Reviews of Altra Men's Lone Peak Running Shoe

Customer Ratings:

This truly might be my dream trail shoe. I've only been out for a couple runs so far (each about 7 miles on muddy, tropical forest, rooty, single-track) so my 4 stars is only because I can't truly comment on durability yet. I'm very enthusiastic though. I've long been a huge fan of the *mechanics* of the barefoot craze, but I still need some protection for the ruggedness of trails I typically run. I'm always finding myself compromising somewhere...a "minimalist" trail shoe allows for the mechanics that I like but hurts my feet on rugged trails.. A "beefy" shoe protects my feet but doesn't allow for the mechanics I like because of excessive drop.

This shoe from Altra, however, gets everything perfect for my preferences. Zero drop allows for the barefoot mechanics I want...and it provides excellent protection at the same time. This is no minimalist shoe in that regard.

Sure, all else being equal, I would like to see it a bit lighter...but the thing is that if it were lighter, all else *wouldn't* be equal. It would compromise on protection or durability to get lighter. And it's not heavy as it is...just not what you would consider ultra lightweight like the "minimal" shoes.

I'm *finally* finding myself bombing down rooty and rocky trails with confidence...knowing that I have ample protection...and all while maintaining a midfoot strike like I prefer due to the zero drop. I've been waiting a looong time for this shoe!!

I find the fit to be true to size. I pretty much wear a 9.5 in everything and that feels just right in this shoe as well.

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I do the majority of my trail runs in minimalist shoes, and usually feel caged and uncomfortable in regular shoes. The Lone Peak's zero heel-toe differential is excellent and really mimics the feel of minimalist running, but also offers you some protection. I found that it was the ideal combination, and was delighted as I bombed downhill and worked some challenging technical tracks. I typically wear a 44, but they fit too snugly for me, and I had to send them back. The 45s are a perfect fit and allow my feet just enough room to shift without being overly generous. The shoe is very light and flexible. The mesh material makes the shoes very breathable. The grip was great on dirt, mud, roots, and some rocks. I did slip or skid a few times on large flat dusty rocks sitting on a slant (especially during downhill sections), but I suspect that this might improve as I further break in the soles. Although I can't comment yet on the longevity of the shoe, I should think that they will endure a fair amount of punishment before relinquishing any integrity. I plan to use them in some upcoming trail ultras, so I may report back with specifics.

Overall I would (and do) highly recommend this shoe.

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I tried the Instinct after purchasing them at a marathon expo for half price and decided to purchase the Lone Peak for trail running. The idea of zero drop has fascinated me for several years, and I've dabbled in barefoot training with good results. As an ultramarathoner, I'm pretty cautious about changing my footware, while always striving for optomizing my run. After a gradual switch to the Lone Peak (several months), I ran the final 35 miles of a 50 mile trail race with a bit of trepidation over the first few miles. At first, I noticed that my Achilles were complainingbut just a bit. At the same time, my feet and hip flexors felt great. My stride was more upright and balanced. The pain in the Achilles gradually lessened. Durability has been wonderful over rocky, muddy terrain. My only complaints involves the "rudder", which tends to flip pebbles into the shoe and the rubber toe cover, which bothers me just barely.

Honest reviews on Altra Men's Lone Peak Running Shoe

I ran in the Altra Insticts (on trails) with great anticipation for the Lone Peaks to release (fall 2011) and picked up a pair as soon as I could. I was not disappointed. They maintain the Altra Zero Drop footbed and a wide, roomy toe box. With the extra rock plate protection and rugged outsole, they are not as flexible as the Instinct (especially at first), but a few good runs will get them feeling good. I have been through about 5 pairs of these and regularly get about 500 miles of rugged trails out of them. I'll even still wear them around, but opt for a new pair once the forefoot traction gets worn down. These have some of the best snow traction out there, I only bust out the spikes in the steep, icy conditions.

I have run numerous 50K-50 mile runs in the Lone Peaks, with no blisters or foot problems. I even paced the back half of the Wasatch 100 in a brand spanking new pair (got them the night before!) and they were just great.

Is there some room for improvement? Of course, but in comparison with other trail shoes out there (I came from the Cascadia 6) they are an amazing shoe (especially for being their first iteration). Looking forward to what the next Lone Peak brings as well.

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These shoes have the essential attributes of barefoot shoes; zero drop and a wide toe box, but with added protection for your feet. That's what I need for all the on and off trail hiking that I do. Also, if I'm wearing them around town, and the ground is wet, my feet don't immediately get wet, which happens with my other barefoot shoes. The price of all of this is added weight, so I'm not throwing away my lighter barefoot shoes. These are for hiking and staying dry around town.