Best Trail Running Shoes to Lift for Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD)

1. Altra Lone Peak 8

• Drop: 0mm (Zero Drop)

• Toe Box: Wide

• Key Features: Durable, flexible, balanced cushioning

Men's Lone Peak 8 (altrarunning.com has more color options for men)

Women's Lone Peak 8

The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a go-to for runners who appreciate zero-drop shoes that promote a natural stride. Its wide toe box is ideal for those using a lift, as it offers ample room for the toes to splay, which helps with balance and comfort, as well as prevent ankle rolling.

For LLD runners and hikers, the zero-drop platform can help promote a level foot strike, which may reduce strain on muscles and joints. The Lone Peak 8 also boasts excellent durability, making it a reliable long-term investment for runners who need a modified shoe.

The first shoe I got lifted well was the original Altra Lone Peak. I still wear it sometimes out in the yard at my folk’s place. I’ve also got what I believe is the Lone Peak 4 WP (pictured). I imagine the tongue on the newer versions are much more robust and better for accommodating the extra tightening a lifted shoe may require.

You can usually find a Lone Peak any given year in a decent color to lift. The grey and black versions would do well in the LP 8. I’m hoping for some brown pairs in the future with no bright accent colors, so I can be happier wearing them casually. Luckily for women, Altra often have variations with brown midsoles.

2. Topo Athletic Traverse

• Drop: 5mm

• Toe Box: Wide

• Key Features: Flexible upper, durable Vibram sole, stable platform

Men's Traverse

Women's Traverse

The Topo Athletic Traverse offers a 5mm drop, which can be an excellent option for runners who prefer a slight heel elevation over zero-drop shoes. This minimal drop encourages a forward-leaning gait, which may feel more natural for some.

Some reviews mention that the toe box is smaller than other Topo’s, and they seem to have slight less room than the Altra Experience’s, however they’re feeling comfortable to me so far.

They’re a great option for comfort and stability on trails. The durable Vibram outsole is also built for rugged terrain, and provides excellent grip and long-lasting performance.

Aside from being sturdy, having a solid heel lock and Vibram sole, I picked these for 2nd place because the solid black midsole and green upper should look great lifted. I prefer a trail shoe that I can happily wear casually from day to night, and these are some of the subtlest trail shoes I've seen. I'll have a full review of Topo Athletic Traverse after I get my lifted shoe back.

3. Altra Timp 5 GTX

• Drop: 0mm (Zero Drop)

• Toe Box: Wide

• Key Features: Waterproof Gore-Tex, extra cushioning, versatile traction

Altra Timp 5 GTX Men's

Altra Timp 5 GTX Women's (Yes, it's labeled wrongly as Men's, however the men's is pictured above w gold)

The Timp 5 GTX is another zero-drop model from Altra that would look great lifted and will be tough and stable on the trail. Its Gore-Tex upper offers waterproof protection, making it suitable for wet and rugged trails.

The extra cushioning in the Timp adds support, which can be beneficial for runners with LLD who may experience uneven impact while running. Additionally, the wide toe box allows for natural foot positioning, reducing pressure on the toes, providing a comfortable fit, and extra stability.

4. Topo Athletic Terraventure 4

• Drop: 3mm

• Toe Box: Wide

• Key Features: Responsive cushioning, protective rock plate, durable outsole

Men's Terraventure 4

Women's Terraventure 4 WP

The Terraventure 4, with its 3mm drop, offers a balanced option for runners who don’t prefer zero-drop but want minimal elevation. This slight heel lift can help reduce strain on the calves and Achilles over their zero-drop counterparts, which can make the shoe feel more comfortable to some.

The wide toe box is comfortable and will provide a stable base for rough terrain. The durable outsole and protective rock plate make this shoe an excellent choice for rugged trails.

I’m finding that Topo Athletic has nice stability in the upper and a solid heel lock. Some reviewers like the toe box of the Terraventure better than the Traverse and feel it's a bit wider.

I picked the waterproof woman's version as it will look much better lifted.

5. Altra Experience Wild

• Drop: 4mm

• Toe Box: Wide

• Key Features: Lightweight design, responsive midsole, adaptable for rugged terrain

Men's Experience Wild

Women's Experience Wild

This would be the number one trail shoe to lift, however due to the midsole colors, a lift won't look as good as the others on the list. If comfort is paramount to you, this could still be the one. Also, the women's black/grey would look pretty good lifted.

The Altra Experience Wild combines a 4mm drop platform with a lightweight build, making it a comfortable and flexible choice for trail runners and hikers. Its wide toe box is beneficial when using a lift, as it allows natural toe splay and helps prevent against ankle rolling.

The 4mm drop design with a mild rocker feels great on and off the trail. With its responsiveness and support, the Experience Wild is ideal for those who want a lightweight shoe that can handle the trails and feels great lifted.

Zero Drop vs. Minimal Drop: Which is Better for Lifts?

For those using a lift, zero-drop shoes like Altra models can help maintain a natural stride, promoting a balanced gait that reduces strain on joints and muscles. This alignment can be especially helpful for LLD runners who want to keep both feet level without extra elevation at the heel.

In contrast, minimal drop shoes (3-5mm), like the Topo models, can feel more comfortable for some as they add a slight forward incline. This small drop may help prevent strain on the calves and Achilles, especially when accommodating a lift, making the transition feel more natural.

Why a Wide Toe Box Matters for Lifts

Wide toe box shoes, such as those offered by Altra and Topo Athletic, allow for natural toe splay, which improves comfort and stability. This design is especially helpful when adding a shoe lift, as it provides extra room and prevents tightness or pressure on the forefoot.

But more importantly, a wide toe box can prevent ankle rolling, which can be an issue for those with LLD, especially on uneven terrain. For runners and hikers managing LLD, investing in high quality trail shoes with a wide toe box can enhance overall comfort and stability with a lift.

Why Only Two Brands?

Yes, I'm being biased towards Altra and Topo. That's because I strongly believe that having a wider toe box accommodates a shoe lift much better than their pointy counterparts, offering far better stability, which helps prevent ankle rolls. That used to be a problem for me when I was younger, however since I began wearing wide toe shoes, that now rarely happens.

Here's a post explaining my position on wearing wide toe shoes when getting a shoe lifted.

Conclusion

Adding a lift to trail running shoes for LLD can be a valuable investment, but choosing the right shoe for comfort, durability, and style is essential. The Altra Lone Peak, Timp 5 GTX, Experience Wild, Topo Athletic Traverse, and Terraventure 4 are excellent options that provide a balance of support, durability, and design to accommodate lifts for LLD.