ALTRA's classic hiking shoe, LONE PEAK, which is popular among trail runners and hikers, has been redesigned
The new LONE PEAK 9+ is ALTRA's flagship model, and I've been using the LONE PEAK for about two years now (I'm using the 7). Having been a fan of the older model, I had the opportunity to try out the new model when it came out, so I'd like to share my impressions of walking and running on the trails.
table of contents
- Key Features of the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
- Main specifications and evaluation
- Impressions of walking on the trail with the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
- Comfortable fit without feeling any pressure
- The foot shape is roomy, yet the structure prevents slippage while walking
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for excellent grip
- The not-too-thick sole stack height gives you a sense of unity with the earth
- The EGO midsole foam provides excellent cushioning even with a thin sole, making it easy to walk for long periods of time without getting tired
- Extremely quick-drying and breathable, even when wet
- Protection and durability
- Summary: Comfort, fit, stability, durability. A perfect pair of shoes
- For details and purchasing information on the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
Key Features of the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
The ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+ updated in February 2025 , is an outdoor adventure shoe that has gained many users, including hikers and trail runners, since its release in 2011.
The MaxTrac™ outsole used in previous models has been revamped to include Vibram Megagrip, which provides excellent grip in all conditions, and the improved lug pattern on the sole provides superior grip performance that sets it apart from previous models
The ripstop mesh upper features seamless overlays for increased durability, while also ensuring excellent breathability and an improved fit around the midfoot and heel
The spacious foot shape allows for free toe movement, allowing for a natural gait, inheriting the natural feel of previous LONE PEAK models. The double-layered toe guard provides extensive protection for your toes, protecting your feet from trouble on the trail
While using the same Altra EGO midsole foam as before, the stack height is unified at 25mm from heel to toe, allowing you to walk with a sense of foot contact, reducing the burden on your feet and providing a comfortable fit even when worn for long periods of time
Recommended points
- Comfortable fit without feeling any pressure
- The foot shape is roomy, yet the structure prevents slippage while walking
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for excellent grip
- The not-too-thick sole stack height gives you a sense of unity with the earth
- High cushioning that makes walking for long periods of time less tiring
- Extremely quick-drying and breathable, even when wet
Points of interest
- Stability when carrying heavy equipment
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+ |
|---|---|
| official weight | Weight: 327.7g (Mens US10.5/28.5cm) |
| drop | 0mm |
| Stack height*1 | 25mm |
| upper | Ripstop mesh upper |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ |
| Outsole | Vibram® Megagrip |
| Foot Shape | original |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ |
| Cushioning | ★★★★★ |
| protection | ★★★☆☆ |
| stability | ★★★☆☆ |
*1: Stack height is the distance from the sole of your foot to the ground
Impressions of walking on the trail with the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
I spent two years walking in the Northern Alps during the snow-free season, from Yatsugatake to low mountains, in the previous LONE PEAK 7. Based on that experience, I'd like to share my impressions of walking in various fields wearing the LONE PEAK 9+
During the test, we tried wearing one pair of LONE PEAK 7 and one pair of LONE PEAK 9+ and compared them, so please use this as a reference
Compare the LONE PEAK 7 and 9+ by wearing one pair at a time
Comfortable fit without feeling any pressure
For those who are already familiar with Altra shoes, this may go without saying, but they are always very comfortable to wear, and the LONE PEAK 9+ is no exception
As you can see from the shape of the shoe, the LONE PEAK 9+ has a chunky form that widens towards the toes, so the last (foot shape) that follows the natural shape of the foot covers the foot and you don't feel any pressure. This is even clearer when comparing the shape of the insole with other shoes, as you can see that the Altra insole is longest in the big toe area and is wide at the toe position
The difference is obvious when comparing the sole shape with other companies' shoes
Altra shoes are designed to accommodate a variety of feet with different widths from heel to toe, and there are three different foot shape patterns depending on the model to ensure space for the foot to fit naturally and make running more comfortable: ``Original,'' ``Standard,'' and ``Slim.'' The LONE PEAK 9+ uses the ``Original Shape,'' which provides the widest space, with enough room for the toes to move inside the shoe, so you won't feel any pressure even when the shoelaces are tightened
By choosing the right size, you can avoid troublesome foot problems by finding comfortable shoes that are easy to wear
