Same here. Just went from being an 8 year loyal Altra customer - to Topo for the same reason.

This video comes at a great time as I’m heading to try some Topo’s tomorrow for my upcoming thru hike. I like their gaitor option and will probably pick some up. Great review as always.

Bungzy! Love you dude. I am drunk right now so I will watch this video later! :)

@Gluttonforpeace

3 жыл бұрын

I just comment when I’m drunk, fuck it! And I often do it twice 😅

Nice Fayettechill hoody. Based on your recommendation, I finally picked up a Livingston and am loving them. Thanks!

Good stuff, Bungzy. I totally share your frustration with the new Altra sizing. It’s like having your momma tell you she doesn’t love you anymore 🙂. I’ve been contemplating moving to Topo or Inov8 so your video helps. Happy trails.

Those look like a nice find! If my 5s don't work out, I'll try these. I like the Vibram sole too.

Thanks for the nice review, and appreciate the critique as well, always things we can work to improve. Hope we can continue to make you happy!

Btw: Please make plans for some hikes in 2021 and videotape it, your hikes are quiet lovable! But: love your gear reviews too, so the ball is in your court there bud. I have done purchases based on you opinions before and will surely do it again! :)Thanks for doing this!

A length of cordage can be strung across the back from hole to hole, to attach a loop of loop side Velcro. A bit of sewing the Velcro into a loop beforehand, and no more glue.

I've bounced between Topo and Altra the last few years, and liked them both. I've had to sit issues with the Topos though, and the Trailventures I bought late last summer just pretty much fell apart without heavy use. I'm back in a pair if Lone Peak 7s now, and the zero drop lower stack just feels great.

Awesome! I did the same and switched to the Ultraventure as well. Be careful of the sizing between the regular and pro models. Pro models are super tight and different fabric.

I've been wearing TOPOs for a couple years - they are great.

i loved their first timp. after it, i didn't buy another. but i had tried the topos and they were narrow for me. so i don't know whether they've since changed. but the lone peak wides work well for me now. but the timp i gave up on.

Great review! I agree 100% with you regarding Altra shoes. Bring back the old wide toe box shoes!

Bungzy, just cut a couple pieces of velcro and stick them on the back of the heel, and you’re back in business with your Dirty Girl gaiters. I did it and it works great. I’ve got the TopoTerraventures (3mm drop) and love them. Great videos-keep ‘em coming 👍

Well, their prices just rocketed up! Out of control pricing.

I love my Topo Ultraventures and Topo MT-2's. I'm going to order a pair of the new Ultraventur 2's in black. Thanks for the video my Brother 👍

It seems like every good shoe and boot manufacturer has chosen to contract out to China. Most of the Chinese factories are using existing Chinese equipment to make a "best effort" at reproducing the American/Canadian/Australian designs they are being asked to make. It costs money to retool to a wider foot bed and most companies are not willing to pay it. Which means you can no longer trust the manufacturers sizing on shoes and need to try them in person before you buy them.

I'm not going back to Altra even if they do come back groveling. I took the Ultraventures on the PNT last year and they were amazing. Got the UV Pros for the GET next month for the rock plate. No doubt the sole will be more durable as well, and no more guessing what size to order every six months either. So bye bye Altra.

I went to buy my first Topo shoes Phantom 2 yesterday and also bought Altra paradigm 6 in men’s size!!!!

Great video, couldn't agree more. Altra has broken my heart and Topo has filled the void for me. I think Topo has a better quality build in their shoes also.

I love my topos. Try the ultraventure pro. It’s got a rock plate and the stickier sole and same weight as ultraventure.

The Topo Ultraventure is my favorite hiking shoe. The most comfortable shoe I've hiked with. My only problem is I blew out the sides of my second pair after only 120 miles. My first pair lasted over 500 miles. Now, I am trying the Altra Olympus 4. I like them, but not as much as the Ultraventure. I will probably switch back at some point.

I've been using Topo Terraventures for a few years now. My only complaint is that the insoles are some kind of open cell foam that seems soak up a lot more water than other trail runners, so they take a long time to dry. The durability also is suspect, but that's the case with most lightweight trail runners I've used. Interesting that you switched to Topo because Altras were too narrow. I went the opposite direction. I couldn't wear Altras because they were too wide (mostly in the heel and midfoot) for my skinny chicken feet. Topo Terraventures fit me great, though, so maybe they are narrower than the Topo Ultraventures? Either that, or Altra has REALLY done a 180 on their design. I may have to try them again now.

Yes! Yes!!! Up yours Altra!!! I walked right through the bottom of a pair of lone peak mids 4.0...in 50 miles in the seirras. They completely fell apart. I will add that I am also a looonnnggg time Altra wearer.

