The Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail shoes didn’t work for my marathon, but they’re my new hiking go-to

The Lone Peak is one of Altra's legendary footwear franchises. You can get them as trail running shoes or hiking boots, depending on how much ankle protection you need and how fast you're planning on traversing the ground. The Lone Peak 9+ is for those who like to keep a quicker pace, whether it's trail running or fast hiking.

I tried the Lone Peak 9+ for both running and walking/hiking, and I must say, I prefer them for the latter. These low-stack, non-plated shoes feel excellent for walking, thanks to the excellent ground feel and comfortable toe box. Conversely, the lack of foot protection (e.g. no rock plate) and shallower foam means you work a lot harder when trying to propel yourself forward.

As such, the shoes will be listed in T3's best walking shoes for men guide, but not in our best trail running shoes roundup. After all this, you might think I wouldn't recommend them for trail running, which isn't the case.

It's more that you need strong legs used to running in zero-drop shoes to fully appreciate the Lone Peak 9+ for trail running. Admittedly, that's a niche market that certainly doesn't include me. For walking and hiking, though, I can't recommend the shoes enough!

Altra Lone Peak 9 Plus review

Price and availability

The Lone Peak 9+ is available to buy now at Altra UK and Altra US for the recommended retail price of £130/ $155 – AU price and availability TBC. It comes in both men's and women's versions in a total of nine colours (five for men and four for women).

Specifications

• Weight: 343g/ 12.1oz (men's UK 10/ US 11)
• Upper: 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper
• Midsole: Altra EGO
• Waterproofing: N/A
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
• Drop: 0 mm
• Stack height: 25mm

Design and materials

The Lone Peak 9+ is essentially the Lone Peak 9, but instead of using Altra's proprietary MaxTrac outsole, the brand slapped the ever-so-reliable Vibram Megagrip outsole on the former. It extends beyond the midsole behind the heel, providing an extended platform and more stability.

The Vibram is a bit heavier, which means that even though the shoes are low profile, they weigh 343g (12.1oz) in a men's UK 10/ US 11. They don't feel massively heavy when worn, but they are far from ultra-lightweight footwear. You win some, you lose some, I guess!

The Lone Peak 9+ is heavier despite using the lighter Altra EGO midsole foam. This foam is said to have a better ground feel thanks to its flexibility, which is evident in the shoes. Cushioning is moderate, with only 25mm of foam underfoot. The Lone Peak 9+ is a zero-drop shoe, which means your forefoot and heels are at the same level, much like when you're walking barefoot.

The upper is made with 100% RPET ripstop mesh, with plenty of space for your ankle bone and some Achilles support, thanks to the rear of the shoes almost cupping the back of the heels. There is a pull tab to allow for easier entry into the trainers, although I found them easy to put on without the tab.

Performance and comfort

My first running experience in the Lone Peak 9+ was a mixed-terrain marathon in the Peak District, and I must say, I struggled a bit. I'm not saying the shoes were responsible for my poor performance: the lack of training and suboptimal planning didn't help either.

The terrain was challenging, with long stretches of tarmac turning into compacted, technical ground with rocks protruding everywhere; not the ideal environment for the Altra. The low-stack, flexible midsole didn't shield my legs from rocks and other obstacles, nor did it keep them fresh.

The Lone Peak 9+ is very comfortable, which is why I haven't thought about ditching them after the event. The wide toe box is accommodating, and the flexible Altra EGO midsole feels lovely underfoot. I used the shoes numerous times for hikes and walks on various terrains, and loved walking in them.

Since the ill-fated race, I have actually tried another (shorter) run in the Lone Peak 9+, wondering if it was just an odd experience in the Peak District. It wasn't, at least for me. I'm used to higher-stacked shoes, often with an embedded plate, and the moderately tall, zero-drop Altra just feels too much work for running.

For walking, though, it's my go-to choice currently. It doesn't look as cool as some other options from hip brands, but I know a lot of runners and walkers will prefer the Lone Peak 9+ because of this.

Verdict

The Lone Peak 9+ is an excellent option for hiking and walking off-road. The shoes feel comfortable, thanks to the combination of the wide, foot-shaped toe box, flexible Altra EGO midsole and low-profile upper. If you ever want to feel closer to the ground but can't quite brave barefoot-style shoes, the Altra is your best option.

I would suggest thinking twice about using the Lone Peak 9+ for running, especially for those who aren't accustomed to using zero-drop shoes. Altra has taller shoes with a slight drop, such as the FWD VIA, which are better suited for runners used to modern shoes.