Altra  Experience Wild 3 Trail-Running Shoes - Women's

These gave me major irritation in the achilles area after an easy 2 mile hike. 2 pair of the wild 2 were amazing for me. Thankfully altra accepts returns.

I love Altra’s and due to my Achilles tendonosis the Experience Wilds saved me! I was able to go for a 4 mile jog without any increase in pain and after a while my Achilles didn’t hurt. I woke up and could walk (IYKYK) without pain. I purchased the 2nd model as same thing they were great. When I purchased the 3 I noticed something changed, the sole was firmer, but I thought little of it as I would where to lone peaks prior. When I decided to go for a jog in my 3’s my Achilles tendon immediately felt that pain again. I looked at the comparison and it says the sole went from high to mid cushion. I’ve actually looked at a different brand because of this, I need something that has a wide toe box and a little heel rise and some extra Cushion I guess.

I wanted these to be perfect, and they were so close. I've been looking for new trail runners for hiking because mine are wearing out. I've heard great things about Altra and have been interested in moving to a zero drop shoe, but I liked the fact that these are a 4mm drop so they would make for a good transition shoe from what I'm used to. The fit was perfect for the length and width of my foot, and they are extremely comfortable. I got them home and immediately put them on for about a 1 mile walk to test them out, BUT sadly, they rubbed a blister on the back of one of my ankles because of where they hit. I'm bummed out because I loved everything else about them so I had to return them. I think this issue is super individual so it all depends on your foot. I'd recommend giving these a try. I obviously can't speak to durability since I did not keep them though.

I converted to ALTRA several years ago especially for hiking, walking and only occasional running where I am too used to Newtons to change. I have a low volume foot and "swim" in most hiking shoes. I was surprised how well the Experience WILD 1", size9,5 hugged my midfoot. It is very cushiony and comfortable, no sliding forward and hitting my toes on downhill trails and the sole sticks to the ground like glue. I hike many miles in the summer and managed to burn through almost 3 pairs. What a disappointment when I had to switch to the 2 version! Size 9,5 was bigger and wider. I solved part of the problem by sizing down to a 9, but now my toes hit the front on downhills. In the past, I used to be able to use a "Lone Peak" that shoe is now so huge, I can no longer wear it. Altra Superior 6 is another well fitting shoe I use for shorter hikes. I love how it hugs my mid foot. The new Superior 7 no longer hugs the midfoot. I am afraid to see what the "Experience Wild 3" will do to my foot. . I spend most of the year in the mountains and wilderness if Idaho. The Experience Wild 1 was absolutely the best hiking boot .

Shipping was a bit longer than expected but I am very happy with my shoes. The shoes are well made and comfy.