The Altra Lone Peak 9. All photos: iRunFar/Molly Schmelzle
Despite subtle and nuanced changes from iteration to iteration — largely to match consumer needs and to integrate material technological advancements — the Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140) remains reliable, durable, and firmly comfortable. It is an outdoor workhorse.
The Altra Lone Peak lineage requires little introduction for most trail aficionados. It annually is Altra’s best-selling trail shoe for runners and hikers. It also remains in iRunFar’s Best Trail Running Shoes guide year after year. Since I run in so many types of running shoes on a weekly basis, when I picked up the Lone Peak 9 it took me a day or two to reacclimate to the drop and midsole feel while on the move, but by day three I was having fun and jamming up and down the trails with comfort and alacrity. I quickly logged over 70 miles while completing endurance-paced training runs.
The Lone Peak 9 remains part of the zero drop tour de force in Altra’s wheelhouse, with the Original Footshape design. A welcome sigh of relief for feet needing more room in the toebox, and wearers wanting more natural foot function. The Lone Peak 9 model stays grounded with a low and sturdy yet flexible zero drop, 25-millimeter stack height platform — a statement amid an extraordinary stack height boom. Trail denizens still yearn for natural simplicity and ground feel. Even though there was a slight increase in weight to a company reported 11.2 ounces (319 grams) for a U.S. men’s 10.5, it runs light. The Lone Peak 9 is true to size.
The Lone Peak 9 comes to market with an update and upgrade to the midsole’s soft proprietary Altra Ego foam — it is lighter. The full-length integrated StoneGuard rock plate remains intact for extra protection and technical guidance. Where the rubber hits the dirt, the Lone Peak 9 still uses the MaxTrac outsole with multi-directional chevron lugs, with a stable landing interface and an extended split-flanged heel for rear control on downhills and pressure distribution.
The Lone Peak 9’s upper — like the Altra Lone Peak 8 — is constructed with long days and durability in mind. How does this all play out while worn, tried, and tested?
An important reminder for those new to low-drop or zero-drop running shoes, or who seldom walk unshod, it is advised to gradually increase moving time or mileage with care. These shoes place a high demand on lower leg tendons and muscles. But once you have built the stamina — the low-drop lifestyle is worth it.
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Altra Lone Peak 9 Upper
A lateral view of the Altra Lone Peak 9.
Altra designers have upgraded the upper on the Altra Lone Peak 9 with 100% recycled ripstop materials and no sew overlays. Both add a sleeker look to the shoe, as do the updated emblem designs. After testing the Lone Peak 9 for considerable miles, it still looks and rides like a brand new shoe. The upper has proven to be breathable, warm, and durable — as experienced through the latest bomb cyclone weather system where I live in Oregon and its aftermath.
What also augmented the durability factor is that the toebox is now fortified with greater toe bumper protection on the medial aspect and across the top. It is a substantial improvement from last year’s model and one I greatly applaud.
The Lone Peak 9 also upholds the greatness of a roomy toebox by staying true to the Original Footshape. It feels nice to be in a shoe that allows the toes to dance and for the foot to swell during those long days out in the woods. It is why the Lone Peak model is so revered.
The lacing system seems to work better as well. When lacing up for a secure midfoot lockdown, the pressure is distributed more evenly instead of directly on top of the foot. The Lone Peak 9 also added an extra lace hole on top of the foot for alternative lacing patterns. One thing I do experience with the Lone Peak 9 is tongue shifting. Since the tongue is soft, it isn’t a real inconvenience, only something I have noticed.
As I have written previously, the heel rides low, but both the medial and lateral aspects of the heel have dual TPU heel support, with the lateral side formed in the shape of a mountain, embossed on a rubber Lone Peak 9 emblem. It looks cool. Subtle. Additionally, the padding on the heel collar is soft and supports heel lockdown with minimal slippage. There is a strong Velcro gaiter attachment integrated with heel pull tab and a corresponding metal attachment at the base of the laces. I didn’t have any debris issues with the Lone Peak 9, but it is nice to know that it is there.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Midsole
A medial view of the Altra Lone Peak 9.
The Altra Lone Peak 9 speaks to a unique type of runner and hiker especially when it comes to the underfoot movement experience. I like to think we are a tough and strong crop of outdoor adventurers. The Lone Peak model is in general a mid-cushioning shoe, ideal for a moderate day on moderate trails. The updated and lighter Altra Ego midsole and StoneGuard insert duo provide a firm comfort that allows for ground connection — aided by the low stack height — and ground protection. The overall flexibility of the midsole sandwich adequately allows for both connection and protection.
As I have written about previous versions of the Lone Peak model, the midsole package supports a keen ground flexibility and simultaneous firmness that accentuates nimbleness. What it lacks in evident rockered geometry and responsiveness, the Lone Peak 9 midsole makes up for in its enhancement of natural movement. It certainly doesn’t make for the swiftest shoe, but it reliably performs as a daily endurance trainer.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Outsole
The outsole of the Altra Lone Peak 9.
The Altra Lone Peak 9 remains a great road-to-trail shoe. Over the years the Lone Peak model has held tightly to the reliability and versatility of a MaxTrac outsole. It handles a variety of mild terrains and weather conditions. It can wear and bear the miles. At the end of the day, the shoes can also help you do yard work.
Interestingly, over the years, reviews have always compared the MaxTrac to Vibram equivalents, notably Megagrip. I am guilty of doing the same thing with the Lone Peak 8. However, if a Lone Peak runner is now seeking more grip, Altra now makes the Altra Lone Peak 9+, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. But if you like your Lone Peak 9 with a little more flexibility and ease of miles, with some hybrid running and hiking in the mix — the MaxTrac works. No, it doesn’t excel on roots, slick rocks, or on the snow, but it doesn’t shy away from the challenge.
Specifically, the Lone Peak 9’s outsole rubber and lug design securely grip on typical and moderate trail terrains. They provide a safe and wide-landing platform for all types of running gaits. The Lone Peak 9 has more overall rubber protection than the Lone Peak 8, and now comes with a medial and lateral heel flair for extra heel protection and pressure distribution. The words “Stay Out There” are inscribed on the heel of the outsole. These words ring true for what this shoe can inspire. Slipping them on each day motivated me to get out there and stay out there. What a great feeling to know the Lone Peak 9 could handle the training day after day and keep me wanting more.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Overall Impressions
A top view of the Altra Lone Peak 9.
The Altra Lone Peak 9 remains one of the best because it is simply simple. The Lone Peak is a shoe design that supports natural striding and strong healthy feet. It comes back model after model to stay the course, with appropriate upgrades to enhance the longevity and durability of the shoe. Altra did well with the Lone Peak 9. The upper is more bomber. The midsole is lighter. The outsole has more overall traction. It is a tremendous relief to know that Altra still designs shoes with a low stack height and zero drop, when the trend of most running footwear is increased stack height, increased cushion — the Lone Peak model, built on functionality and minimalism, remains reliable and tried and true.
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Call for Comments
- Have you tried the Altra Lone Peak 9? What were your thoughts?
- How does this version compare to the Lone Peak 8 or other prior versions of this model?
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