This guide to my favorite Altra trail runners will help you compare different models of the shoe if you're in the market for a new pair!
Looking for a new Altra trail runner but aren’t sure which model is right for you? Or perhaps you already own and love the Lone Peak, but are looking for more options and wondering what else is out there.
We tried several of their most popular styles to see which turned out to be our favorite Altra trail runners. And yes, I'll compare the shoes below to see how they stand up to the Lone Peak, because the Lone Peak has been a go-to shoe for so long.
Altra Lone Peaks
This shoe has become a classic for through-hikers and backpackers, and is also great for (you guessed it) trail running!
We’ve tested multiple models over multiple years, and are currently using the Altra Lone Peak 9 and Lone Peak 9+.
About the Lone Peak
- Zero drop
- Moderate cushion
- Includes a rock plate (helps avoid foot fatigue with rocky surfaces)
- Rated for rugged trails
- Fit is somewhat wide, but can work for narrower feet by modifying shoelace pattern (such as a heel lock lacing technique)
What we like:
It’s a classic for a reason. It’s incredibly comfortable over long distances.
Both my husband and I wore Lone Peaks while backpacking in Iceland and on our recent trek of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
We also love the built-in gaiter attachments, as well as the aggressive lug pattern and grippy shoe bottom. This shoe feels very secure on trail: we don’t have problems with it slipping.
What we don’t like:
I have a narrow heel, and while these fit pretty well after modifying the laces (tying with a heel lock technique), they do feel less snug on my foot than some trail runners I’ve tried.
On long gravel trails (such as forestry roads), my foot feels tired in these shoes. For this specific type of trail, I prefer either more cushioning or more arch support.
When we wear it:
This is a great shoe for long-distance hiking or for most trails. It's also one of my husband's favorites for trail running.
Altra Superior
I tested the Altra Superior 7. (I also tried the Superior 6 but the shoe tongue had an odd fit on that model that I didn’t like.)
About the Superior
- Zero drop
- Moderate cushion (but less cushion than the Lone Peak)
- No rock plate
- Rated for light trails
- Fit is somewhat narrow, but still has a wide toe box
What we like
If you have a narrow foot, this shoe is definitely worth a try!
These shoes also have built-in gaiter attachments. They feature a less aggressive lug pattern than Lone Peak, but still have a grippy shoe bottom. This shoe feels very secure on trail; we don’t have problems with it slipping.
What we don’t like
This shoe feels significantly less cushioned when compared to the Lone Peak.
I can definitely feel rocks through my shoe while wearing the Superior. Occasionally a small rock will hit the shoe wrong and it hurts my foot.
While I love the fit, I’ve found this to be a less multi-purpose shoe because it has less protection from the ground.
When we wear it
I like it for walks (road or a light, non-technical dirt trail). I also really like it as a gym shoe for weight training.
Personally I wouldn’t wear it for long hikes since my feet get tired while wearing. That said, if you’re a fan of barefoot style shoes but want something with a little more protection, this might be a great option.
Altra Experience Wild
I tested the Altra Experience Wild 2. This shoe is low-drop, not zero drop, and did feel quite a bit different than the other Altra shoes we tried.
About the Wild
- 4-milimeter drop: Heel is slightly higher in the shoe than the toe
- Moderate cushion (feels more cushioned than the Lone Peak)
- More arch support than the Lone Peak
- No rock plate
- Rated for light trails
- Fit is more narrow than the Lone Peak, but not as narrow as the Superior; toe box is still nice and roomy
What we like:
The Altra Wild has moderately aggressive lugs (not as aggressive as the Lone Peak, though).
It feels like it hugs my foot and provides some arch support. It also fits more snugly on my narrow heels, and I don’t feel like the shoe is about to fall off. If you’re a fan of the Topo Terraventure, this has a similar fit.
What we don’t like
While I initially loved the fit, this shoe didn’t work for me for running. (I had some foot pain with it.) However, my husband tried it out and ended up loving it.
When we wear it
This shoe is great for running on trails without lots of technical terrain. My husband likes it on gravel trails, as the shoe has more cushioning than the Lone Peak.
Altra Timp
We tried the Altra Timp 5, and I loved it!
About the Timp
- Zero drop
- Maximum cushion
- No rock plate (but the extra cushioning keeps the rocks from poking your foot)
- Rated for rugged trails
- Fit is somewhat wide, but can work for narrower feet by modifying shoelace pattern
- Fit is (in my opinion) nearly identical to the Lone Peak but with a more cushioned base
What we like
We love the built-in gaiter attachments. The Timp has an aggressive lug pattern and grippy shoe bottom. This shoe feels very secure on trail; we don’t have problems with it slipping.
This shoe is more cushioned than the Lone Peak. If my feet are already sore or tired before hitting the trail, this cushiony shoe is a great option.
Unlike some other high-cushion shoes I’ve tried, I still feel very sturdy on my feet in these shoes. I don’t feel more likely to trip over a tree root because of the extra cushioning.
What we don’t like
(As with the Lone Peak) I have a narrow heel, and while these fit pretty well after modifying the laces, I still feel like I need to wear a trail gaiter for the shoe to be secure on my foot.
If you want arch support, this shoe (like the Lone Peak) doesn’t have it.
When we wear it
This is a great shoe for long-distance hiking.
If I know a trail has lots of long gravel stretches, I’d opt for this more cushioned shoe over the Lone Peak.
This shoe has become one of my favorite Altra trail runners. I wore it for a recent Mammoth Cave trail race, which was primarily on a gravel road.
Other Altra Trail Runner Options
Other Altra trail runners you may like include:
- Olympus: This shoe has maximum cushioning. I read that it’s a wider fit overall compared to the Timp, so if you’re looking for an even wider fit, the Olympus might be a great option.
- Outroad: I liked the idea of this road to trail shoe, but couldn't find it in stock to try on.
What are your favorite Altra trail runners? If you've tried models we haven't covered here, let me know in the comments!
Leave a Comment: