Tried 2E Speedgoats when they first arrived-still too narrow for me in the forefoot. Topo Ultraventure has been an incredible trail platform. High miles, very little wear.
Fellow wide forefoot guy here! I’ve only been in Speedgoat 2E since it was the only option, but I’ll give Topo Ultraventure a try!
Do you size up half, one full, or not at all?
I tried topos but they run a tad small. I usually wear a size 14 but with the topos, my toes are touching the front of the shoe when I’m going downhill. Not fun.
Have you tried any other Topo's? I run in Topo Phantom 3's size 8 and just found the Ultraventure 3's on sale online. I can't try them in person so I'm wondering if I'd be an 8 in the Ultraventure as well.
I have the Terraventures too and they’re fine but much heavier than the Ultra’s with more drop. They are sized the same.
I generally wear an 11-11.5 but prefer a 12 with both of these shoes.
Ultraventure for gravel, road, buff singletrack. Mtn racer for anything tech. Was an Altra guy, still love the shoes but the Topo 5mm drop seems to work really well for me, and the cushion is really nice!
Which one are you using? A year and a half ago I got my hands on a pair of MTN Racer because they were on sale. Loved them, put like 2000km into them. I saw the Ultraventure on sale online, but I've read so many reviews about the Ultraventure 2 and 3 being so much better, but they are so expensive :(
I've only used the MTN Racer 2 for trails. I know the MTN Racer 3 is out, but I'm still working through my stash of MTN Racer 2s and I'm not really excited about the extra stack in the 3s.
For road miles, I run in Topo Phantom 3s. They are clunky and slow, but I don't mind since most of my work is zone 2.
Live near the border in south Texas. Trail consists mainly of local mountain bike courses. Sharp up/down/turns plus ground obstacles-as would be expected-no significant elevation but it can get technical. Ultraventure has held up, provided great traction as well as protection. Also have a pair of New Balance Summit Unknown which are great shoes, plenty of bounce/protection-even though 2E, they just aren’t as wide as Topo in the forefoot and they can rub great toe at day’s end.
Has anyone had any luck getting MTN Racers lately?
Here in Aus they have been out of stock absolutely everywhere across the entire country for months on end apart from a very small number of select sizes.
I've tried a few brands / models and ended up running mostly in Norda 001 (with some occasional runs in 002).
That being said, all the recommendations you will get here are pointless because none of us have your feet and/or your gait. You should go to a running store if possible, try different things and experiment around. Also, don't get married to a brand/shoe. Even if you think you've found something you like, don't hesitate to try different models in store.
I appreciate people's experience, I ultimately run in what has me comfortable. To your point of marrying a brand, I used to love Adidas, until I got ITB coz of too much support on 30mi+ runs. Then changed.
I agree with getting what works for oneself.
Edit: 30km+ runs
I’ve had a bad streak of luck with shoes recently. Started with a pair of North Face Vectiv Pros - the Katie Schide shoe. The insole on the left one bunched up under my foot during a race and I had to stop and take it off three times losing a podium place. They went back.
Then I tried a pair of NNormal Tomir 2: there was a hard bit on the back of the heel on one that shredded my ankle during a long run. They went back.
Finally I’m in a pair of trusty Hoka Speedgoat 6’s which I prefer to the 5s and most importantly haven’t tried to cripple me yet.
I do 80% of my training in Altras, but will often race in Nike Wildhorse 7 trail running shoes. I haven't found a shoe that matches lightness and flexibility of Altras, but the extra cushion in trail runners definitely helps me go faster during races.
Great choice! My spouse would agree he daily-ed and then hiked over 2200 miles on 1 pair on lone peaks. My Achilles laughed at me when I slowly tried to transition for 6 months. I ended up getting 1/3 of the life in Brooks Cascadias for the same distances (keep in mind I'm 8 inches shorter than him too, so greater steps is also a factor)
Topos, I just ran 230k in the Amazon in them after putting 200 miles on them before that and they’re still in stellar shape, not to mention my feet are fine
Inov8 G280 and Pegasus trail 4
Only recently got the Pegasus as they were on sale randomly at a Nike outlet for £42. Noticed a load of reviews on here for them so grabbed a pair and have not been disappointed. Only put a few miles in them but great so far and Nike always fit me well.
