View Full Version : Altras still slick on the damp granite in the NorthEast?
petedelisio
09-03-2022, 00:16
Was thinking of giving altras a try again. But have had harrowing thrashings to elbows and much more because they were like iceskates in a cpl of their lower number models for me. Blame myself for immediately stepping up to model change because the comfort I enjoyed. Haven't read anything about the 4's through 5's. For wet granite,, And have been reconsidering them for their comfort everywhere else. But looking to walk on some steep granite etc some more.
Hellish days one wouldn't want to recall in those old skates.
hikermiker
09-03-2022, 07:37
I have found La Sportiva Ultra Raptors to be excellent on wet rock.
Was thinking of giving altras a try again. But have had harrowing thrashings to elbows and much more because they were like iceskates in a cpl of their lower number models for me. Blame myself for immediately stepping up to model change because the comfort I enjoyed. Haven't read anything about the 4's through 5's. For wet granite,, And have been reconsidering them for their comfort everywhere else. But looking to walk on some steep granite etc some more.
Hellish days one wouldn't want to recall in those old skates.
My lone peaks were slippery there; I’ve heard some other altras have better grip, and the similar topos had better traction.
Bubblehead
09-04-2022, 09:59
Just finished 345 mile LASH Katahdin to Crawford Notch. I have now hiked all of the AT....I have always hiked in New Balance trail runners....they last me 600-800 miles, one pair. Excellent on slick, wet granite. $70 on Amazon.
LazyLightning
09-04-2022, 11:38
plus one on New Balance trail runners although I always go for Gortex and they run me at least $100 the cheapest I could find plus almost $40 now for the extra arc insoles I wear (well worth every penny). I use the old NB insoles now sold under "10 seconds to comfort", I found them to work the best for me and last the longest. I've found Vibram soles to be the best for anything including slick rock but have had no problem with the other soles NB uses.
peakbagger
09-04-2022, 12:00
I live in whites, and have used New Balance Trail Runners for 25 years. I really havent found any good alternatives in my size The bummer is they are slowly phasing out the best design which had the SLI last with 4 E width and the "AT" sole. I use a Montrail now Columbia heat moldable inserts as the standard New Balance inserts are not great. Hard to beat the price. The new Fresh foam ultralights just do not last. I keep a pair in reserve for when I wear them out but usually get a year of hard hiking. I think most thru hikers go through 2 to 3 pairs. They are fast drying design which makes a big difference to me with Merino Darn Tuff socks, no need to worry about water crossings.
LaSportiva TX3’s. Pretty grippy.
Bubblehead
09-05-2022, 08:20
Yeah, I put superfeet trailblazer insoles in my NB trailrunners...usually around $49. They work well for me...
I think the Olympus is the only Altra model that utilizes a Vibram sole. I have used the Olympus 4 and gotten decent traction with them on wet rock. If you're willing to forego the amazing toe box, check out the Hoka Speedgoat 4/5. I've never tried a grippier shoe. Unfortunately, the shoe was just too narrow for me.