Altra Lone Peak 9+ Men's Shoes

Product detailed description

The latest generation of the iconic Altra Lone Peak 9+ is here! If you look at the statistics on which shoes hikers choose for long treks such as  PCT or  CDT, you might be surprised by how often the Altra Lone Peak boot is mentioned. People all over the world have fallen in love with them mainly because of their extra comfort and incredibly spacious toe box, which ensures your foot’s natural function. This is a crucial feature for our purposes. On long treks, expect your feet to be subjected to prolonged stress; your feet will gradually expand, and whether they have enough space will significantly impact the entire course of your journey. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to pressure sores, blisters, ingrown toenails, and perhaps even the end of your adventure.

Lone Peak is defined by these key features:

Width

The natural, wide FootShape™ toe box, which is comfortable even for the widest feet. Another key feature is the so-called zero drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe). This promotes even distribution of pressure on the Achilles tendon, other tendons, and muscles. Altra also takes into account the differences in male and female anatomy. Men’s and women’s shoes are therefore not the same.

Lightweight Upper

The new generation of Lone Peaks is designed for greater durability. The upper material is made of extra-durable ripstop fabric with seamless overlays. The main features, however, have remained the same; the shoe is still sufficiently flexible, comfortable, and, most importantly, breathable. The lacing system has also been updated, now offering more lacing options and making it easier to tighten the shoe and secure the foot inside. The heel cushioning for downhill runs is now divided into two sections. The toe box has undergone significant changes, featuring a noticeably larger toe cap, and the toe coverage now spans a slightly larger area. 

Soft midsole

Starting in 2021, the Lone Peak features the new Altra Ego midsole, which has also been lightened in the 9+ version. Thanks to the dual EVA cushioning compound, the shoe is slightly stiffer and more durable than previous generations, but with a 25-millimeter cushioning height, the shoe still feels very soft, which helps absorb impacts and shocks.

Excellent traction, which 

The biggest change in the Lone Peak 9+ model is the use of the Vibram® Megagrip sole. This is a special rubber compound with unbeatable traction both on and off the trail. The construction of this sole is primarily softer and therefore also more grippy.  Currently the best you can have in a trail shoe. 

Zero drop

Finally, we’d like to mention a few things about zero drop. If you’re planning to try Altra shoes, keep in mind that you’ll need to gradually get used to this type of footwear. If you’ve been wearing heavy leather hiking boots up until now, your muscles and tendons are most likely quite weak, and such a drastic transition to a minimalist shoe could lead to injury. We are all unique; we all have different body anatomies, and what works for one person may not work for another. Under no circumstances do we recommend picking up a pair of Altra shoes without prior experience and immediately setting off on a multi-month trek. For the transition from heavier shoes, we recommend first choosing a shoe with at least a slight positive drop (6.8 mm), such as models from brands like  Inov-8,& nbsp;Topo Athletic or, more recently,  Brooks. Only after some time can you embark on a path closer to zero drop and minimalist movement in nature overall. We’ve written an article about using running shoes on long hikes here.

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size larger than your usual shoe size. This will help you avoid blisters, pressure sores, and other discomforts. If you’re looking for shoes primarily for long-distance treks, a larger size is an absolute must—we often recommend choosing shoes up to a size and a half larger. Prolonged exertion in challenging terrain puts significant strain on your feet, causing them to swell quickly. What feels comfortable during a short training session or a weekend hike is often insufficient for a multi-day trek.

When choosing a larger size, however, it is absolutely essential that your heel stays secure in the shoe. If your heel "slides around," tightening the laces usually won’t solve the problem—in that case, we recommend choosing a different type or model of shoe. A properly fitting shoe is the foundation of comfort and the prevention of pressure sores and blisters.

If the Altra Lone Peak doesn’t fit you, the Altra Timp 6, which is a slightly narrower model with more cushioning.

Altra Lone Peak 9+:

• Weight 310 grams in size 44. (one shoe)
• Lightweight, cushioned Altra Ego dual foam (25 mm).
• Vibram® Megagrip outsole for perfect traction and grip on the trail.
• Zero drop (height difference between heel and toe).
• Wide FootShape™ toe box.
• GaiterTrap™ technology for attaching gaiters.
• Breathable and durable ripstop mesh upper.