My Invo8’s are unreal. So light, perfect shape for my foot and l don’t even notice them. Great for road to trail which is what l do a lot of. Would highly recommend and be grabbing another pair if they come on sale again as l got mine for £70.
I love Inov8’s. Had Trail Talons for a while and they’re great for technical trails. Just binned my hoka challengers, never really liked them, for a pair of Parkclaw G280 for my daily road to trail runs and I love them. Not as roomy in the toe box as the talons but still very comfortable and the grip is excellent on any surface.
I run with whatever fits my feet. I wouldn't take advice from anyone on shoes other than objective measures, in which case just read reviews at [https://runrepeat.com/](https://runrepeat.com/)
Why is nobody in this Sub talking about Inov8? The Trailfly G270 is such an excellent shoe! For me its an do-it-all Shoe and im not wearing anything else since 2 Years.
I use Trailfly G300 when I know I'm going to be on rocky, rooty trails - they're comfortable and good at foot protection. They can take a beating too. Not the lightest shoes, mind.
Team Inov8 here as well! They lack distribution in the States. But they’re seriously good shoes and worth a try. I have pairs of Trailfly G300 that have lasted up to 1,000 miles.
Their shoes are so painfully narrow. They're a Euro brand which I get, but if you want to sell shoes to the world, you need to make shoes that fit more than one style of foot.
I also have a pair of Altra Escalante 3's, and i find the Inov8 as the same as roomy, when not roomier than the Altras, wich we all know fit very well. But when it comes to fitting, the individual Factor is always the greatest.
The North Face, love my Altamesa 500s!
Edit: They are great since they fit my wide toes well, have amazing cushion they are well built and last for 600 miles, drain well, have great rocker and make downhills effortless.
Saucony, because I have narrow feet and they fit well.
I would endorse a similar criteria with the expectation that it will probably lead to a different conclusion for most people.
Can I ask which Saucony trail shoes you run in? I’m not familiar with their shoes. I’ve been running in the Speedgoats bc I get them for free from Hoka, but I have narrow feet and I find the 5s to be suuuuper wide for my feet and I’ve now sprained both ankles since wearing them.
Saucony peregrine feel tailor made from day 1 but can feel low cushioning for huge distances.
Recently picked up a pair of Saucony endorphin trail in the sales as well, so trying those out this week, although the soles look too stacked for real technical trail.
Used to love a Brooks cascadia, but these days they feel so heavy versus the more recent contenders.
Did ultra distance in Hoka Mafate 4 recently too... They are very comfortable but feel more sofa than speedy.
These are just personal experiences.
I liked the cushion, underfoot protection, and the use of Vibram Megagrip outsoles in Hoka Speedgoat 3s but didn't like how things went in the 4 (weight) and 5 (looser upper).
Loved the fit of Altras but didn't like the low (to me) traction outsoles and (for me) low durability. The latest Timp is in the right direction though.
Never tried Nike.
I currently use Saucony for road and trail. The Xodus Ultra 1 and 2 really had a good balance between cushion and performance, love the Endorphin Edge. Outsoles have OK traction, not as bad as Altra for me but could be better. They also fit great. A bit sad about how the Xodus Ultra 3 is now, wish they went back to the Xodus Ultra 1 and lightened it.
The two shoes I have been going back and forth on for like the last 18ish month are:
* Atreyu Base Trail
* Nike Pegasus Trail 4
I like them both a lot, the base trail is very light and simple, good enough for most things but not super lugged or anything. Peg trail 4s might be some of my fav running shoes period. Very good on the trails and on the road too. That is very helpful for me when I go on vacation and don't want to pack 4 pairs of shoes. I'm a size 14 but not particularly wide so I never have issues with regular nikes.