Heel holding power has been significantly improved
Compared to the LONE PEAK 7, the LONE PEAK 9+ has a firmer heel for improved grip
The LONE PEAK 7 felt shallow in the heel area, was soft, and had a somewhat unreliable hold, but the LONE PEAK 9+ has significantly improved heel hold and is firmer, resulting in a better fit
About the size
My actual measurement with socks is about 29.5cm, and I chose US 12.5 for the LONE PEAK 9+, and the size felt just right. By "just right," I mean that there's a little room in the toe area when wearing them, allowing for free movement of the toes. At that point, the heel is held in place without slipping
By choosing shoes that are a little larger than your exact size, you can prevent your toes from getting in the way of the shoes when going downhill, and by having space to move your toes, you can put more pressure on your toes when walking
The foot shape is roomy, yet the structure prevents slippage while walking
For those who are used to wearing hiking boots, the first time they wear Altra shoes, they may feel uneasy about the roomy foot shape (I was like that), but the LONE PEAK 9+ has room for the toes but is hard to slip off, and it holds your feet and shoes firmly even when descending on the trail
This is made possible by the structure of the shoelaces, which are positioned in a way that prevents the shoe from slipping off your foot
Tighten around the ankle to prevent slippage
As I am not an expert, I will not go into detail, but the LONE PEAK 9+ is designed to firmly hold the talus (the bone at the base of the ankle), so despite being low-cut, it has excellent holding power and fit.Even those who feel uneasy about walking on the trail in low-cut shoes will find their anxiety alleviated once they experience the holding power and fit of the LONE PEAK 9+
Vibram Megagrip outsole for excellent grip
The rubber used for the outsole is Vibram Megagrip, a highly reliable sole that is widely recognized for its strength on rough terrain, from wet rocks and roads to mud, and this is the first time that Vibram Megagrip has been used in the LONE PEAK series
It provides amazing grip in all conditions, and the deep lug pattern and a contact patch that is significantly larger than your foot size increase stability, allowing you to walk with confidence, regardless of road conditions
It provided excellent grip even in the early spring when snow remained in patches on Tanzawa
During field testing, we walked on muddy conditions and snow-covered roads, and although we did slip on winter roads and in places with heavy mud (any shoes will slip), the shoes provided a firm grip in situations where you might think they might slip, such as on newly fallen snow, packed snow, and slightly moist soil, allowing us to walk the whole way without feeling anxious
The grip is basically impeccable, but one thing that bothers me is the stability when the load gets heavier. The LONE PEAK 9+ is low-cut and lightweight, so when carrying a few days' worth of food and a heavy load on a rocky ridge, a more sturdy mid-cut or high-cut shoe would be more comfortable
The heel of the sole has a notch, so it doesn't get caught while walking
One difference from previous models is the inclusion of a slit in the outsole at the heel. This is a design that has already been adopted in the Olympus series, and the increased contact area prevents the heel from getting caught without compromising stability
When walking on the trail, the protrusion in the heel would sometimes get caught, but the cut-outs have made this much less likely to happen
The not-too-thick sole stack height gives you a sense of unity with the earth
The stack height (the distance from the sole of the foot to the ground) of the LONE PEAK 9+ is 25mm, which is the second thinnest sole of any Altra shoe after the SUPERIOR series, which has the thinnest sole
In addition, the zero-drop structure allows you to walk using the sensation of your feet, and your toes can move freely inside the shoe, giving you the feeling of walking barefoot
You can directly feel the unevenness and softness of the ground, as well as the hardness of the frozen ground, and you will feel a sense of unity with the earth as you walk through nature
The EGO midsole foam provides excellent cushioning even with a thin sole, making it easy to walk for long periods of time without getting tired
Among the Altra shoes in the lineup, the LONE PEAK 9+ has the thinnest sole, but the EGO midsole foam used in the midsole provides high cushioning and absorbs shock, making it less tiring to walk for long periods of time
Not only are they ideal for long walks, but they also absorb and reduce the impact of landing when you're walking at high speeds, putting less strain on your knees and hips and reducing the strain on your body even in situations where you need to walk at high speeds
The shock-absorbing EGO midsole foam and the last shape that doesn't put unnecessary pressure on the feet reduce the strain on the feet during long periods of activity or running. Since I started using LONE PEAK, I no longer feel the sense of freedom when taking off my hiking boots after descending a mountain
Compatible gaiters can be attached to prevent pebbles and other debris from getting in