I recently went through the same thing! For me, I ditched Altra because of the durability issues. I couldn't get any pair to last longer than 200 miles! I tried the Topo MTN Racer 2 and LOVED them, but the 5mm drop seemed to be messing with my trail running gait. So just got the Topo Runventure 3, which is a zero drop. Took them out for the first time today and really liked them! Just wish Topo had more zero drop options. Not sure if they know how many people out there are just begging for an Altra alternative! Glad KZread recommended your video to me! Looking forward to you rother content!

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

@DoseofDirt

2 жыл бұрын

@@incorectulpolitic Hard to say. I would say call or email Topo Athletic for some tips. I'm about 26cm and got size 10.5, which is a half size up from my every day shoes.

For the Timp 2.0 I went a size up from the Lone Peak 4.5, and they still are way slimmer in the toe box. Weird choice from Altra.

Nice review. Is there an updated version for the version 2 that's out now? I've read some people think they messed with the shoes fit on version 2. Did they do the same nonsense that altra did?

Hi BU yes I’m also now looking towards Topo. Like you I have a YT and although I prefer to make silent hiking videos my Altra review videos get some views and like you I’m now done with Altra as they have a massive durability problem in 2023. My Outroad’s lasted 13 days 99miles, Lone Peak All Weather 90 days km300 and my Timp 4 beats them both 21 days but used only 40miles and both heal cups are gone. So I guess I’ll be make Topo reviews from now on. Any experience with the MT-4 as I like that city to trail option. Thx

Thanks for the video....I'm gonna try a pair. Just curious about how you found their sizing. How true to size are they? What size fits your foot. I normally wear a 10.5 and am wondering what size you would think I should order. Thanks!

Check back after 350-400 hard trail miles. Can't speak to the Ultraventures, but the Terraventures upper fabric tears out in the instep / ball of the foot for most everyone. It was a known issue of such widespread dimension with the v. 1.0 that Topo redesigned the plastic strips in v. 2.0. Didn't do the trick. They were very nice in acknowledging this and trying to do right -- they did 1 free replace on-trail for some who asked, but it's a serious flaw -- some were getting blowouts in fewer than 200 miles. Hopefully they're able to get this addressed with v. 3.0.

Anyone tried the Timp 3 yet? REI didn’t carry them in store to try on so I went with the new altra lone peak 5 (regular not wide) bc I heard they have more cushion than the 4.5. But oh man the timp 1.5 from 2019 were perfect.

The best shoes are the ones that fit your feet. I tried the Topo Ultraventure and would have been a convert but the heel cup did not fit the contour of my heels. It felt so hard it could have been made of cement. I haven't had to accept heel blisters as a part of breaking in shoes for decades.Very frustrating because I liked everything else about them. On the other hand (foot), Altras have always been designed for people with higher volume heels and mid foots than I have. Even when wearing two pairs of socks to take up some space, they still allowed enough sliding within the shoe to turn my ankle as I slid off the footbed when stepping on a tree root or that same unnoticed rock you mentioned. This was the risk I accepted to get their toe box. I used to laugh at Hoka's thick soles, but their Speedgoats allowed me to get back on my feet following a long bout of plantar fasciitis. The newer Altras fit me very well, and with only one pair of socks. I've been wearing Timp 3s and I just tried the 2022 Lone Peaks. For my feet, they have improved the fit. Being in my late 60s I need a little more cushioning to make up what I have lost in my hips, knees, and ankles. I notice I can go much longer in my speedboats than in the Timps. A runner mentioned that is likely due to the Speedgoats having a more structured sole. I'm still planning on giving the 2022 Altra Olympus a try. But currently the speed goats have made greater distances much easier with less discomfort. I guess as we get older our minds have to become more flexible as our bodies become less.

I've been wearing the Altra Olympus, but also had to go way up in size from my usual. Think I'll give Topo a look at some point. I'd like to go to a mid height shoe which wasn't available in the Olympus.

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

Bought my first ever 0 drop , Torin 5 size 12 UK but I have to agree, should have gone for 12.5 UK ….which is strange

I like Lone Peaks and Olympus and I bought timp 2.0s to try them out. They ruined my feet. Tight across the mid foot and loose on the heels. Blister city.

Hey, nice video. How does the sizing compare between the two brands? I just got a pair of size 10 Timp 2.0 and really found them very snug. But my size 10.5 Timp 1.0 where too big. Having to risk buying Topo and Altra online, it's not easy to decide what size to go to.

Noticed you purchased another Livingston ;) because of your review I pulled the trigger.

@BURZUM__

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bungzy Loving it.

Just got 2 pr. Topo Mtn Racer 2's. Will post results after S. Utah trip in a month.

Just a heads up the ortholite soles that Topo uses are open-cell foam and take FOREVER to dry unless you literally wring them out. I think Hoka and Brooks it too for insoles but Altra seems to stick to eva or something closed cell foam.

@barondavis5692

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely true.

