ALTRA Women's ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe

Hands down, the most comfortable shoe I have ever had on my feet. My main gig is trails with lots of roots, ruts, rocks and mud. Lots of opportunities for a woman my age (64), who is a novice trailer hiker, to end up face planted in the middle of nowhere. Incredible traction and flexibility without the loss of stability. Not exactly a fashion statement, but I am hooked.

I have been wearing various Altras for years...Lone peaks, Torins etc. Sizing can vary between styles. Currently, I wear Paradigm for running roads and in the shop (on concrete); I was able to buy it in a black mesh that isn't too embarrassing to wear for travel and in public. I really like the Olympus 3.5 for trail running: I wanted the padding of Hokas but zero "ish" drop and a wide toe box. I have a narrow foot and high arch but need a wide toe box and use a metatarsal pad. A wide foot might not find these wide enough (I've had Lone Peaks that are baggy on me. I am buying a 2nd pair of the Olympus 3.5 ...partly because I am afraid that they might change the last... A change of colors would be welcome. Sometimes Altra hits a good color scheme but like most women running shoes, colors are an issue.