Altra Lone Peak 9+ Shoes Review
Staff Review
Trail shoes need to strike the perfect balance—comfortable enough for long days on your feet, grippy enough for technical terrain, and durable enough to withstand constant abuse from the elements. The Altra Women’s Lone Peak 9+ Trail Shoes tackle all of these needs impressively. I’ve primarily used them for fast hiking, though I have done a bit of trail running in them as well, and they’ve performed exceptionally in both scenarios.
What Are the First Impressions of the Altra Lone Peak 9+?
Straight out of the box, the Lone Peak 9+ looks and feels well-made. The upper features 100% recycled ripstop mesh, which makes them a durable yet breathable option. The seamless overlays reinforce key areas without adding unnecessary weight or stiffness, making them feel lightweight and flexible.
One of the standout features of Altra footwear is the FootShape™ toe box, and it’s no different here. Unlike many traditional trail shoes that feel restrictive, the Lone Peak 9+ provides ample room for toe splay, which is ideal for longer hikes where foot swelling can be an issue. It also makes for a much more comfortable experience, especially for those with wider feet.
The zero-drop platform (meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height) is another Altra staple. While zero-drop takes some getting used to if you’re new to it, I find it makes for a more natural, comfortable walking and running experience, especially on uneven terrain. I should also add that I’ve worn other Altra Lone Peak models for some years now, starting with the Lone Peak 5 and working my way all the way up to the new Lone Peak 9+, so I’m very accustomed to Altra’s zero-drop design.
Why is the Recycled Upper Important?
One of the most notable improvements in the Lone Peak 9+ is the use of 100% recycled ripstop mesh for the upper. This not only contributes to durability and breathability but also makes the shoe a more responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers. The shift towards recycled materials in outdoor footwear is a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of production, helping to minimise waste and reliance on virgin synthetic materials.
Ripstop mesh, known for its resistance to tearing and fraying, ensures that the shoes maintain their structure and performance even after repeated exposure to rough terrain. Additionally, by using recycled materials, Altra reduces its carbon footprint, making this a great option for hikers and runners looking to support more sustainable gear choices.
From a practical standpoint, the mesh upper is also highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely around the foot. This helps to prevent overheating, making it an ideal feature for long-distance hikes or runs in warmer climates. Despite not being waterproof, the material also dries quickly when wet, making it a great choice for those encountering streams, rain, or humid conditions on the trail.
By incorporating recycled materials without compromising performance, the Lone Peak 9+ delivers an excellent balance of responsibility and reliability, proving that sustainability and durability can go hand in hand.
How Does It Perform on the Trail?
Taking these out on fast-paced hikes in the Black Mountains, it quickly became apparent that they handle a range of conditions with ease. Here’s a breakdown of how they performed in key areas:
Traction: Vibram® MegaGrip™ Outsole is a Winner
A shoe is only as good as its grip, and the Vibram® MegaGrip™ outsole on the Lone Peak 9+ is one of its biggest strengths. It provides excellent traction on both wet and dry terrain, giving me the confidence to move quickly. I’ve had a couple of pairs of trail shoes with Vibram® MegaGrip™ before, and they were some of my go-to pieces of footwear. Sadly, my last pair eventually burned through, so I was super stoked to try the Lone Peak 9+.
One of the biggest wins for me is its performance on wet rock and loose gravel. Many trail shoes slip in these conditions, but the Lone Peak 9+ provides solid grip, reducing the risk of unexpected slips. The strategically placed lugs offer excellent traction without feeling too aggressive, making them versatile enough for different types of terrain.
Is It Comfortable for Long Hikes?
The Lone Peak 9+ is designed for comfort, whether you’re covering long miles on foot or picking up the pace. The 25mm stack height and Altra EGO™ midsole strike the perfect balance between cushioning and ground feel. There’s enough shock absorption to keep my feet happy over extended hikes, but they still provide a responsive ride.
The Roomy Toe Box ensures that my feet don’t feel cramped, even after long hours on the trail. The breathable mesh upper has kept my feet comfortable so far, though I haven’t tested them in the height of summer yet. Based on how airy they feel, I expect they’ll be a great option for warm-weather hikes as well.
How Stable Are They on Uneven Terrain?
When moving quickly over uneven terrain, stability is key. The FootShape™ toe box of the Lone Peak 9+ provides a secure, balanced feel, which is especially useful for technical sections of the trail. The zero-drop platform also helps keep my posture aligned, which I’ve noticed helps with comfort on longer hikes.
