Wow! Thanks for all your help, David! Funny…in the past couple of days the Topo line has loomed large in my life and I have been teetering on the edge of going for one of their designs.

Their trail line looks good all the way around, but has some trade offs: the MT-2 would be my preference, but no rock plate. The Runventure has the rock plate, but doesn’t seem quite as robust as the MT-2 and looks a little too low in profile (I have a higher profile foot.) The Hydroventure has the style of the MT-2, the rock plate of the Runventure, but is waterproof, which I have had bad luck with in other shoes as my feet get pretty hot.

What’s a girl to do?? What is your feeling about having the rock plate in order to help with the added weight of packs pushing your feet more firmly into the ground and rocks and roots? Maybe go with the MT-2 and put in my standard Montrail insoles to help with a little more cushioning?

And, of course, I will now go do some research on the TransAlps….but your reviews would be awesome to read!

Again, super big time gratitude for your help!

~ Lynn “Hotflash”

Hi Lynn. Thanks for checking out the site and my reviews/previews of various shoes. I think there is a lot of crossover, particularly in the mountains, as to what type of shoe makes a good running and/or long hiking shoe. You want good fit and structure to the shoe with traction and stability on uneven terrain along with the protection from rocks and other sharp objects out on the trail. Weight might not be as important of a factor if you aren’t running but I think it is.

I actually got into running on trails from a history in backpacking and mountaineering and made my own transition from hiking in boots to light running shoes before I ever started running and I think there a big benefits to doing so.

I’ve tried the Akasha recently and, if it fits you well, I do think it would be a versatile shoe for many uses. It runs pretty well but also has good structure for long hiking days too and you are right, it has versatile traction on the outsole.

I haven’t had the chance to try the Scarpa Neutron yet (I don’t think they’ve been available in the US yet) but have tried on the Scarpa Proton and like the fit and design so I expect the Neutron to fit similarly well but with just a bit lighter design.

As far as other shoes, it really just depends. In general, stability is gained by shoes that are lower to the ground and not too soft/squishy so then it just comes down to how much cushion you want to be comfortable without getting too much so that you lose stability. A super protective option might be somethign like the Montrail TransAlps or on the other end of the spectrum, the Topo Athletic MT-2 is very light and minimal with just enough protection to do well for longer days (I’ll have full reviews of both coming soon). Obviously there are many shoes in between those two ends of the spectrum but those are two that I’d recommend. If you have any questions on specific models, feel free to ask. Happy trails! -David

I know that you are a runner, and that the body that runs is doing a lot of different things than a body walking and carrying a load on the back is doing. However, given your knowledge of physiology and your review here of mountain based shoes, would you have any suggestions of something that would provide stability with added weight?

Right now the shoe that is quite popular is the Altra Lone Peak 2.5. Mostly for the wide footbox and ability to accommodate swollen feet after 20 miles plus.

My own research is pulling me toward the La Sportiva Akasha which is newly out. There is something about the design of the sole that just intuitively looks to me like it would handle lots of differing terrain with both comfort and stability across multiple days with a thirty pound pack.

But I am intrigued by your reviews of these other brands (the Scarpa Neutron is also on my research list) and just wondered if you had any thoughts :-)

Great reviews, awesome site (even to myself, a non-runner!)

Cheers!
Lynn

Agreed!

That makes two of us on the Vertical Pro ;). Dynafit’s distribution in the US isn’t great yet. I believe other than local specialty shops, the main places online are going to be Backcountry.com and Moosejaw.com. Hope that helps! -David

Thanks for the write-up! I’m particularly intrigued by the Dynafit Vertical Pro. Any idea how to get a hold of Dynafit shoes in the US? I’m originally from Austria, so I have a fair amount of nostalgia when it comes to this company ;-)

Cheers,

Bernie