue but only in 1 spot on the left shoe. It is really comfortable but needs to be lace locked to support the mid-foot.

Had a pair of cop boots with that ripstop fabric. It had it on the side midpoints as well ..and I felt the breeze & wind go through from one side to the other every time i picked my foot up. It went under the middle of my foot ..such a weird sensation at first. I thought my shoe had a hole on both sides, but nope, that fabric is totally breathable and on a hot breezy day you literally have AC in your shoe! And your foot compressing & decompressing with every step it actually worked as a pump pulling the breeze through. They were actually a trail shoe shaped like a hiking boot but full height & black so it looked like a cop boot. I could wear it every day, doing 3-9 miles a day and NEVER wash them & my feet would never stink. The only problem is the company only made them narrow so my 9 mile days would start to rub the pinky toe a little as it pushed it in. But I bought the boots the first year they came out so maybe they made wider ones now & low tops ..but i'd still trust a real wide toe box trail shoe, more than a boot brand whose demographics are cops that lean toward the narrow tight frame look. 🤷🏼‍♂️

The Lone Peak 5 has been a great shoe for me, after trading out a pair of Adidas trail runner the wide toe box has been delightful.

The lone peak 5 "all weather" is a good choice in wet weather conditions or with cold temperature. I used this shoes in march and april in Germany for hiking and also in winter for running. For my point of view are this the very best for hiking and running! 👍 I gonna see how the durability versus the lone peak 4 is.

I picked upL.P. 4.5 for 70 bucks. Same shoe as the 5. Confident grip,fast dry, excellent drainage when hiking through wet conditions.

Hey Darwin, great review/comparison. I'm a big Altra fan and also review many of their shoes on my channel, but more for trail runners. I recently got myself a pair of Altra Superior (5) and I'm loving them straight from the box. My Timps (2) are wearing out and the Lone Peaks (5) are quite clunky in comparison. Great job!

Hi Darwin, currently thru hiking PCT, lot of us had commom problem with LP 5 where front of shoe box wearing away on outside and inside of shoe after only 200 miles. Trust they are not designed to fail and Altra will address this in next model

Bought my first pair of Ultras in April 2021 and oddly enough they were the Lone Peak 5’s. The MOST comfortable shoe I have worn in a loooooong time. The fit my “duck foot” with room (I’m a 12.5 EEEE) Had a bit of getting used to the zero drop but after a hundred miles in them I’m truly in love! Bought 3 more pair (and plan to buy more) just for the day they may cancel this production run. My feet think Ultra nailed this one!

Nice look at the shoes. I hated the toe cap on my old lonepeaks I had to glue it before 30 miles. But still one of the best for comfort with them sewing the toe cap on the 5's it got me to pick up a pair today.

I have La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes I got last year that are also great. 1lb 12.8oz, and feels comfortable like solid tennis shoes that have a slightly higher ankle. Has Vibram soles with GORE-TEX surround that also has mesh. Love them!

Awesome. I found that shoe again also. The sole is Greatly improved. I was also pleasantly surprised as I have wide feet also. Good review on the LP 5!

Right now I'm hiking on my old pair of Timp 1.0. For running I like the Timp 2. Quantic midsole + maxtrac outsole is a nice combination

Just pulled the trigger yesterday morning and ordered the lone peak 5! 🙌

Thanks for the video. I may have to try some Ultras. I run with a shoe with a pretty high drop so have always stuck with Brooks Cascadia. However, just started breaking in the Solomon Speed Cross 5 for an upcoming JMT hike. So far I'm super happy with it. I'll update this after the JMT as my opinion might have changed by then.

Makes sense using the olympus halfway through a through hike. Your feet are sore by that point. Cush!! I kind of liked the olympus 3.5's and the timp 2's were nice too. One thing i'm looking for in a shoe lately is breathability! My feet sweat easily. I like a breathable, comfortable shoe with a wide toe box and a solid toe cap too if i can get it. Don't get me wrong i do have a nice pair of gortex merrell tactical moab 2 boots but i only use them in really rough conditions. Colder weather, things like that. Its actually getting hard to find a good pair of hiking shoes/boots that are not waterproof. Breathable and dry out fast help big time! A decent color too. I'm not a fan of brightly colored shoes. Good stuff as always Darwin! Hope your healing up well for your next through hike! Look forward to watching. Stay safe! Hike on!!

Yes The Olympus 4 I’m a weekend warrior, so not worried about wear & tear so much. But I’ve pushed them through test of endurance in ruff technical trails & they hold up great I love the high cushion so I’m able to push long miles without hot spots or injuries & appreciate the Vibran grip Yes they are expensive, but have proved to be investment to me I do have a pair of Lone Peaks that I use on day hikes but for anything longer my feet do get sore So I’m deeply impressed with the Olympus 4 I thought it my be one of those things that I really wanted to like but didn’t work for me. Other than price being a factor, these shoes rock! Appreciate your journeys Darwin Happy trails

My favorite is the Lone Peak 4.5’s. Just bought the 6’s, hoping they work as well. Good video as usual!

I'll be rolling with the altra superiors for rougher trails, but I'm excited to start using my xero trail sandals for hiking as well.

I have the Lone Peak 4.5. They are the first shoes I've ever really "loved". They're perfect. I bought 4 new pairs to stock up when they went on sale before the Lone Peak 5.0 came out. I'm sure the 5.0 is just as good, assuming they haven't changed much.