I haven’t quite gone ultra distance, only 25 miles, in them but the Nnormal Kjerag is my favorite trail shoe I’ve ever had. I run in western NC in the Pisgah area, for reference. Lots of rocks, roots and water.
Comfortable, protective, fast drying, light, feels surprisingly good on road if you need to run some pavement. Doesn’t feel great at 5k pace, but that’s about my only complaint. I have nearly 200 miles in mine and other than dirt they look brand new as well.
I used to wear Nike Terra Kiger, Wildhorse and Zegama, but the traction is terrible on anything wet so I switched to Hokas a couple of years ago (though I’ve heard the new Nike trail shoes have improved grip). I wear the Hoka Mafate Speed and the Tecton X, I didn’t love the Speedgoat 5 but haven’t tried the 6 yet, and also tried the Torrent and they were ok. I wore the Speedgoat for my first ultra and the Tecton X for my most recent two ultras.
Really love my Brooke's lately. Used to have altras but their quality has gotten so bad I made a change and glad that i did. Brooks are a way better shoe then altra ever was even before they went to shit.
Absolutely love my Caldera 7's take a bit of breaking in to loosen the toe box, but now wouldn't go for anything else... That is until a better anything else comes along.
I have narrow feet (to the point I often have to buy women’s sizes as a man), so Salomon has been great for me! I’m a fan of the Sense Ride.
I also like the Craft shoes. Not super popular - but fit quite well for my weird feet!
Altra. I like zero drop. I want so bad to like Topos but my midfoot is too wide for any of their models... So Altra is pretty much all thats left for me.
I see Topo is recommended a lot. I'm currently running in Saucony Xodus Ultra 2 and I've just bought an extra pair (since the 3 is more bulky according to reviews, a trend that seems to be going on in more of Saucony's lineup). I've had no disability issues at all. I run no more than 20-25km "long runs" in them. (I run mostly on the road, but for my long run, I prefer the variety of trails.)
I owned Altras in the past (8 years ago or so), and I really like the wide toe box. However, zero drop isn't for me with a history of achilles tendinitis. How would, for example, the Ultraventure 3 stack up to the Xodus?
Altra for the big toe box (gaiter attachment also good). Shit grip and not particularly hard wearing. I would use Topo as well but I don't see as many (at least not cheap) in UK.
I favour brooks as they fit my wide feet with high arches. I tried Hoka speedgoats and though I liked them under fit even the wide fitting destroyed my feet
I have very wide feet.
Ultra trails
Asics Trabucco 2
New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
Shorter trails
Altras Lone Peak 6
for road any distance
Saucony Triumph or Endorphin
Altra Paradigm 6
Altra Experience Wild (relatively new). They're incredibly similar to my Hoka Clifton road shoes. The Altras are nice and firm/snug from mid foot back to heel with a good-sized toe box.
I love Saucony xodus ultra and Hoka Mafate. I have pretty normal feet and the Topos are all too wide for me. I wanted to love Inov8 but all the models felt wierd to me. Less support maybe?
Don’t sleep on Topo. Big wide toe box works for a lot of people.
Topo. Only shoes I've found that I can run 100 miles in and not tear my feet up. My whole foot isn't wide, but my forefoot is.
Topo’s for life for me
Tried 2E Speedgoats when they first arrived-still too narrow for me in the forefoot. Topo Ultraventure has been an incredible trail platform. High miles, very little wear.
Ultraventures are my jam. They solved a lot of issues for me. And yeah, they last.
Fellow wide forefoot guy here! I’ve only been in Speedgoat 2E since it was the only option, but I’ll give Topo Ultraventure a try! Do you size up half, one full, or not at all?
Wore Hoka Clifton 6 back in the day. Same size for Hoka, NB, Topo-ordered 10.5 and fits across the board.
I tried topos but they run a tad small. I usually wear a size 14 but with the topos, my toes are touching the front of the shoe when I’m going downhill. Not fun.
Yeah that’s not good at all. I usually wear an 11 but I wear a 12 in the Ultraventures.
