Altra Lone Peaks, are they worth it?

The Altra Lone Peaks are a notorious trail runner of choice for Ultra-light backpackers. They offer what many boots do not: a barefoot design. Most shoes also provide heel and arch support, water-resistant material, and durable tread. All of which sounds good, right? Wrong! At Altra, they have sacrificed junk material and have gone against misguided trends to offer the backpacker a unique experience.

Contrast between 100 miles on the PCT and brand new. 

The Good: The Lone Peak is not waterproof, which is good because it allows your feet to breathe and is built to get wet but dry quickly. This is a win for those who suffer from the usual blister. Furthermore, the natural toe box allows your toes to spread out, whether going down, up, or rolling with the rocks under your feet. Finally, the zero-drop, or no arch/heel support, lets the hiker feel the trail better. This Saves many from injury and promotes a natural foot posture, creating a healthier foot!

The Bad: My pictures clearly show that the Lone Peak tends to break down quickly. Other customers recommend replacing your Lone Peaks after only 200 miles. However, I have pushed my Lone Peaks well past 500 miles before upgrading. That being said, the Lone Peaks are not durable. There is also the problem of support, which is both a benefit and a drawback. I found that because there is so little support between your foot and the ground, your feet will start hurting earlier in your hike. I find that around mile fifteen, my feet begin to hurt. Some people have better feet than me, but I think of my feet as pretty strong, too, especially compared to some of my friends who haven’t lasted long with their Lone Peaks.

My final thoughts: I love my Lone Peaks because of their natural foot design, which allows me to feel the trail better and last longer on trips. Avoiding toe injuries, blisters, and wet shoes allows me to focus on my trip over my feet. The drawback of my time with the Lone Peaks is that they won’t last you long. I have gone through three pairs in three years, usually only lasting for the backpacking season. I would get a pair on re-sail, save money, and try out a trail runner. It is time to ditch those bulky boots!

Always have an extra pair of socks!