Details
Brand
Altra
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Altra Lone Peak 3.5
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Quick Dry Mesh in the upper• Zero drop for maximum balance and a natural feel• Foot shape toe box allows for a natural toe splay• Stone Guard Rock Protection Unit and Gaiter Trap keep debris from entering the shoe• A-Bound midsole material provides great shock absorption• Traditional EVA midsole foam conforms to the shape of the foot• Trail Claw outsole features multi-shaped and multi-directional lugs
Upper
The upper of the Altra Lone Peak 2.0 has been redesigned to include a quick-drying mesh material. This material ensures that moisture doesn’t have a chance to accumulate along the upper, causing a moist, uncomfortable ride for the runner. The mesh used on the upper is also very breathable and is designed to pull moisture away from the foot. It does a great job of managing the temperature inside the shoe by allowing air to flow into and out of the shoe. Runners reported that even during long runs or runs in hot temperatures, their feet stayed cool and dry. The toe box of this shoe features unique elements called the FootShape toe box. This promotes the natural splay of the toes, so it gives the shoe a wider look and feel. Runners appreciated that the natural splay of the toe protected against blisters.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe features a unique three-layered design. The layer closest to the foot is the A-Bound layer. This gives the shoe its intense cushioning. It is designed to absorb shock and help lower the risk of injury. Underneath is the Stone Guard Rock Protection. This protects the underfoot from trail hazards. The final layer, closest to the ground is the EVA midsole foam. This is a traditional foam that provides support and cushioning to the runner. The shoe also features a Gaiter Trap designed to stop debris from entering the shoe and keeping the runner safe from harmful elements found on the trail.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe is made from a highly durable, high traction rubber. It comes with an aggressive lug system. These lugs are different shapes, sizes, and are also set up in different directions along the underfoot. The purpose of this is to provide superior traction to the runner. Runners reported that they felt safe and secure even on slippery or loose terrains. The outsole is also thicker than some other outsoles on the market today which helped runners feel protected against the harmful elements of the trail.
Breathability
A key change to the Lone Peak 2.0 from its earlier version is a more breathable upper. The upper is now made using a breathable mesh that is also quick drying. This upper does a great job of allowing air to flow into and out of the shoe. This helps to regulate the temperature in the shoe. It also wicks away moisture which helps to reduce the risk of irritation and blisters. Runners commented that the breathability of this shoe helped them run longer without the risk of irritation or overheating.
Comfort
Runners who are looking for a cushioned ride with a natural drop and a natural feel will love the comfort of this shoe. Some found the shoe to feel too clunky and bulky, but runners who like a wider toe box and a flat fit found this shoe to be very comfortable. They found it especially good for longer runs or hikes on more difficult terrains. The roomy fit of the FootShape toe box reduces the risk of blisters because it allowed the toe s to spread out. Also the breathable upper kept the feet cool and dry and was able to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the shoe.
Style
The shoe comes in a limited amount of different colors and styles. Runners commented that they wished the shoe came in more colors, but they did say the styles that were available were bright and eye-catching. The main issue with the style of the shoe wasn’t the color selection as much as it was the shape of the shoe. Since this shoe features more cushioning than the average trail running shoe and the Altra brand is designed to support the national splay of the toes, this causes the shoe to have a boxy, bulky look that some didn’t love.
Durability
This shoe has a higher price tag but runners justify the cost with the fact that this shoe is extremely durable. The key reason for this is the aggressive lug system and the thicker rubber of the outsole. The outsole is made using Altra’s patented Trail Claw outsole. This uses a multi-directional lug system and sticky, gripping rubber. The rubber is thicker than most and does a great job of maintaining its shape against long, tough miles on some of the most intense terrains.
Protection
The shoe is known for its protection. There are three separate layers in the midsole. In terms of protection, the middle layer, the Stone Guard Rock Protection Unit, does a great job of keeping the foot safe from rocks and other debris on the trail. As another layer of protection, the shoe comes with a Gaiter Trap that deflects trail debris and keeps the foot safe. Finally, the durable slip-resistant rubber of the outsole is thicker than an average outsole material. This does a great job of ensuring that the foot stays safe from sharp elements on the trail.
Responsiveness
This shoe doesn’t provide the best responsiveness to the runner. This can be because of the thicker outsole and the more cushioned midsole. This is not a shoe that is designed for speed, rather, it is designed to go for longer miles over tougher terrain. Because of this, the shoe doesn’t provide that quick, snappy feedback that runners find in a highly responsive shoe.
Support
The key support system in this shoe comes from the thicker midsole. The A-Bound top layer of the midsole foam provides added support because it is extra cushioned. This material is designed to absorb the shock of each footfall. The entire midsole is designed to conform to the shape of the foot and keep it from unwanted side to side movement.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the most extreme off road running. It comes with a Gaiter Trap along the inside of the shoe to keep out debris and harmful elements from the trail. The lug system is designed with different shaped lugs that run in many different directions. This is designed to create a cleat like fit along the bottom so the shoe can grip onto the trail even when the trail is made of loose rocks and debris. This shoe is also ideal for running in mud and over slippery conditions because the rubber used in the outsole provides superior grip.
Price
This is a major point of contention for some runners. This shoe is much higher than similar shoes on the market today and it certainly is not for the runner on a budget. However, many runners who reviewed the shoe pointed out that the shoe does last a very long time, making this more of an investment. The price tag can be seen as justifiable because the shoe needs to be replaced much less frequently than similar shoes on the market today.
Drop
Altra is known for their zero drop technology. This is a shoe that successfully combines a flat, zero-drop running experience with added cushioning through the midsole. The runners who wore this shoe reported feeling low to the ground and this helped them feel more secure and balanced while running over an uneven and slippery terrain. The main focus of the Altra line is to provide the runner with a fit that is natural and doesn’t hold the muscles in the feet and legs back from developing to their fullest potential by adding in unneeded cushioning in the heel of the shoe.
Stability
This shoe is best for the neutral runners. It supports the natural movement of the foot and is not designed to help with issues of over- or underpronation. This shoe is for the runner who wants to move freely without the cumbersome additional of stability controlled elements.
Flexibility
Runners commented that this shoe had more of a stiff feeling to it. This is not a lightweight shoe. And the stiffness can be attributed to the additional cushioned added to the shoe in the midsole.
Traction
Due to the shoe’s use of Altra’s patented Trail Claw outsole, this shoe has amazing grip and provides the runner with a safe and secure ride, regardless of the terrain. Runners commented that the multi-shaped, multi-lugged system of the outsole made this a great choice for running on muddy surfaces, as well as loose trail. The rubber used in the outsole is extra sticky and runners reported that they felt secure on a variety of different terrains, even in the rain and on slippery surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Altra Lone Peak 2.0 is designed to carry the runner across difficult terrain. It has a thicker outsole and added cushioning in the midsole to provide a comfortable ride that absorbs the harmful shock of each footfall and keeps the runner safe on the trail. This shoe also features innovative protection technology including the Stone Guard Rock Protection unit, the Gaiter Trap along the upper, and the Trail Claw design of the outsole. These features are designed to keep debris out and keep the runner safe even on slippery or uneven terrains. The price is higher than some would like in this shoe, but many runners justified the price because of the high level of durability offered. At the end of the day, this is a bulky, cushioned shoe that offered great protection and lasts a long time. It is the perfect companion for the trail for a runner who likes the combination of a natural feeling shoe that also offers added cushioning.
