Looking for reviews on Altra's Grafton and Wahweap (esp. from bunion sufferers)

          From the stance of someone needing an especially wide toe box due to a bunion (and arthritis in the joint), I feel like either the Grafton or Wahweap are good options. I haven't found another approach shoe yet that doesn't squeeze my toes and hurt after a while, and not require an extra size-and-a-half up. I love Altra's for running; now I hope they stick with their approach shoe. I checked out demo models (women's sm - all the store had) and they look great and feel light, but I won't know until they get my size in. I am just wondering what people out there are experiencing walking on everything from sandy boulders to polished slabs. I see they aren't super still so I might through a Super Feet insole inside.

        All I could find so far was here https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/117298602/minimalistbarefoot-approach-shoe and it seemed like folks weren't too thrilled with the rubber, but then again, this is Altra's first rodeo in the approach shoe market so maybe, with some time, they'll get it right.

Hey for what it’s worth, I emailed Altra in regards to the Grafton. I was asking about its trail running capabilities along with it being an approach shoe. I always run in Lone Peak 4s but hate using them for the approach and they sent me this email. Trying to have one less pair of shoes in my travel bag. She references sizing in the email. For my sizing: I wear a 10.5 in Nike, 44 in La Sportiva Nepal Evo and Baruntse, but have to wear an 11 in Altra. Maybe this helps. Attached you’ll find the screenshot of the email: 

Thanks for that. I actually ordered demos from a local gear shop that I'll give a try. We'll see just how the rubber holds and I'll share.

I have the Wahweap, it's a casual shoe, would not recommend for approaches.

Broke in my new Graftons at Courtright Reservoir this week and I really love them. They do more or less fit true to size, though I vacillate between 10.5 and 11 depending on Altra model. I went with 10.5 since that's what I wear in Superiors and they are snug and fit well with thin socks. The rand rubber kinda bumps my toe tips with thicker socks on. They felt stiff out of the box, but after a while they have softened up and feel similar to other Altra trail runners when walking on flat ground. Still stiff enough to be supportive while hiking, scrambling, and doing easy climbing.

I wore them on a 5.4 granite slab route and the rubber felt very grippy and trustworthy. Ended up soloing around 100 ft to the top of the formation in them and never worried about losing grip (granted the angle was pretty low). They are the most comfortable approach shoe I have ever worn (I usually wear Scarpa Crux and Adidas Swift Solo). I hope they hold up long enough for a resole as I would prefer Stealth rubber, however the Vibram rubber they come with seems good and I never hesitated or slipped on a variety of granite surfaces. My only complaint is the lack of a pull tab for putting them on/clipping to harness.

Nice review, the Wahweap is my new go-to casual shoe, I'll grab a pair of the Grafton for walk offs.

Wish they made a mid top version.

Any of you guys who bought the Grafton: how did they hold up to hiking with a pack?

I have many pairs of their running shoes and the cushioning doesn't hold up to hiking because they aren't made for hiking. I'm hoping the Grafton is more like an actual approach shoe?

Wahweap has the rubber on the toe/heel and looks about like the Evolv Cruzer? ie, ok to wear around the crag but not to hike to the crag. Especially if you're carrying a heavy pack.

They’re not super supportive, I sprained my ankle in them hiking with a pack. Then again, I’m always spraining that ankle and still insist on wearing soft-ish shoes.

Foot support doesn't equate to ankle support, lol. If you sprain your ankle often it's because you never got your proprioception back. Youtube has a ton of drills that make a huge difference for that.

I'm mostly asking to know how the materials of the footbed and sole hold up to wear and tear.

Is the rubber on the Wahweap sticky? I currently have 5.10 access shoes and I am looking for an approach shoe with a wider toe box w/out compromising sticky rubber.

How do the Grafton hold up over time? I’ve just picked up a pair to replace my Scarpa Crux as the toe box was too pointy for me. The shoe seems nice but I’m a little concerned about the canvas material around the side and rear of the shoe, feels like it won’t last long. Has anyone had any durability issues? What’s the sole like on grass and mud, again looks a little sub optimal for that, but I live in a wet area so ideally would like some deeper lugs.

I got a pair of the Grafton and they are not very robust. They got all floppy and started coming apart after about 10 days of hard use. I highly recommend what I got as a replacement, the Scarpa Zen Pro ( I got the mid ), they are built like a brick s-house. While not quite as wide as a toe-box, they do allow for a wider foot with the lacing. I got them on discount at STP, with coupon about 50% off. They had every size, I guess the shoe isnt very popular. 

The material is holding up fine, though stitching is coming apart from normal use. Comfortable, but definitely not as durable as my old Scapra Crux.