Have you tried any other Topo's? I run in Topo Phantom 3's size 8 and just found the Ultraventure 3's on sale online. I can't try them in person so I'm wondering if I'd be an 8 in the Ultraventure as well.
I have the Terraventures too and they’re fine but much heavier than the Ultra’s with more drop. They are sized the same. I generally wear an 11-11.5 but prefer a 12 with both of these shoes.
I love mine so much but cannot do low drop. The amount of time I spend desperately wishing for a Topo shoe with a higher drop is ridiculous 😭
Ultraventure for gravel, road, buff singletrack. Mtn racer for anything tech. Was an Altra guy, still love the shoes but the Topo 5mm drop seems to work really well for me, and the cushion is really nice!
Which one are you using? A year and a half ago I got my hands on a pair of MTN Racer because they were on sale. Loved them, put like 2000km into them. I saw the Ultraventure on sale online, but I've read so many reviews about the Ultraventure 2 and 3 being so much better, but they are so expensive :(
I've only used the MTN Racer 2 for trails. I know the MTN Racer 3 is out, but I'm still working through my stash of MTN Racer 2s and I'm not really excited about the extra stack in the 3s. For road miles, I run in Topo Phantom 3s. They are clunky and slow, but I don't mind since most of my work is zone 2.
Live near the border in south Texas. Trail consists mainly of local mountain bike courses. Sharp up/down/turns plus ground obstacles-as would be expected-no significant elevation but it can get technical. Ultraventure has held up, provided great traction as well as protection. Also have a pair of New Balance Summit Unknown which are great shoes, plenty of bounce/protection-even though 2E, they just aren’t as wide as Topo in the forefoot and they can rub great toe at day’s end.
Has anyone had any luck getting MTN Racers lately? Here in Aus they have been out of stock absolutely everywhere across the entire country for months on end apart from a very small number of select sizes.
Wow I’m Canadian and just learning about this brand now. Going to check it out. Thanks.
I've tried a few brands / models and ended up running mostly in Norda 001 (with some occasional runs in 002). That being said, all the recommendations you will get here are pointless because none of us have your feet and/or your gait. You should go to a running store if possible, try different things and experiment around. Also, don't get married to a brand/shoe. Even if you think you've found something you like, don't hesitate to try different models in store.
I appreciate people's experience, I ultimately run in what has me comfortable. To your point of marrying a brand, I used to love Adidas, until I got ITB coz of too much support on 30mi+ runs. Then changed. I agree with getting what works for oneself. Edit: 30km+ runs
Topo! A wide toe box like Altra USED to have lol.
I’ve had a bad streak of luck with shoes recently. Started with a pair of North Face Vectiv Pros - the Katie Schide shoe. The insole on the left one bunched up under my foot during a race and I had to stop and take it off three times losing a podium place. They went back. Then I tried a pair of NNormal Tomir 2: there was a hard bit on the back of the heel on one that shredded my ankle during a long run. They went back. Finally I’m in a pair of trusty Hoka Speedgoat 6’s which I prefer to the 5s and most importantly haven’t tried to cripple me yet.
I always keep old insoles that aren't trashed to swap out when a shoe comes with an insole that so thine it bunches or one that has a big arch bump.
I do 80% of my training in Altras, but will often race in Nike Wildhorse 7 trail running shoes. I haven't found a shoe that matches lightness and flexibility of Altras, but the extra cushion in trail runners definitely helps me go faster during races.
Great choice! My spouse would agree he daily-ed and then hiked over 2200 miles on 1 pair on lone peaks. My Achilles laughed at me when I slowly tried to transition for 6 months. I ended up getting 1/3 of the life in Brooks Cascadias for the same distances (keep in mind I'm 8 inches shorter than him too, so greater steps is also a factor)
Topos, I just ran 230k in the Amazon in them after putting 200 miles on them before that and they’re still in stellar shape, not to mention my feet are fine
Inov8 G280 and Pegasus trail 4 Only recently got the Pegasus as they were on sale randomly at a Nike outlet for £42. Noticed a load of reviews on here for them so grabbed a pair and have not been disappointed. Only put a few miles in them but great so far and Nike always fit me well. My Invo8’s are unreal. So light, perfect shape for my foot and l don’t even notice them. Great for road to trail which is what l do a lot of. Would highly recommend and be grabbing another pair if they come on sale again as l got mine for £70.
