Review: Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail Running Shoes

A highly cushioned, super sticky, zero-drop trail running shoe that promotes a natural running style.

If you like the idea of barefoot running but are reluctant to miss out on the support and comfort offered by regular trail shoes, then try out the Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoes. With a zero-drop design, mega grip and a ton of room in the toe, these are the ideal way to transition to a more natural running style without compromising on performance. Read on to see why I love them and to find out what makes this new and improved version a step above the rest.

Altra Lone Peak 9+: The stats

Features of the Altra Lone Peak 9+

Outsole

The outsole is made up of multi-directional, carved lugs that both increases the traction and reduces the weight. Some of the lugs are positioned directly beneath the metatarsals to ensure that maximum traction is provided right where it is needed most. The new Vibram Megagrip is a sticky rubber compound that performs excellently on almost all types of terrain and seems to already be out-performing the older version.

Lacing

The lacing system is a big improvement on the older version allowing for plenty of adjustability and a couple of extra eyelets for more lacing options. Additionally, the laces stay done up! The older ones tended to work themselves loose very easily.

Cushioning

There is a layer of cushioning that sits directly under the foot to reduce the impact of hard surfaces. This Dual-Nature midsole compound offers greater responsiveness but with a soft feel. There is also a StoneGuard insert that deflects rocks into the midsole to offer flexible protection on rugged terrain.

Toe box

The Lone Peaks are design to really let your toes splay, and the wide toe box provides LOADS of room for this. Some may find the toes too roomy. But I absolutely love it.

Gaiter trap

There’s a Velcro tab at the back of the heel and a hook at the bottom of the laces to attach gaiters. This unique hook-and-loop tab design means you don’t have to connect gaiters underneath the shoes (which can cause debris build-up).

Altra Lone Peak 9+ review

In 2018 I first experienced the sheer joy of trail running in Altra shoes. The Lone Peak 4 was an earlier iteration of the shoes I’m currently running in and even after their first outing, I was smitten. Their zero-drop design, meaning that there is no difference in sole height between the heel and the toe, allows the body to move in a more natural way, as it’s intended. And ever since those first few wears, once I’d gotten accustomed to the zero-drop design, the Lone Peaks have been my top recommendation for trail running shoes.

Now, in 2025, I’m delighted to be out on the trail in the new Lone Peak 9+ and it’s been super fun comparing this new and improved version of the classic and legendary trail shoes to the ones I originally fell in love with.  

Fit and comfort

If you like a roomy toe-box, then you’ll LOVE the Lone Peaks. The space in the forefront of these lightweight trail running shoes is vast. Having dipped back into running in other styles of trail shoes over the last few years, it was an instant relief to get back into the capacious cosiness of the Lone Peaks and let my toes splay as much as they like. If you suffer with blisters between your toes then I highly recommend opting for a trail shoe with a wide toe box. It’s really helped me. And despite the super roomy design, my feet feel very secure in the shoes, even on steep descents.

There is a ton of cushioning throughout the sole that is comparable to the Hoka One One Challengers which I’ve enjoyed in the past, but in a much less bulky kind of way. This further adds to the overall high comfort levels of the shoes, as does their low weight.

Grip

The combo of deep lugs, the new Vibram Megagrip sticky rubber and the tread pattern makes the Lone Peaks incredibly grippy on every type of terrain I have tried them on. They perform especially well on wet, steep, muddy and slippery trails and they shed mud effectively. On dry, loose trails they also hold their own very nicely making them one of the most versatile trail running shoes, in terms of grip, that I have worn.

Stability

The flat nature of these shoes means that your muscles have to step up and do bit of stabilising for you. That said, these shoes are not unstable in any way, and despite the highly cushioned sole, I haven’t gone over on my ankles since I’ve worn them — even in the dark! There are certainly trail running shoes out there that provide a bit more stability around the ankle, but I like that they encourage your feet and ankles and legs to just do their thing!

One thing I have noticed, is that the shoes seem to roll over awkward and pointy rocks / stone on the ground with ease. Instead of tipping my ankles sideways, I feel like my feet slide slightly (in a positively subtle way) as the shoes adjust to the unevenness and then just reset back to where they were before. It’s a hard thing to explain. Perhaps a bit like how a 4×4 vehicle deals with rough terrain?!

Versatility

The comfort and grip make these one of the more versatile trail running shoes I’ve worn in a long time. They are also a complete joy to hike in, providing it’s not wet. However, if you are mixing between different styles of trail running shoes then the zero-drop makes the transition between shoes a little more tricky to manage. Additionally, although they would perform very well as road running shoes, the grippy soles probably wouldn’t last that long being pounded on concrete, like most trail specific running shoes.

Durability

The shape of the uppers around the laces are a big improvement on the Lone Peak 4’s; when I cinched them in a big crease was created near the base of the laces, which then wore out into a hole over time. This doesn’t happen with these new versions. Additionally, Altra have omitted traditional stitching altogether on the uppers. After a couple of years of wearing out the 4’s, I attempted to sew the seams where they had slowly come apart – it gave them another few months of life for beach running! The uppers also started to come away from the midsoles, which I had to glue. Although I’ve only been wearing the 9+’s for 3 or 4 months (and therefore can’t comment on any meaningful durability), I do feel that the new construction is a vast improvement. Time will tell!

What I love the most about the Altra Lone Peak 9+

The super springy, cushioned sole, the mega grip on all types of terrain and the exceptionally roomy toe-box. Yes, that’s pretty much the whole shoe — I really love them and will continue to recommend them to all trail runners. My feet don’t move at all in them, whether I’m plodding on the beach, creeping up hills or pounding down the rocky trails of the coast path. They feel like an extension of my feet.  

What I don’t love so much about the Altra Lone Peak 9+

I hate to do this, as I really love to pick apart products and find their faults, however, I really have nothing negative to say about these excellent trail running shoes. I think the biggest test will be their durability over time. 

Verdict

If you enjoy having a roomy toe-box and are happy making the transition to zero-drop shoes for a more natural running style, then there is little to fault in the Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoes. They provide superb grip on all types of terrain and in all conditions, and are exceptionally comfortable. They are a step up in a few subtle ways compared with older versions and hopefully their durability will live up to expectations.

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Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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