Argh, why are shoes always what it comes down to? Here’s the ask:
I’m looking for a shoe capable of a week straight of 20-mile days on relatively technical trails with a lot of ascent and descent for an upcoming Mont Blanc circumnav. Ideal drop- 4-6mm.
My shoe history: I was a happy Speedgoat loyalist for 10 years until the 6, which was a no-go model. Thought the 7 would fix the issues, but after trying two sizes, nope. I get pain along the dorsum under the laces, & my toes bruise from ramming back and forth into the end of the toebox from having to go up half a size, since my usual 8.5 I’d worn in Speedgoats forever was too short.
I’ve also loved the Tecton X2 in the past, and Challenger occasionally, to give some context. Zero drop shoes such as Altras don’t work for me. I’ve tried higher drop shoes, like Adidas Terrex Agravic (8mm) & my calves scream after a few miles. I have very standard width feet, which rules out Topo, as my toes don’t know what to do in that big ol box. My feet prefer a drop of 4-6 mm.
Mafate Xs are super comfortable & fun for me (despite high drop), but it is nonsense to rock a carbon plate for the Mont Blanc route, with all the vert/descent. I mostly consider them gravel shoes.
I have some Nnormal Tomirs for really extra tech trails, but don’t love them for multi day longer mile adventures- too grippy & you have to think too much when wearing them, if that makes sense. Scarpa fit me perfectly, but give me top-of-toe blisters from the ill-placed seam.
I am a “Fixing Your Feet” loyalist, wear toe socks for running, & really try to prevent blisters, after a fun trip to urgent care for debridement & infection meds last season.
Do any models come to mind? I think I’m going to have to abandon Hoka entirely & jump into something uncharted. Please help, signed, a girl-in-pain-on-a-mission.