I’ve been a shoe fanatic since being a distance runner and always looked way to much into shoes. I’ve been using the Topo Athletic Ultraventure. High cushion with some pronation stability, wide toe box, vibram sole, and 5mm drop for the heal strikers. The pros come with a fancy midsole and rock plate and still cheaper that Altra. OH, forgot to mention even after 150miles they still feel amazing.

Favorite is the Olympus. Saved my pinky toe. Every shoe prior felt like it was being squashed and might fall off. The con is that I prefer a sturdier rugged shoe for rocky desert hiking which is mostly where I hike.

Lone peak 4.0 is the most comfortable shoe i have ever put on. Even when my feet ache, I put them on in the morning and they fit like a glove or a perfect shoe. It's amazing. Not massive miles, but I've put over two hundred miles each on two pairs

Interesting! I'm a huge altra fan. Glad to hear about lone peak 5. I loved 3.5 so I bought a few of them for back stock. I'll buy the 5 next.

Woohoo! I just bought Lone Peak 5 a few months ago. :) I enjoyed the TImp previously, but had to replace. Kinda fun that he agreed. Lol

Just picked up the lone peak 5’s super comfortable love it!

I liked the lone peaks, but I agree, not enough cushion! I liked them so much I wore them as my dailies but they wore out super fast!

I am recovering from chronically inflammated heels, tendons and muscles always tight, need to do a lot of stretching. But the Altra Lone Peak 5 has surprised me positively. I think it does have plenty of cushioning. Not as much as my running shoes. But plenty. I have been hiking in running shoes also a lot. Like my first 5 years of hiking, I just had Asics. There also weren't any "trail runners" back then I think. 😂 They are also more durable than trail runners imo. But they fix the heel, so if you don't like that, it doesn't make sense of course.

CRAZY GOOD VID Darwin. Loved it. I had just purchased the Lone Peak 5.0. I love em so far but im a heal striker too so will be interesting to see how they go

I'm excited to hear about shoes with a wide toe box!

I've had the Lone Peak 4 and maybe I got lucky but those shoes have been wildly durable and perform even when the sole is worn slick as sliced bologna. The sole compound has been remarkably sound in a wide variety of conditions up in the White Mountains (NH). I just bought the Lone Peak 5 last summer and they're similar but the fit isn't as precise and there's extra volume that makes them feel sloppier than the 4.0

I love the Altra shoes, and they are almost all I wear now. That said, I just did a short hike up in Colorado on a dry, dusty trail and when I finished my socks were completely brown inside the shoe... the vents and/or mesh let all the dust and dirt in... can't remember which model it was, but it has vents on the soles... Thanks!

Yes…sloppy poor wearing bedroom slippers….but yet they are fitting me so well I just buy new ones every 6-8 weeks. My running store gives a discount…Im grateful.😊🥾🥾

Thank you for the great comparison Darwin. 🤘 I think the lone Peak five will be my next shoe.

Brilliant! I fell in love with the Lone Peak 3.0. Best shoe ever. Then....they made the 3.5 and I swore off the lone peaks since they ruined a good thing. On a whim I went into the store and tried on the 5.0 since my 3.0 was just about done. These are my new favorites so I ran out and bought 2 more pairs to hold me over through the drought of possibly more future bad designs😂

I have some Altra Escalante 2 roadrunners that I wear to work, I stocked up after trying the first pair.

LP comes in 2E width now as well! Good comparison enjoyed watching even though I already have all three 😂

Been wearing the Long Peak 4.5 for years, but recently switched to the 5. I have bunions and they work the best for me. Love the wide toe box; but the down side is that the angle of my big toe is the opposite the angle of the toe box, so it can throw off my proprioception. I need to stay aware of the risk of stubbing my “toe”, but I accept that risk for comfortable feet!

Glad to here this. I am into my last pair of Lone Peak 4.0's which I love. I talked my nephew into trail runners and was glad he chose the Lone Peak 5.0. Problem in my mind is he got the All Weather version. Do you think he should exchange those for the faster drying more breathable shoe? We hike dry west coast trails.

Great review/comparison Darwin. I might buy the line peak 5 now. Thanks ✌️

Currently using the Lone Peak 5 and loving them. Ok also coming off the Timp 1.5. Which I liked but did it love. Mainly the grip. But the LP5s are great so far! I do agree I wish they had a thick midsole. I think Altra should offer the LPs in multiple thicknesses.

As a former pavement pounder, Brooks Ghost and Glycerins were my favorites. When I first began trail running and hiking I bought a pair of Altra Lone Peaks; and then proceeded to call them clown shoes, only to learn their comfort and traction. I’ve tried other models of Altras (going through nine pairs a year) and returned last year to the Lone Peak 5. I also require orthotics, have horrible hammer toes and a permanently dislocated 5th metatarsal. Comfort, durability, price, traction and most of all the roomy toe box, pretty much checks off my requirements. By the way, try shortening your stride and increasing your turnover to reduce the heel strike.

I do my hiking in La Sportiva Bushido IIs. That being said, I'm not a long-distance thru-hiker- I use them for running, hiking, and scrambling, and most of my mileage is single-day trips.

Timp 2 - but they are worn out now which is why I'm watching! Thanks for the video!

Congrats on 300k subscribers well earned!

You/your channel turned me on to Altras. Also live in Arizona... Did the Willow Valley loop to Maxwell recently and used my Oly 4s. I agree on the clunkyness but the grip on those suckers is nice so I stick with them. Wife loves her LP 5s, I have the 4.5s, both are good shoes. She likes the 5s a lot, thinking about getting a pair... Honestly though, I am more excited about your thru hike than I am about gear reviews. Nonetheless, thanks for the upload.