Altra - Lone Peak 7

altra lone peak 7s last year 8s this year and I’ll try the 9s next year, I like drop point shoes for DG

altra lone peak 7s last year 8s this year and I’ll try the 9s next year, I like drop point shoes for DG

Yes, they are extremely popular with many long-distance backpackers. But it also depends on how sensitive your feet are. Their stock insoles are lightweight. If you need more support/protection, take them out and put some Superfeet insoles in.

Also we don’t know if they wear the shoes only on the trails vs also around town on pavement. This looks like more than 150 miles unless the rocks in Utah are really hard on shoes? I have a dedicated trail pair of lone peaks 6 shoes that I’ve worn for 300 miles and don’t look this bad. I also run on more dirt trails so maybe why.

I think every pair of shoes I’ve ever owned (not just running shoes) have split along the sides like this pair of Altra Lone Peak 7s. Prior to getting the Altra’s I hadn’t really appreciated that I have wide feet - and that you can get wide shoes for that! These Altra’s were a breath of fresh air, the space in the toe box was incredible and they’ve been perfect for me. But here we are again after 10months, with large splits. From what I’ve read, Altra build quality seems to have declined a lot, so it may be that I’ve just been unlucky. I’m looking for an alternative trail shoes now that have the same wide toe box fit, but longer lasting and better build quality! Ideally zero drop and decent lugs for deep mud. All suggestions appreciated.

I’ve worn LPs of various models since the LP1.5. They are quite different shoes and it’s very individual whether they work at all for people, and whether a particular model works at all for people. I liked the 1.5 and the 2.0 but could not even get the 3.0 and 3.5 to fit comfortably in the store (let alone on trail)! My favourites since have been the 4.5, the 6 and the 9. In general, they all have zero drop and a moderate (but not barefoot) stack height. As a result they give reasonable ground feel and reasonable protection. Generally speaking, they also all have a relatively wide forefoot and midfoot and an average heel width. But these have all varied a little between models, to the extent that 2 models wouldn’t even fit me in the store let alone after a foot-swelling, long day on trail. In the last few years (with my advancing age!) I have found that for day and week long hikes I still prefer LPs, but for multi-week, on-trail, hikes I now prefer Timps for more cushion and less foot fatigue. If the trip is going to involve more off-trail then I still prefer LPs for better ankle stability. Ultimately, only *your* feet can tell you if they are a good fit for you. No review or hiker-survey or Reddit post can tell you that! The same with Topos or Hokas etc. I’ve yet to try any pair of Topos that was even comfortable in the store *for me*. Same with La Sportiva, Hoka and others. That doesn’t make those terrible shoes - they are just terrible *for me!* Likewise, the fact that some of the LPs over the years have suited me well doesn’t make them the best shoes ever for everyone - they are just good (and sometimes ideal) *for me!*

Same here. I've got 7s and have really enjoyed them, but only have a couple hundred miles of rocky, rooty trails on them so far and will be surprised if they make it to 350-400 miles.

True. After thinking on it a bit more, mine will probably be toast by the time I reach 300 miles. But, definitely super comfy.

That is awesome! I am glad it helped with your hip pain. I really liked the LP7. I went through 8 or 9 pairs before I couldn’t find them anymore. 😭 it’s what started my shoe spiral. I really struggled to transition to the LP9. I ended up in Topos. I like the ultraventure for less technical stuff and the MTN racer for more technical stuff. Turns out 4-5 mm of drop was what I needed. Switched about 5 months ago and it seemingly resolved all lingering issues.

Great shoe but the outsole only lasts about 200 miles (Lone Peak 7) for me. Not exactly great value for money in my case.

Tarmac/Asphalt is their enemy. Unfortunately, in the UK where I am, lots of my hikes involve varying amounts of tarmac/asphalt walking which massively abrades them.

I've read they have slowly gotten worse after the 4, but I only have tried 7s and 8s and I like them a lot.

My 7s are great, but are getting close to toast at only 200 miles - rubber is pretty soft which grips really well on rocks. not that happy with the durability, but the lone peaks are so comfy I can't wear other trail shoes. you'd think this shoe would be similar on paper: [https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-trail-blazer](https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-trail-blazer) but the rubber is harder and wears out slower, so more durable but less traction OP be warned the quality and durability overall isn't the best, but it's still a popular shoe for a reason (zero drop, lightweight, wide toe box, great traction, breathable)

I've read they have slowly gotten worse after the 4, but I only have tried 7s and 8s and I like them a lot.

I put about 200 miles on my Lone Peaks 4.5, then got a pair of LP 7s. I now warm the old pair daily and the new ones on trail have about 100 miles on them. While not as durable as leather or a heavier shoe I'm very pleased with them. Switching to merino socks and Altra Lone Peaks eliminates blisters and foot fatigue for me. I have even hiked several miles in wet shoes after slipping into a knee high stream on my way out of a trail. The most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I will admit... The 7s are not quite as nice as the 4.5s were. But still better than any of the Rocky, Adidas, Nike, Keene, etc shoes/boots I have worn on trail over the years

I had a very similar experience in a pair of Adidas trail shoes. Altra Lone Peaks and Darn Tough socks... I have been wearing that combo for about 5 years now. I have zero foot fatigue, not one blister. They are perfectly comfortable right out of the box. I even hiked out in soaking wet feet once and had no issues (slipped on a wet log and ended up knee deep in a creek right out of camp...) I buy last year's (or older) Altras on Amazon, half the price of new if you watch for them.