Ever since I discovered Altra Lone Peaks in 2018, I’ve eagerly collected every new version they release. These trail shoes have consistently hit the mark for me.
Recently, I took the Altra Lone Peak 7 out on the tough trails of Boulder Creek Path and Mount Sanitas Loop in Colorado, logging a total of 50 miles.
For the latest version of this shoe, check out Altra Lone Peak 9 Review.
Our Verdict
The Altra Lone Peak 7 demonstrated impressive comfort, grip, and stability during these tests.
The updated upper of these shoes offers increased durability, and the improved midsole provides enhanced cushioning and responsiveness.
A small downside is that they weigh slightly more than the previous model, but this minor issue is easily outweighed by the many improvements.
Now, this zero-drop shoe is a staple in my trail shoe rotation, thanks to its wider toe box that suits my foot shape and the improved comfort over earlier versions.
If you want to dive deeper into my experience with these trail running shoes, let’s jump into my Altra Lone Peak 7 review.
Highlights
| Feature | Altra Lone Peak 7 |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~11 oz (approx. 314 g) per shoe (Men’s US 9) |
| Water Resistance | Not waterproof; quick-drying Air Mesh upper with drainage holes |
| Traction | MaxTrac™ outsole with Trail Claw canted lugs; excellent grip on various terrains |
| Comfort | Moderate cushioning; Altra EGO™ midsole; zero-drop platform; spacious toe box |
| Adjustability | Traditional lacing system; customizable fit; gaiter trap system |
| Breathability | Quick-dry Air Mesh upper; good ventilation; suitable for warm conditions |
| Durability | Durable construction; minimal wear after extended use; some fraying along seams observed |
| Arch Support | Neutral; suitable for neutral to slightly overpronated runners |
| Toe Protection | StoneGuard™ rock plate; protective toe cap; adequate for most trail conditions |
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When We Reviewed Altra Lone Peak 7
1. Traction
During my evaluation of the Altra Lone Peak 7, I found the traction to be exceptional.
The MaxTrac outsole with its multidirectional lug pattern provided outstanding grip on dirt trails, slippery rocks, and technical terrain.
The lugs dug well into soft ground without being overly aggressive on hard-packed trails.
The upgraded outsole design gave me better grip and control compared to earlier models.
Although the grip was generally excellent, I did notice some slipping on wet areas—something I’ve seen in many zero-drop shoes.
2. Durability
The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a moderately cushioned trail shoe built to withstand long miles on the trail. The upper is made of a durable, quick-drying mesh material that resists wear and tear.
However, during testing, I noticed some fraying along the seams, which could be an issue for runners who frequently encounter trail debris or technical trails.
The outsole, on the other hand, showed minimal signs of wear after several runs, indicating that it holds up well to moderate use.
3. Comfort
One of the standout features of the Altra Lone Peak is the foot-shaped toe box, which allows your toes to splay naturally and provides ample room for foot swelling during long runs.
The zero-drop design promotes a natural foot strike and equal distance from heel to toe, resulting in a comfortable and natural feel on the trail.
The EGO foam midsole offers moderate cushioning without compromising ground feel or responsiveness.
While running enthusiasts who value comfort over ground feel may prefer a more cushioned shoe, I found the comfort level to be sufficient for most trail conditions.
4. Breathability
The zero-drop shoe’s breathable design and mesh material keep feet cool by letting air flow well, preventing too much heat build-up.
It has drain holes in the front part to quickly get rid of water or moisture. However, if your feet are narrow, you might find the extra space in the toe box makes your feet slide, which can cause blisters. Wearing thicker socks could help with this.
5. Weight
As a trail running shoe, the Altra Lone Peak 7 is relatively lightweight, weighing in at 10.4 ounces for a men’s size 9.
While it’s not the lightest trail shoe on the market, it’s comparable to two other trail runners in its class – the Hoka One One Speedgoat and Salomon Sense Ride.
The weight is well-distributed throughout the shoe, thanks to its balanced design and materials.
For me, the combination of a lightweight yet durable upper, responsive midsole, and grippy outsole made the shoes feel natural, which I know is something many hikers are looking for.
6. Waterproofing
These premium trail running shoes are not waterproof but compensate with their quick-drying capabilities, thanks to the mesh material and holes in the toe enclosure.
This design ensures that even when encountering water, the Altra dries rapidly, providing continued comfort during runs.