One weakness of low-cut shoes is that pebbles and other small objects can get inside the shoes while you are moving around, but the LONE PEAK 9+ has attachments for attaching gaiters on the front and back, so you can easily attach compatible gaiters
The LONE PEAK 7 was designed so that hooks could be attached to the shoelaces, but the LONE PEAK 9+ has a dedicated hole
Extremely quick-drying and breathable, even when wet
The ripstop mesh upper provides excellent breathability, so you won't feel stuffy inside your shoes even when you're out and about for long periods of time. Even in situations where you're constantly sweating, the high breathability allows sweat to escape, keeping your insides stress-free
There's another benefit to the high breathability. The inside of the shoes doesn't get too stuffy, so the skin on your feet doesn't get soggy and you're less likely to get any problems. In fact, I've never had any problems like blisters while wearing LONE PEAK shoes
The LONE PEAK 9+ is highly breathable, but it is not waterproof (though a waterproof model is available), so your feet will get wet if it rains or you step into a puddle. However, it dries quickly and drains water so it doesn't accumulate inside, so you won't feel any discomfort (though I won't say it's completely dry)
Since many hiking boots are waterproof, there are mixed opinions about using non-waterproof shoes for hiking. Waterproof shoes offer strong protection from getting wet, but they also have the disadvantage of being difficult to dry once wet, leaving you constantly wet. Depending on the situation and environment, non-waterproof shoes are often more advantageous, so it's difficult to say which is better. How you deal with getting wet will depend on your personal perspective. In my case, I actively use non-waterproof shoes in situations where I can avoid the risk of frostbite, as they are highly breathable
The LONE PEAK 9+ boasts excellent breathability and quick-drying properties, so even if it gets wet, it dries quickly, allowing you to continue walking comfortably without feeling uncomfortable.Once you get used to non-waterproof shoes, you'll be hooked
Protection and durability
The toe guard, which covers the entire toe area, is double-reinforced and protected to minimize damage even if you are not careful and come into contact with something. Not only does it reduce damage, but the durability of the shoe itself is also high, giving you a high level of peace of mind as an outdoor adventure shoe
However, compared to sturdy hiking boots designed for walking on rocky ridges in serious mountainous areas, they offer less protection for the toes and body, so you will need to choose the right boots depending on the location and environment you are visiting
Eyelets can be added as needed and flat laces prevent loosening
The LONE PEAK 9+ uses flat laces, and the eyelets (holes for the shoelaces) are shaped to accommodate flat laces
The underlap method (threading the laces from the bottom to the top of the holes), which is said to be suitable for long-distance runners, makes lacing easier and reduces the feeling of pressure. For those who want even more holding power, the additional eyelets, which are positioned slightly wider, can be used to increase holding power from the outside, making it possible to adjust the holding power when moving at high speeds or in environments with many steep slopes
Additional eyelets for laces for a better fit
The LONE PEAK 9+ also has a sub-hole around the base of the ankle, so if you have a narrow heel and find it difficult to fit your shoes, you can use a "heel lock" lacing technique to improve the hold. However, using the additional eyelet to tie the heel lock will shorten the length of the shoelaces, so you may want to consider replacing your shoelaces
*If you search for "how to tie a heel lock," you will find an easy-to-understand explanation on how to tie a heel lock .
Summary: Comfort, fit, stability, durability. A perfect pair of shoes
The comfortable, roomy toe box provides a snug fit, and while still being soft, it also provides a stable feel when you land, making it less slippery. The updated LONE PEAK 9+ offers a more natural walking experience, making it the perfect shoe for those who want to walk longer distances. With such high functionality, these shoes are perfect not only for outdoor activities, but for everyday life as well
For those who prefer waterproofness over breathability, there is a " WP (Waterproof) " version available. If you choose that, you won't have any complaints.
With excellent grip, protection, cushioning, and breathability, the new LONE PEAK 9+ will minimize foot problems and fatigue during your outdoor adventures. Get ready for a hike or run in the updated LONE PEAK 9+!
For details and purchasing information on the ALTRA LONE PEAK 9+
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Yosuke
A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience
From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains
A freelance writer with over 20 years of outdoor experience who enjoys the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on his experience writing articles for over a dozen outdoor web publications, he will share his own experiences and the best tools he has used
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