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Inov-8 and Altra: A Quick and Dirty Comparison
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keyboard_arrow_downHikerlore
6
Feb 7, 2019
Been using Altra for thru hiking for years now love their shoes. I think it is fair to say Altra has lots of shoes with less cushion. Not sure what the point is other than it seems like this post is comparing apples to oranges, other than saying Altras have zero drop and big toe boxes.
oreamnos
7
Feb 5, 2019
Most shoes are not shaped like a foot, are your big and little toes angled in from years of being pushed into a rounded toe box?
Don't know if Innos are like Hoka Stinsons that made me choose:
cut hole in side for my smashed in pinky toe (first time I got blisters between toes.)
Or chop off my pinky toes (hmm, Hokas weren't cheap, toes came free...)
Altras say "foot shaped" on the toe box. Why aren't others foot shaped? I think pointy or round toe boxes are crazy (they are for me.) But some people have long big toes, recessed pinkies that work with pointy shoes.
Altra Olympus are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. A little sloppy on technical terrain but still comfortable and I didn't have any ankle roll issues from height. On a technical traverse, had to cut the reinforcement side of ankles for the Hoka. All shoes roll some on traverses, sharp edge dug into ankle, not a prob with Olys.
Robcollins
0
Jan 27, 2019
I've used the Roclites for trail running, hiking, and everyday use, and love them. My only complaint is that they all have blown out in the same place, right by the base of my pinkie toes. I have gotten my money's worth out of them, and won't be switching, soles are long-lasting. Have also used Vibram 5 fingers and Merrel Trail Gloves.
KitCarson61
106
Jun 21, 2018
Danny, that's fantastic.
Been looking for wider toe boxes on my shoes since reconstructive surgery on my feet this last winter. Can't wear regular shoes any more. Even my Oboz Sawtooth wides don't cut it. Found a pair of Merrels (of all things) AllOut Rush shoes that work despite being uglier than hell. Been looking at the Keens, but the Altras look more like what I'm looking for. Sorry, but the Inov-8s just aren't showing the toe box I'm needing these days, but thanks for using the Altras for the comparison.
EvilDrPhill
1
Aug 18, 2017
Hiked 1000 ks in the Altra lone peak 2 on Australias Bibbulmun Track and loved the comfort provide by the wide toe box. I'm a full time ski instructor and my feet are normally cramped up inside ski boots and have some funky shapes caused by rubbing on the hard shell of my boots so these were a great change. Only complaint was that on some steep wet granite areas the traction was not as good as I'd expected. Would buy again though and now own 3 pairs both neoshell and regular.
EvilDrPhill
1
Nov 30, 2018
Both excellent. My feet dont get super cold, I'm always too hot in Sorrels, even in Banff. The neoshell works great in Australia's wet warm snow too.
sbronfin
2
Aug 11, 2017
I cannot speak for the performance of Inov-8s for hiking, but I have 3 pairs that performed excellent during trail runs and obstacle course races. I have a wide foot and find them very comfortable. The grips of their shoes are wonderful, in mud, loose rocks and wet rocks.
Pokey77
2
May 26, 2017
Another great shoe to consider is Topo Athletic. I know MassDrop is not doing drops on them but maybe you could check into that?
DannyMilks
4557
May 30, 2017
Pokey77I have heard great things about the Topo shoes ever since I read Will Rietveld's review on the Terraventure
http://ultralightinsights.blogspot.com/2017/04/gear-review-topo-terraventure-trail-shoe.html
We'll see what we can do about starting a working relationship with Topo!
Pokey77
2
May 30, 2017
DannyMilksThat sounds great! I've looked at Inov-8 shoes a number of times but like the combined feature set of Topo shoes better.
gordo1
6
May 7, 2017
Not familiar with Inov-8's, but can speak to the Altra's. Have gone from steadfast stiff hiking shoe aficionado to the Altra's in past 6 mos. Currently own 3 pairs of the lone peak 3's (including 1 low, 1 low neo, 1 mid neo). Have a running battle with Planters Fasciitis and the Lone Peak's have helped considerably. Just finished month on the AT and will be thru hiking Colorado trail this summer in Loan Peak's. Great shoes that meet most all of my criteria to higher degree than any previous shoe.
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I took a few pictures to illustrate the differences. The photos aren't great, and the comparisons maybe aren't the most equal, but they should suffice for our purposes. We have (left to right) Altra Lone Peak NeoShell in Mens 12, Inov-8 X-Talon in Womens 8, and Inov-8 Roclite in Mens 12.5 (all black).
I'm not trying to persuade anybody one way or the other, but rather start the sharing of information so we all can make the best decision for our own personal uses. For reference, I use Inov-8 shoes for hiking, Altra shoes for daily walking, Scarpa boots for mountaineering, and Vibram Five Fingers for all runs but the rockiest, where I bring out the Inov-8s.