Altra Lone Peak 9 review

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is designed for runners who like a zero-drop platform, generous toe box space, and a reliable, grounded feel on diverse trails.

I’ve been testing these shoes on a mixture of rugged mountain terrain, smooth forest paths, and loose gravel roads. The result? They perform well if you’re looking for plenty of ground contact and a natural stride, though they do demand some effort on steep climbs and flat sections due to the nature of zero drop shoes.

Key Specifications

• Price: $140 from Altrarunning.com
• Drop: 0mm / zero drop (25mm stack height front and back)
• Weight: 10.5 oz / 298 g (US(M)9)
• Upper: 100% recycled ripstop mesh (with no-sew overlays)
• Midsole: firm Altra EGO™ foam with a StoneGuard™ insert for extra underfoot protection
• Outsole: MaxTrac™ rubber compound for traction
• Extras: GaiterTrap™ system allows you to add a gaiter (sold seperately) to keep trail debris out without extra fasteners

How they fit and feel

They fit true to size in length but have a noticeably wide forefoot that allows for good natural toe splay.

The midfoot is roomier than I expected, so I had to adjust the long laces carefully to prevent shifting on sharp turns.

The zero-drop from heel-to-toe encourages a more natural posture with time, but it can feel achilles and calf-intensive on climbs if you’re used to shoes with extra heel cushioning / a higher drop.

They also have nice low ankle walls, so if you have low ankle bone geometry then you’ll really appreciate this (see photo above).

What’s good

I’ve been particularly impressed by the traction on the Lone Peak 9. The MaxTrac™ outsole performs predictably on wet, muddy, and rocky trails, giving me the confidence to lean into downhills, and turns without worrying about slips.

On steep climbs, the extended lug coverage under the forefoot,and the areas where it wraps up around the toes (see photo above), helps me maintain a secure footing, so I can focus more on my cadence rather than whether I’ll lose traction mid-stride.

Along with dependable grip, the toe box stands out as a key strength and a reason why so many trail runners love the Altra brand. Altra’s roomy forefoot design helps my toes spread out naturally, which I find beneficial for balance and stability on uneven ground.

A wide toe box also allows for a natural toe splay when running allowing for more power when pushing up hill climbs.

There’s enough vertical space to accommodate swelling on longer, hot runs, reducing the risk of hotspots too. This extra space also helps with maintaining proper form, as my feet aren’t cramped, allowing me to engage all the correct muscles in my feet for better propulsion and control.

Another high point is the low stack height combined with zero drop.

This setup offers a direct connection to the terrain underfoot, which can be very appealing if you like to feel every subtlety of the trails.

The StoneGuard™ insert adds a layer of reassurance when moving over sharp rocks and debris, helping manage ground impact without compromising the flexibility of the midsole.

It’s a nice balance of protection and natural motion that’s especially welcome on technical trails. Finally, the GaiterTrap™ system is a nice touch, when you attach a gaiter to the upper.

It keeps trail grit out without needing extra straps or Velcro, which is helpful when the trail takes you through loose dirt or gravel (see photos below for the two attachment points).

The outsole also features a kick-out at the rear to help with traction on steep downhills – I nice feature that does work well.

Things to note / areas for improvement

The minimal cushioning does feel harsh on longer runs, particularly when dealing with hard-packed terrain or endless rocky sections.

They’re also not the fastest of trail running shoes because the foam in the low stack midsole doesn’t have a huge amount of rebound, there’s also no rocker geometry – a feature that would help with speed and smooth transitions.

My calves also tire faster on climbs without the extra heel support, and I’m only referring to a 4-6mm drop that I’m used to using for most of my trail running. This is just something that the body needs to get used to.

I imagine the midfoot’s looseness could become frustrating if you have narrow feet, as it might require frequent lace adjustments but for average to wide feet you should be fine.

Another minor note is that the laces feel a little long in general, leaving at lot of flappiness while running – this could easily fixed by introducing a elasticated loop to stow them away.

My verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 9 provides a grounded, zero-drop experience with traction you can trust, making it a suitable choice for dedicated trail runners or hikers who value natural biomechanics over a cushioned ride.

I’d describe them as reliable workhorses for most conditions, though they’re not a cushioned option for those who prefer softer landings on long runs.

The roomy toe box feels comfortable and supportive, but the firm and zero drop ride might be a deal-breaker if you’re not used to this style of trail running. If minimalist design and stable ground contact rank high on your priority list, these are well worth considering for your rotation.

👋🏼 Looking for the perfect pair of trail running shoes for you? Head over to my Best Trail Running Shoes roundup next. See you on the next review! -Alastair

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