Hiking footwear…which one is best?

Seeking Advice
21

@Linden
Maybe I should go for leather Altras instead. The fabric uppers on mine are awful.

22

Finley said:
@Linden
Maybe I should go for leather Altras instead. The fabric uppers on mine are awful.

Altras are great, but don’t expect them to last more than 400-500 miles. They’re comfortable, but not built to last. If you expect that, you’ll be happy with them.

23

@Linden
I have a pair of Torins, but the uppers fell apart after less than two months. Right now, I’m deciding between returning the Salewa or La Sportiva. Seeing leather Altras is tempting, but I wish they made approach shoes with foot-shaped designs.

24

@Finley
Check out Meindl Comfort Fit. They have a natural shape, leather uppers, and good durability—very similar to Altra’s shape.

25

Linden said:
@Finley
Check out Meindl Comfort Fit. They have a natural shape, leather uppers, and good durability—very similar to Altra’s shape.

Yeah, when I got measured, the two brands that fit were Salewa and Meindl Comfort. But the Meindl was a lot more expensive and didn’t have a rand, which was a dealbreaker for me.

26

@Finley
If you’re considering Meindl, you might find some good deals online. I got a pair for way less than store prices.

27

@Finley
I recently got the Altra Lone Peak Alpine. They’ve got a suede and canvas upper, and they’re great for light hikes and everyday wear. They might be what you’re looking for!

28

Huxley said:
@Finley
I recently got the Altra Lone Peak Alpine. They’ve got a suede and canvas upper, and they’re great for light hikes and everyday wear. They might be what you’re looking for!

Yeah, I saw the Olympus 6 in leather, but it’s a gamble. I’m still tempted.

29

EDIT: It should say La Sportiva UK 10!

30

I had to go up half a size in my Altra Olympus 5s. Had some heel slip but fixed it with a different lacing technique. They were great for a weeklong trip in Naples/Salerno—lots of hills and uneven ground.

31

Definitely size up at least half a size. If you don’t, you’re going to lose toenails on long descents and your toes will get deformed.

32

This post is awesome. Sometimes I hold on to worn-out shoes just so I can remember the size for that brand.

33

The width of all those shoes is a joke compared to Altra. I’m never going back to narrow shoes. I wish more brands made wide mountaineering boots.

34

Tatum said:
The width of all those shoes is a joke compared to Altra. I’m never going back to narrow shoes. I wish more brands made wide mountaineering boots.

Meindl’s Comfort Fit line has mountaineering boots with wide toe boxes.