Altra better get the wide versions going!! Topo can duck feet a little bit "toe box" out. Good to have another choice if Altra doesn't come through. The paradigm 5 has good width and you don't need the extra half size necessarily. Looking forward to their new wide width.

Bought the new altra lone peak 5 wide, excited to see how they perform

@iakona23

3 жыл бұрын

How did the wide size in the Lone Peak 5 work for you?

@elifan2523

3 жыл бұрын

@@iakona23 I tried different sizes, but it was something about the shoe that didn't feel right. Luckily I found a pair of Timp 1.5 that I will be rocking until something else turns up.

@iakona23

3 жыл бұрын

@@elifan2523 I tried the standard size 12 in the Lone Peak 5, but it felt too narrow in the front. They didn’t have the 12 wide to try in the store, so I tried 12.5. It still didn’t feel right. I’m not sure what Altra is doing with their sizing at the moment.

Loving my Ultraventures, have you tried the Pros?

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

@@Bungzy My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

Altra is going to start introducing wide models to some of their shoes this year, but I have not heard which models will be coming with a wide model. None the less, something to keep am eye out for going forward.

I enjoyed my Topo's Terra Adventure 2 until they finally bit the dust....I understand there is a Terra Adventure 3 in the works for release this summer...the model Topo you reviewed lacks a rock plate I think....I'm hiking in Brooks Cascades currently and love the fit but had to size up to a wide to get the right fit for my foot...The soles on the Topos are grippy and long lasting ....The Brooks sole is not as good....a combination of the Topo and Brooks would be perfect.....of course then they would change again lol...ya got me rocking the Fayettechill hoodies also ... take care

I want to love topo’s too but I don’t. The midsoles are too soft. Mine lost their ability to support in less than 200 miles. I’ve been going barefoot zero drop for over 10 years and 5 mm drop is HUGE for me. I’m hoping for a firmer mid sole in the revamped teradventure pro with a 3 mm drop. Agree, the vibram bottom is great. Thanks Bungzy.

I just made the same change. I couldn't get the Altra on my fat foot.

The altra lone peaks will have a wide option. Does topo have an arch? My feet can't handle arch support.... Too long running around barefoot in Hawaii and ''barefoot' shoes and sandals. Also do you use a runners knot to keep foot from sliding forward?

Hey Bungzy, any thoughts on the new model? I’m afraid these will all go out of stock by the time I get used to them. And I need a bunch before an upcoming hike

Thanks for the info. I have the altra timp 2 and my problem is that even though my feed are slim, the are flat. So without orthopedics my mid food is hanging into the mesh and hurting on the line between mesh and sole. I Wand wondering if anyone knows if the the mid foot is also wider ( the sole). Thanks for the help, we are still in lockdown and These shoes are no where offline to be found in EU.

I never tried Altras. I tried Salmons, La Sportiva, Hoka. Then I tried Topo Ultras and loved them. I didn't try Altra because I read a review that said they were flimsy and fell apart.

I have the timp 1.5 and 2.0 model. Width isn’t any different but the vertical space in the toe area and above the top of my foot changed drastically. The 2.0 was way tighter. One thing I did to help even things out is swap insoles. The 2.0 has a thicker insole than the 1.5, so that helped a little. My toes still hit the top of the shoe, though. It’s not a big deal on short hikes, but on longer 6 mile or more hikes my toes get sore. I really like the tread on the heel of the 2.0. It grips better on looser ground and doesnt wear out as fast as on the 1.5. I’ve fallen on my ass many times with older timp 1.5’s on while walking down hill. I like the toe tread more on the 1.5, though. It really grips better than anything else I’ve found while climbing a hill. The only shoe I’ve found with better grip in the king mt 1.5, which has the same tread pattern on the toe area as the timp 1.5, but it’s deeper. I only wish I could get that deep tread on a set of timps!

@archstanton9703

2 жыл бұрын

I had the Timp 1.5 and now the Timp 2.0. Both pairs ended up with holes inside the back of the heel. The 2.0 have an EVA gap in heel area of the sole, which is a sweet spot for small rocks that can bruise your foot. I’m thinking about switching to the Lone Peak 5.0 or one of the Topos.

@aurtisanminer2827

2 жыл бұрын

@@archstanton9703 I havent had that issue with my 2.0’s, but we likely hike in different terrain. I do see what you mean by the gap, though. I really like the tread on the heel. I wish they would take the rear tread of the 2.0 and the front tread of the 1.5 and put them on the timp. I looked at some 3.0 timps and they dont seem any different than the 2.0 in shape. Just different look and thicker toe protector.

@archstanton9703

2 жыл бұрын

@@aurtisanminer2827 I liked the fit of the Timp 2.0's, but not the sole. I just ordered the Lone Peak 5, so hopefully they'll handle rocks better. I was going to get a pair of Topo trail shoes but they're not any in my local retailers stocking the shoes in my size. Thanks for the reply!