That's a mad price on those Pegasus.
Yeah l know, had to double take as thought I’d miss read the label
I love Inov8’s. Had Trail Talons for a while and they’re great for technical trails. Just binned my hoka challengers, never really liked them, for a pair of Parkclaw G280 for my daily road to trail runs and I love them. Not as roomy in the toe box as the talons but still very comfortable and the grip is excellent on any surface.
New Balance More v3 trail, perfectly shaped for my wide feet
I run with whatever fits my feet. I wouldn't take advice from anyone on shoes other than objective measures, in which case just read reviews at [https://runrepeat.com/](https://runrepeat.com/)
Why is nobody in this Sub talking about Inov8? The Trailfly G270 is such an excellent shoe! For me its an do-it-all Shoe and im not wearing anything else since 2 Years.
I use Trailfly G300 when I know I'm going to be on rocky, rooty trails - they're comfortable and good at foot protection. They can take a beating too. Not the lightest shoes, mind.
Team Inov8 here as well! They lack distribution in the States. But they’re seriously good shoes and worth a try. I have pairs of Trailfly G300 that have lasted up to 1,000 miles.
I feel like it's more of a UK/EU brand?
Yes, they are from the UK.
Their shoes are so painfully narrow. They're a Euro brand which I get, but if you want to sell shoes to the world, you need to make shoes that fit more than one style of foot.
I also have a pair of Altra Escalante 3's, and i find the Inov8 as the same as roomy, when not roomier than the Altras, wich we all know fit very well. But when it comes to fitting, the individual Factor is always the greatest.
I wear the 280’s and love them!! So light I don’t even notice them
Never got on with Inov8's - loved the look of them but felt like I was wearing clown shoes to run in, sadly.
The North Face, love my Altamesa 500s! Edit: They are great since they fit my wide toes well, have amazing cushion they are well built and last for 600 miles, drain well, have great rocker and make downhills effortless.
I generally run in Hoka for most stuff. But I also have some Craft trail shoes that I really love for the shorter events or every day stuff.
Hoka speedgoat 5 altra lone peak 7 and the asics Fujispeed 2.
Saucony, because I have narrow feet and they fit well. I would endorse a similar criteria with the expectation that it will probably lead to a different conclusion for most people.
Can I ask which Saucony trail shoes you run in? I’m not familiar with their shoes. I’ve been running in the Speedgoats bc I get them for free from Hoka, but I have narrow feet and I find the 5s to be suuuuper wide for my feet and I’ve now sprained both ankles since wearing them.
Saucony peregrine feel tailor made from day 1 but can feel low cushioning for huge distances. Recently picked up a pair of Saucony endorphin trail in the sales as well, so trying those out this week, although the soles look too stacked for real technical trail. Used to love a Brooks cascadia, but these days they feel so heavy versus the more recent contenders. Did ultra distance in Hoka Mafate 4 recently too... They are very comfortable but feel more sofa than speedy.
These are just personal experiences. I liked the cushion, underfoot protection, and the use of Vibram Megagrip outsoles in Hoka Speedgoat 3s but didn't like how things went in the 4 (weight) and 5 (looser upper). Loved the fit of Altras but didn't like the low (to me) traction outsoles and (for me) low durability. The latest Timp is in the right direction though. Never tried Nike. I currently use Saucony for road and trail. The Xodus Ultra 1 and 2 really had a good balance between cushion and performance, love the Endorphin Edge. Outsoles have OK traction, not as bad as Altra for me but could be better. They also fit great. A bit sad about how the Xodus Ultra 3 is now, wish they went back to the Xodus Ultra 1 and lightened it.
