This is my second pair of Altitude 4's and they were purchased to replace the existing ones which I love.  The sole pattern, in my opinion is much better than the newer Altitude 5's.  They provide excellent traction for hiking, both ascending and descending on moderately loose surface material. (i.e.- gravel and rock.)  The only thing I noticed was that they seem to be &#34;slightly&#34; shorter in length than my old pair which are the same size as these.  I noticed this on the long descent of a hike I just took.  (That is why I'm not giving 5 stars.)  All other features appear to be the same as my old ones and the build quality is excellent!