I’ve wanted to like Altra’s ever since they came out because they have a foot shaped front and a lower than typical drop from heel to toe.  I’m 6′-2″ and don’t feel any need to be an inch taller in my running shoes.  Having read “Born to Run”, I’ve dabbled in a number of more minimal shoes, never really settling on any type but always wanting less in a shoe. Typically I run in a size 13, often Nike or Saucony, so I have tried Altra 13’s on several occasions and they always felt and looked like clown shoes with the foot shaped front and the tail.  This time I tried a 12 in the Lone Peak 5 and instantly fell in love- super comfortable all over and no clown effect.  Perhaps the tail is a little shorter than other Altra’s?   I ordered another pair a week later.  Alas, I’m only running 3-4 miles on trails right now, but I wear one pair every day all day, including trail runs and walks with the dog.  I’ve worn nothing but running shoes on backpacking trips for at least 15 years and wouldn’t hesitate to use these.  Just out of the box, they seemed slightly stiff overall, but they very quickly became supple.  When I run I lace them a little tighter.  I have a lot of trouble finding comfortable shoes for my narrowish feet with average arch and no pronation/supination.  Sure hope Altra keeps this fit.  They feel light in weight and are average when it comes to surprise pokes by pointed rocks.