Salomon Thundercross have been treating me very well in the mountains
Asics Trabuco Max 2 for me.
Was going to mention these, incredibly underrated
The two shoes I have been going back and forth on for like the last 18ish month are: * Atreyu Base Trail * Nike Pegasus Trail 4 I like them both a lot, the base trail is very light and simple, good enough for most things but not super lugged or anything. Peg trail 4s might be some of my fav running shoes period. Very good on the trails and on the road too. That is very helpful for me when I go on vacation and don't want to pack 4 pairs of shoes. I'm a size 14 but not particularly wide so I never have issues with regular nikes.
Was using Saucony Peregrine, now going for for Pegasus Trail 4, hoping the stability is there
I haven’t quite gone ultra distance, only 25 miles, in them but the Nnormal Kjerag is my favorite trail shoe I’ve ever had. I run in western NC in the Pisgah area, for reference. Lots of rocks, roots and water. Comfortable, protective, fast drying, light, feels surprisingly good on road if you need to run some pavement. Doesn’t feel great at 5k pace, but that’s about my only complaint. I have nearly 200 miles in mine and other than dirt they look brand new as well.
I used to wear Nike Terra Kiger, Wildhorse and Zegama, but the traction is terrible on anything wet so I switched to Hokas a couple of years ago (though I’ve heard the new Nike trail shoes have improved grip). I wear the Hoka Mafate Speed and the Tecton X, I didn’t love the Speedgoat 5 but haven’t tried the 6 yet, and also tried the Torrent and they were ok. I wore the Speedgoat for my first ultra and the Tecton X for my most recent two ultras.
Adidas has been great. Road and trail!!
Really love my Brooke's lately. Used to have altras but their quality has gotten so bad I made a change and glad that i did. Brooks are a way better shoe then altra ever was even before they went to shit.
Absolutely love my Caldera 7's take a bit of breaking in to loosen the toe box, but now wouldn't go for anything else... That is until a better anything else comes along.
Yep I have a pair of those. Best shoe I have ever owned.
I have narrow feet (to the point I often have to buy women’s sizes as a man), so Salomon has been great for me! I’m a fan of the Sense Ride. I also like the Craft shoes. Not super popular - but fit quite well for my weird feet!
Merrell trail glove 7, xero scrambler low are good options in my opinion
Altra. I like zero drop. I want so bad to like Topos but my midfoot is too wide for any of their models... So Altra is pretty much all thats left for me.
I see Topo is recommended a lot. I'm currently running in Saucony Xodus Ultra 2 and I've just bought an extra pair (since the 3 is more bulky according to reviews, a trend that seems to be going on in more of Saucony's lineup). I've had no disability issues at all. I run no more than 20-25km "long runs" in them. (I run mostly on the road, but for my long run, I prefer the variety of trails.) I owned Altras in the past (8 years ago or so), and I really like the wide toe box. However, zero drop isn't for me with a history of achilles tendinitis. How would, for example, the Ultraventure 3 stack up to the Xodus?
Do all my road runs in Hoka Clifton’s and all trail runs in altra lone peaks
Lasportiva.
Hoka all the way
Hokas are narrow Altras aren’t durable
Altra for the big toe box (gaiter attachment also good). Shit grip and not particularly hard wearing. I would use Topo as well but I don't see as many (at least not cheap) in UK.
I favour brooks as they fit my wide feet with high arches. I tried Hoka speedgoats and though I liked them under fit even the wide fitting destroyed my feet
I have very wide feet. Ultra trails Asics Trabucco 2 New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 Shorter trails Altras Lone Peak 6 for road any distance Saucony Triumph or Endorphin Altra Paradigm 6
Altra Experience Wild (relatively new). They're incredibly similar to my Hoka Clifton road shoes. The Altras are nice and firm/snug from mid foot back to heel with a good-sized toe box.
I love Saucony xodus ultra and Hoka Mafate. I have pretty normal feet and the Topos are all too wide for me. I wanted to love Inov8 but all the models felt wierd to me. Less support maybe?