You've Made the Switch to 0 Drop - Did you go back

[North of 60]

I'm thinking i may try the topo terraventure 4's for my next trail shoes...they aren't boots but have plenty of cushion, a 3mm drop, maybe have a wide enough toe box and are supposedly more durable than altras.

I really like the altra lone peak 9s and wish they were as durable as some other brands.

 

[dgfavor]

I'm thinking i may try the topo terraventure 4's for my next trail shoes...they aren't boots but have plenty of cushion, a 3mm drop, maybe have a wide enough toe box and are supposedly more durable than altras.

I really like the altra lone peak 9s and wish they were as durable as some other brands.

I am going into second year with the Terraventures 4 WPs. They are quite a bit stiffer than the Trailventures i had prior and really liked. They are IMO a pretty robust shoe, stiffer than my Xero Ridgeways by fair amount - I chukar hunted a bunch in them last season and have been rucking all spring and summer with fairly heavy packs (alternating with the Ridgeways) and they show zero signs of wear - my Altras would have destructed by now. They are great for allowing ankle mobility but offer less ground feel IMO than a more flexible shoe/boot. I like them...but not sure I would get them again because I prefer a little more flexible thru the sole. I'm not convinced they are going to wear out anytime soon however!

 

[Schmo]

I have been wearing Lone Peak 9s for a few months now. They do lack in durability, but they sure are comfortable. I cold turkey switched to the zero drop Altras for my daily shoes. I’ve definitely felt the strain on the connective tissue, but it’s getting better. I too am looking for a lighter boot for this coming season. My feet aren’t ready yet for something like an ESC for hunting, so I gotta find something else. Maybe some light Meindls, or maybe some Jim Greens. Would love suggestions as well. I wore my Kenetreks for a little while here recently, and was glad to get them off and back into my Altras.

As a little background, I do have plantar fasciitis. The Altras have not aggravated it, and it may be getting better.

 

[P Carter]

I'm thinking i may try the topo terraventure 4's for my next trail shoes...they aren't boots but have plenty of cushion, a 3mm drop, maybe have a wide enough toe box and are supposedly more durable than altras.

I really like the altra lone peak 9s and wish they were as durable as some other brands.

I used a pair this season, great shoe. Wide enough but not sloppy, held up well, the rock plate provides protection but it isn’t too firm, the low stack height prevents rolled ankles. Traction is good. Not as good as Salomon’s, which I traditionally used, but the lower stack height was worth it for me.

Edit: I didn’t track mileage precisely, but I probably have 300ish miles and 30,000+ elevation gain out of one pair and they are holding up decently. Some of that mileage is off trail or rocky trail with a loaded pack.

 

[chives88]

Maybe I'm an outlier here. I own some altras, lone peaks, and wear them sometimes. But I also have mid height light hikers, 3 season mtneering boots with 3/4 shank, and classic mtneering boots with a full shank. For me they all have a place and there are lots of days the altras ain't it, most notably when lots of sidehilliing is expected, I just get too much motion and blister between my toes in the flexy ones.

I've definitely trended lighter and more flexible over the years and the shanked boots get less use than before.

Something I heard from a podcast about footwear (lame, I know) is that we should do most of our training/daily living as close to barefoot as possible and, in the podcast which was sports and endurance related, we can use the high tech performance shoes leading up to and on race day. I think this would apply to hunting boots as well. Spend most days strengthening our feet and pulling out sheep country boots to use where they are needed.

 

[Nine Banger]

Something I heard from a podcast about footwear (lame, I know) is that we should do most of our training/daily living as close to barefoot as possible and, in the podcast which was sports and endurance related, we can use the high tech performance shoes leading up to and on race day. I think this would apply to hunting boots as well. Spend most days strengthening our feet and pulling out sheep country boots to use where they are needed

Definitely need to train with the sheep boots if they are going. I tried to put my mountaineering boots on the other day when it was pouring and they don't fit anymore since I've been wearing barefoot shoes.

 

[fngTony]

Definitely need to train with the sheep boots if they are going. I tried to put my mountaineering boots on the other day when it was pouring and they don't fit anymore since I've been wearing barefoot shoes.

Agree, I’m trying to wear mine at least once a week for a couple miles and around the house.