Altra Lone Peak 9+ Review

I’m not exaggerating when I say that my backpacking and hiking experience changed forever when I discovered Altra Lone Peaks. The spacious toe box, the slipper-like feel, and — of course — the iconic zero drop design have kept me comfortable on trail since 2018.

The Lone Peak 9+ (LP9+) is my fifth model of Lone Peaks, giving me a unique perspective on the noticeable differences between the Lone Peak 8, 9, and 9+ models.

Between an overall roomier shoe and insane traction thanks to a new sole, the LP9+ might just be the best model yet of these legendary trail runners.

Photos by Colleen Goldhorn

Altra Lone Peak 9+ At-A-Glance

Price: $155 ($15 more than the standard Lone Peak 9)
Weight: 1 lb. 2.6 oz.
Heel-To-Toe Drop: 0mm
Material: 100% rPET ripstop mesh (upper), Altra EGO (midsole), Vibram Megagrip (outsole)
Awards: American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance (awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health)

Men’s Lone Peak 9+ here

Intended Use

Trail running and long-distance hiking with high mileage days.

Circumstances of Review

I tested the Lone Peaks 9+ (LP9+) throughout Montana this summer on high-mileage day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, and short afternoon hikes. I also did a fair amount of trail running in these shoes.

Lone Peak 9+ Features

• Increased durability with no-sew overlays and ripstop mesh uppers, and Vibram Megagrip outsoles for unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces
• Updated Altra EGO midsole foam for extra comfort
• Altra’s signature Original FootShape fit
• GaiterTrap design that features a unique hook-and-loop tab and allows for easy gaiter attachment
• Stoneguard inserts provide underfoot protection on the trail and over rocks, debris, and tough terrain with a flexible yet firm and stable feel

Photos by Colleen Goldhorn

How Do I Know If Zero Drop Shoes Are Right For Me?

Any shoes designed for athletic pursuits – be it running, walking, hiking, or backpacking – require your foot to stay happy and supported. The conditions that will keep your “dogs from barking” after a 15-mile day in the woods will vary dramatically from person to person, but in the past few years, many hikers have found that zero-drop shoes are a game changer.

Zero Drop vs. Traditional Shoes

Traditional shoes are designed with a slight downward angle from your heel to your toe, which is referred to as the heel-to-toe drop. Although this number varies from shoe to shoe, most athletic shoes average around a 10 mm drop (high heels are a great mental visual of a shoe with a dramatic heel-to-toe drop).

Zero-drop shoes, on the other hand, have soles that are completely flat. This is not to be confused with the support found in the shoe itself: zero-drop shoes still provide arch and foot support inside the shoe. “Zero-drop” simply refers to the slant that your foot is on while in the shoe (which would be 0 mm in this case, as compared to 10 mm on average).

The idea behind zero-drop shoes is that they allow your feet to stay in a more natural position, while still having the protection that comes from wearing a sturdy shoe.

What Are the Benefits of Zero Drop?

The biggest selling point is that zero-drop shoes allow your body to travel in more of its “natural” form – almost as if you were running barefoot.

The thinking goes something like this: traditional road and trail running shoes force your body into an unnatural position of movement by forcing your foot into a slight slant at all times. Zero-drop shoes allow your foot to move more freely – your toes can spread out, the soles of your feet can expand and contract as needed, and your body will naturally become more stable.

By allowing your foot to move as it’s designed to while running or hiking, your feet will theoretically become stronger, which prevents injuries and helps with long-term mobility. Happy feet often lead to a happier overall body, and many people report improved knee, hip, and back pain after making the switch.

Photos by Colleen Goldhorn

Altra Lone Peak 9 vs. 9+

The key difference between the regular 9 and the 9+ is that the 9+ features a Vibram Megagrip outsole, compared to Altra’s usual in-house MaxTrac outsole on the 9. The 9+ is technically heavier, but the difference in weight is negligible, amounting to an extra 0.8 ounces per pair for women’s shoes and 1.4 more ounces for the men’s.

The 9+ costs $155 compared to $140 for the standard 9, and it only comes in three colorways compared to 7 for the women’s standard 9 (or 5 colorways for the men’s standard 9). 

Check out the standard Altra Lone Peak 9 (women’s | men’s) here. 

Altra Lone Peak 9+ Pros

Improved Traction: The LP9+ features far better traction (especially under the midfoot) than both the Lone Peak 8 and standard 9 models. Vibram is known for their durable and rugged soles that have been used throughout hiking and trail running shoes for decades, and Altra teaming up with the Vibram team is a hugely exciting update for these legendary shoes.

The updated outsole also provides a noticeable increase in the durability of the shoes, which better caters to thru-hikers logging hundreds of miles in a pair. The LP9+ and the standard Lone Peak 9 both also feature a new splayed-heel design that boosts traction on scrambles and rocks.

Roomier: The Lone Peak 9+ feels roomier overall. The toe box feels slightly larger, and the midfoot is noticeably roomier thanks to the softer overlays that let the upper gently mold to your foot. These shoes are extremely comfortable, and the update eases the tightness that some hikers felt in earlier models.

Zero Drop: The LP9 features Altra’s famous zero-drop design, which supports a more natural running gait, disperses impact better, contributes to a lighter overall shoe, and helps strengthen your foot (which could mean fewer injuries).

My feet were uncomfortable in hiking boots and running shoes for years before I switched exclusively to Altra zero-drop shoes, and I quite literally have never looked back since.

True to Size: I have been wearing Altras for years, and they are thankfully one brand of shoes that stays consistent with sizing. I am a 6.5 in all Lone Peak models, as well as my VIA Olympus, Riveras, and Solstice models.

Altra Lone Peak 9+ Cons

Stiffness: The Vibram Megagrip outsole makes the ride feel stiffer. You don’t get the supple nimbleness of earlier Lone Peak versions.

Too Much Room? I appreciate the higher volume thanks to how much my feet swell after high-mileage days, but I can foresee some hikers not loving the extra room in the toe box and midfoot area. Tying your shoes with a “heel locking” technique could fix this issue.

Altra Lone Peak 9+ Overall Value

For me, $155 for shoes that will last hundreds of backcountry miles (and ensure that I am comfortable and actually enjoying those miles) is well worth it. I trust Altra to make durable shoes that are designed with high-mileage hiking in mind.

If you’ve been delaying trying the Lone Peak line, the LP9+ could be your excuse to go for it. The added traction and newly added features make these my favorite Altras yet.

Shop the Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9+

Shop the Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9+

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ was donated for purpose of review.