Design & Build
Moderate stack, zero drop – The Men's Altra Lone Peak 9+ maintains a 25 mm stack height in both heel and forefoot, delivering a balanced feel that blends ground feedback with sufficient cushion. Its 0 mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a natural stride.
Altra EGO midsole – This proprietary foam offers a responsive yet moderately cushioned ride—providing comfort without sacrificing trail feel.
Vibram Megagrip outsole – This upgraded outsole delivers exceptional grip in wet, loose, and technical terrain—its stickiness is a clear step up from the standard MaxTrac rubber of the Lone Peak 9.
Rock protection & durability – Equipped with Stoneguard inserts to shield against sharp rocks, and crafted with ripstop mesh plus no-sew overlays for heavy trail use.
GaiterTrap tab – Ready for additional terrain flexibility, the built-in gaiter attachment makes it easy to add gaiters without external bindings.
Upper & Fit
Ripstop mesh with subtle overlays – The update brings a lightweight, breathable upper built for durability, replacing the older TPU-style of previous versions.
FootShape toebox – Exceptionally roomy, the toebox supports natural toe splay and offers comfortable fit, though it may require some adjustment during precise footing or scrambling.
Lacing & lockdown – A new extra eyelet helps secure the midfoot, enhancing fit and customization for varying foot shapes.
Sizing & fit nuances – Virtually identical fit to the Lone Peak 9, with a slight lean toward more toe-box room and upper flexibility. A typical men’s US 9 weighs around 305 g (10.75 oz), about 10 g heavier than its predecessor.
Outsole & Traction
Deep, multi-directional lugs (approx. 5 mm) – Features very decisive traction for braking and climbing. Drainage ports are integrated to shed water effectively.
Performance & Feel
Traction hero – Critics and testers highlight the Vibram outsole as a transformative improvement for wet, slippery, and technical trail performance.
Balance of cushion and ground feel – While not plush, the Altra EGO midsole provides enough softness without dulling trail feedback. Spacious toebox and zero drop provide natural interaction with the terrain.
Stability trade-offs – The low-cut, flexible upper offers minimal inherent ankle support. Users experienced less stability on technical terrain, especially when new to zero-drop shoes.
Durability & protection – Stoneguard and tough upper construction offer generosity in foot protection for rugged use.
Who It’s For
Great for trail runners, hikers, and ultra-distance adventurers who want zero-drop stability, a wide toe-box, solid trail feel, and exceptional traction. Best suited to technical, mixed terrain rather than fast racing or rock scrambling.
Summary
The Men's Altra Lone Peak 9+ is a finely tuned evolution of a trail legend. It enhances the reliable balance of comfort, zero-drop anatomy, and hardy protection of its predecessors with a high-grip Vibram Megagrip outsole and rugged ripstop upper. Ideal for those craving a grounded yet confident trail shoe—just be ready to adapt to the wider toebox and lack of structured support if you’re switching from traditional, cushier runners.
