Altra Lone Peak 8

Why It’s Great:

• 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.

• Lift Tip: The black/gray men's will look best lifted. While I believe the taupe will look great in women's.

Topo Athletic Traverse

Why It’s Great:

• 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.

• They’re a great option for comfort and stability on trails. The durable Vibram outsole is 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.

Altra Timp 5 GTX

Why It’s Great:

• 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.

Topo Athletic Terraventure 4

Why It’s Great:

• 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

Altra Experience Wild

Why It’s Great:

• 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.

• 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.

• May not be quite as stable as the others on the list.

Why These Choices?

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 and toes.

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.

Visit American Heelers To Get Lifted

That's where I get my lifts, and they do terrific work.