For those who frequently encounter wet surfaces or require added protection, Altra offers a waterproof version of the Lone Peak called the Lone Peak 7 RSM (Rain/Snow/Mud), which features a waterproof bootie construction.
7. Fit and Sizing
In terms of fit and sizing, these trail running shoes run true to size.
However, as with most Altra shoes, the toe enclosure provides more width, making the shoe feel a bit long for some users.
If you have narrow feet or prefer a snugger fit, you may want to consider sizing down half a size.
Overall, the Lone Peak 7 offers a comfortable and secure fit for a wide variety of foot shapes and running styles.
8. Support
The Altra Lone Peak 7 offers moderate support for trail running. The zero-drop design encourages a natural position for your feet, which can help reduce the risk of injury.
The zero drop shoe does lack a traditional arch support system, which could be an issue for users who require additional heel protection.
However, they compensate through a wide toe box and snug fit around the midfoot, which, during my tests, provided stability on uneven terrain, while the gaiter trap on the heel kept debris out of my shoes.
How It Evolved?
The Altra Lone Peak 7 takes the best aspects of its predecessor, the Lone Peak 6, and elevates them with significant upgrades. The most notable improvement is the redesigned MaxTrac sole, which offers enhanced adherence and traction on various surfaces.
The 7th Lone Peak iteration also features a more durable upper, providing better protection against debris and wear and tear. These improvements make the Lone Peak 7 an even more reliable and versatile trail running shoe.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
Altra Olympus 5
The Altra Olympus 5 is a more heavily cushioned trail shoe than the Lone Peak 7.
While both are zero-drop shoes and feature a foot-shaped toe enclosure, the Olympus 5 provides additional comfort with its thicker midsole.
However, this extra padding adds weight, making the Olympus 5 less agile than the Lone Peak model. The Olympus 5 is better suited for users seeking maximum comfort, while the Lone Peak is more responsive and nimble, ideal for technical terrain.
Altra Timp 4
The Altra Timp 4 offers a good balance between cushioning and responsiveness, sitting between the Lone Peak 7 and Olympus 5.
Both shoes feature excellent traction, but the Timp 4’s more aggressive lug pattern provides better adherence on uneven trails.
The Timp 4 also has a more secure fit around the heel and midfoot, thanks to its refined lacing system and supportive upper materials. This enhanced fit offers greater stability, especially during technical descents or when navigating tricky terrain.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a maximalist trail shoe known for its plush cushioning and aggressive outsole.
While both shoes offer an excellent grip, the Speedgoat 5’s Vibram Megagrip outsole provides superior adherence on slippery areas.
The Speedgoat 5 is also more cushioned than the Lone Peak 7, making it a popular choice for ultra-distance runners. However, its higher stack height and lack of a foot-shaped toe enclosure may make it less stable on technical terrain compared to the Lone Peak 7.
Where Altra Lone Peak 7 Performs Better?
The Altra Lone Peak 7 trail runner excels both in light and moderate conditions thanks to its versatile design and excellent traction.
It performs well on dirt trails, rocky terrain, and moderately technical routes.
The larger toe box and zero-drop design promote natural foot movement and comfort during long runs.
Overall, the Lone Peak 7 is an ideal choice for trail runners seeking a responsive and agile shoe that can handle moderate hiking conditions without compromising comfort or stability.
Where Altra Lone Peak 7 Falls Short in Performance?
While the Altra Lone Peak 7 is an adaptable trail running shoe, its performance on slippery surfaces can be inconsistent, potentially causing slips on wet rocks or muddy terrain.
Additionally, the shoe may lack sufficient support for running enthusiasts who require additional arch support or those with stability issues.
Lastly, while the generous foot shaped toe box is a selling point for runners and thru-hikers with high-volume feet, it may cause a less secure fit for those with narrow feet.
Do We Recommend It?
After testing the Altra Lone Peak 7, I found them reliable and comfortable for running and hiking, providing a pleasant experience on the trails.
While these zero drop shoes may not be ideal for highly technical terrain or when carrying heavy loads, I appreciated their comfortable foot-shaped design and responsive cushioning, which made long outdoor outings enjoyable and well-supported.
Other aspects that caught my attention include the breathable upper and gaiter compatibility, adding versatility for different weather conditions.
Additionally, the improved midsole material contributes to the overall durability of the shoes, making the Altra Lone Peak 7 a steadfast companion for countless outdoor adventures.
| WHERE TO BUY? | FOR MEN | FOR WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| REI | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