@aurtisanminer2827

2 жыл бұрын

@@archstanton9703 those topos do look pretty nice and similar to altras. I wish they had more models in zero drop, though. My friend got the lone peak 5’s and said the fit is nice and roomy around the toes like the 4 model.

@archstanton9703

2 жыл бұрын

@@aurtisanminer2827 once you get used to the fit, it’s hard to back to traditional trail shoes. Cherrs!

I thought it was ridiculous when I went to REI and tried on 3 different pairs of Altras and none of them fit me. I ended up getting a Lone Peak 3.5 on ebay because that was the last model i tried and loved. I wonder how Altra's compared to the Topo's are going to fare when their new models have the wide option. Let's hope its a saving grace for them.

Making the same switch for the same reasons. My video drops Monday haha.

Haha, I just found myself in the same ass situation that you're in now. Long time Altra fan, now moving away from the brand, and Topo checks every box out there!

Topo Athletic Pursuit - Max Cushion, Zero Drop, Vibram Sole

Topos are the only shoe shape I can wear, but their durability is still crappy compared to NB, Brooks, Saucony. Altras are only good for the toe shape. Tried 3 models and had to return them all for the fit not working out and their quality at the new shoe stage appear very sub-par. It is easy to find reviews complaining about qualify and durability issues.

Can anyone comment how the Topo MT-3 compares to the Altra Lone Peak 5 in terms if fit?

Which midsole is more firm? The Lone Peak or the ultraventure?

So, should I order half o a full size down in Topo (compared to altra)?

Had a Timp, Superior and LP but rather pissed at the quality, holes everywhere in less than 250km. Switched to Topo Mnt Racer and never looked back.

Yep couldn't agree more. On my second pair of Topos now. Far superior shoe to Altras; better fit, more comfortable, more durable, better lacing, comfy footbed and tighter heel fit. Harder to find in the UK tho. The understated hero shoe imo!

I tried the Altra Lone Peaks about three years ago because I like roomy toe boxes and zero drop, but they were literally falling apart after the first hike. I switched over so a pair of Salomon trail runners and never looked back.

My feet are slim so Altra is still fine for me, but i understand your frustration. I have been looking at topo for a while, gonna have to try a pair some time. Altras are not the best looking shoes in the world, altough they look good enough for me, i think the topos looks even worse. Are you trying lone peak 5 wide? 🤓😛

My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

I feel the same way about Altra. Now they are over-engineered and they don't even say 'zero drop' anymore but balanced. They are definitely narrower. Anyway - Topo does produce zero drop. I got a pair of Topo a couple of years ago... the problem I found was the uppers just fell apart after about 9 months. AND they were not as wide as Altra Solstice....

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

i tried few topo few models...also disaster with sizing,....all run very short

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

What about durability? How long would they last you for hiking?

@miker5740

3 жыл бұрын

They last longer than an altras. I have 4 models. The sole is more grippy in the wet

Altra’s durability has taken a nose dive. Their tongues on a few models have gone short and rigid. They’ve got to fix some design and up the quality.

🙏😺

Wow, I agree. The Time 2.0 big disappointment, the Olympus 3.5 big disappointment. But the Time 1.5 is available and im pleased with and the new Olympus 4.0 is out, very pleased, much like the first Olympus 3.0 I were in 2019

Altra makes shoes primarily for running. Runners who have a mid to forefoot running strike will naturally enjoy reaching for an Altra trail shoe. However, Mid/forefoot runners tend to supinate when making ground contact which places pressure on the outside of the upper near the midfoot. This is the real reason why Altra shoes have gotten narrower. Excessive width will not be useful when running because the foot slides to the side of the shoe uppon ground contact, only making partial use of the "footshaped" toe box. Altra depends on selling to serious runners who can rep the brand as well as hikers who often then buy the shoe, which is why they are still marketing several shoe lines as trail running shoes and have now introduced a wide version of the lone peak. Hence a running and a walking version.

TOPOs seem good but i like minimal toe spring and this is why i am not jumping to TOPOs.. i am actually looking at making my own shoes.. fuck'em.

Some drunk dude that love your channel just made 3 comments by himself. :) Haha, you deserve every comment you can get, he says... :)

@onkelsort5381

3 жыл бұрын

Take care buddy, love your channel!

@onkelsort5381

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha, like I said I am drunk. Okays, later buddy!

Here is the exact moment I divorced Ultras on video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gZmNtbZtf8bNctI.html

If anything I thought they got wider...

@spartan5490

3 жыл бұрын

I also wear topo, have for 6 years or so

@incorectulpolitic

2 жыл бұрын

@@spartan5490 My foot is 27cm long, what Topo size is right for me?

Probably Chinese(CCP) sized foot?