While these shoes don’t have a rigid stability plate, the EGO™ midsole is firm enough to prevent excessive rolling. For anyone who, like me, moves between mainly hiking and some trail running, this adds a level of confidence without sacrificing flexibility.
What are the Biomechanical Benefits of a Zero-Drop Shoe?
Zero-drop shoes, like the Altra Lone Peak 9+, are designed to mimic natural foot movement, allowing for a more biomechanically efficient stride. Unlike traditional running shoes, which elevate the heel above the toes, a zero-drop platform keeps the foot level with the ground, promoting a more natural gait and posture.
Key Benefits of Zero-Drop Footwear:
- Encourages a Midfoot or Forefoot Strike – By keeping the foot level, zero-drop shoes reduce the tendency to heel strike, which can help lower impact forces on joints.
- Engages Foot and Lower Leg Muscles More Effectively – Traditional cushioned shoes can lead to weaker foot muscles over time. Zero-drop shoes promote strength and stability by encouraging the feet and lower legs to work more naturally.
- Improves Posture and Alignment – Without an artificially raised heel, the body is able to maintain a more natural alignment, reducing strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
- Encourages Natural Foot Splay – The combination of zero-drop and a FootShape™ toe box allows the toes to spread naturally, improving balance and stability, especially on uneven terrain.
For hikers and trail runners, this translates to better efficiency, reduced injury risk, and greater comfort over long distances. It does take some adjustment if you’re used to traditional trainers, but the long-term benefits make it a worthy switch.
How Durable Are They?
Durability is often a concern when investing in trail shoes, but so far, the Lone Peak 9+ has held up well, even after weeks of rugged use. The ripstop mesh upper resists tearing, and the reinforced toe box offers great protection against rocks and roots.
After multiple outings, the outsole still looks solid, with minimal signs of wear. Some people mention that Altra shoes tend to wear down a little faster than some competitors, but so far, I think the trade-off between comfort and longevity is worth it.
How to Maintain the Lone Peak 9+
To maximise the lifespan of these shoes, I recommend the following maintenance tips:
- Clean them after muddy hikes – Use a soft brush and warm water to remove dirt and debris.
- Air dry naturally – Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hairdryers, as high heat can compromise the materials.
- Rotate with another pair – If you hike frequently, rotating between two pairs of shoes can help extend their lifespan.
- Check the outsole regularly – Vibram MegaGrip is durable, but if you notice significant wear in high-impact areas, it might be time to replace them.
Best Use Cases
So, who are these shoes best suited for? Here’s where the Altra Lone Peak 9+ truly shines:
- Trail runners who prefer a natural-feeling shoe
- Hikers looking for a lightweight alternative to traditional boots
- Ultra-distance runners needing long-term comfort
- Anyone with wide feet or foot issues like bunions
If you’re after a highly cushioned, structured shoe with a lot of support, this may not be the best choice. However, for those looking for freedom, grip, and comfort over long miles, the Lone Peak 9+ is an excellent option.
Conclusion
For fast hiking, long treks, and even some light trail running, the Altra Women’s Lone Peak 9+ Trail Shoes have been a fantastic companion. The Vibram® MegaGrip™ outsole is an absolute winner, offering confidence-inspiring traction across different surfaces. The FootShape™ toe box and zero-drop platform encourage a comfortable, natural stride, and their lightweight build makes them a joy to wear over long distances.
If you’re looking for a versatile, comfortable, and grippy trail shoe, the Lone Peak 9+ is a brilliant choice. Whether I’m moving quickly through technical trails or just covering long distances on a hike, these shoes have been a reliable and comfortable option that I’ll keep reaching for. Ready to hit the trails? Shop the Altra Lone Peak 9+ now!
FAQs
The biggest updates in the Lone Peak 9+ are the improved mesh upper for better durability and the slightly tweaked midsole for a more responsive feel. It retains all the great features of previous models, such as the Vibram MegaGrip outsole and wide toe box, but improves on breathability and durability.
Generally, yes, but Altra shoes are known for their roomy/natural fit. If you prefer a snugger fit, you may want to consider going half a size down. Otherwise, they fit true to Altra’s usual sizing.
While they can handle short sections of pavement, they’re designed specifically for trails. The aggressive tread and zero-drop platform work best on softer surfaces rather than hard pavement.
Absolutely! Many long-distance hikers love the Lone Peak series for its combination of comfort and traction. They’re especially popular among thru-hikers tackling long-distant trails.
No, these are not waterproof, but they are highly breathable, which helps them dry quickly if they get wet. If you need waterproofing, consider pairing them with a lightweight waterproof sock.
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