ALTRA Lone Peak 5 – Review
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By Tara Summerville Editor’s Conclusion
Altra is a brand that isn’t afraid to make big changes to its shoes as higher-tech materials become available, and that is certainly true when it comes to the Altra Lone Peak 5. What I love most about this zero-drop trail running shoe is that it boasts a tone of supportive and protective features that will make even the most difficult trailheads a little easier, and a little more comfortable.
Whether you just want to go out on a nice and easy tempo run, or you are training for an ultra marathon, this shoe is a great choice. It has heightened durability that is made to last for hundreds of miles, and a reinvented upper that will keep your feet nice and dry, even in wet or snowy weather. Altra is known for its uniquely shaped footbed that acts to mirror the natural shape of your foot, giving you nice toe splay for added stability and an overall improved fit and lockdown.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into all of the features that make this shoe a great investment for anyone looking to hit up the trails.
Whether you just want to go out on a nice and easy tempo run, or you are training for an ultra marathon, this shoe is a great choice. It has heightened durability that is made to last for hundreds of miles, and a reinvented upper that will keep your feet nice and dry, even in wet or snowy weather. Altra is known for its uniquely shaped footbed that acts to mirror the natural shape of your foot, giving you nice toe splay for added stability and an overall improved fit and lockdown.
Below, I wanted to take a deep dive into all of the features that make this shoe a great investment for anyone looking to hit up the trails.
ALTRA Lone Peak 5 – Review Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Zero drop
Improved drainage in the upper keeps your feet dry
Full-length Altra Ego midsole
Wide toe box for natural toe splay
Cons
Expensive
The wide heel counter is slightly loose for some runners
Testimonials
Testimonials
Amber Nelson, a competitive spartan racer and member of our Runnerclick Pro community, told us how much she loves the Lone Peak 5.
"The Altra Lone Peak 5 is a wonderful shoe. It provides a good amount of cushioning for longer trail runs without making me feel unstable on technical portions of the trail. As with other Altras, the large toe box and unique shape of it provide plenty of room for my wide feet and I have never had sore toes or bruised toenail beds after wearing these (even when bombing downhills). One of the other great things about them is that they have great water drainage properties so you won’t be feeling bogged down after a creek crossing or two."
"The Altra Lone Peak 5 is a wonderful shoe. It provides a good amount of cushioning for longer trail runs without making me feel unstable on technical portions of the trail. As with other Altras, the large toe box and unique shape of it provide plenty of room for my wide feet and I have never had sore toes or bruised toenail beds after wearing these (even when bombing downhills). One of the other great things about them is that they have great water drainage properties so you won’t be feeling bogged down after a creek crossing or two."
Key Features
Key Features
MIDSOLE
The midsole of this design is composed of a full-length Altra Ego foam midsole, which is a big improvement when compared to previous versions of the Lone Peak. What runners love most about this midsole is that it isn’t quite as stiff as previous models. It provides you with a fuller range of motion when you want to pick up the pace while offering excellent energy return for a bright and springy ride.
It also boasts a new and improved stone guard that works to protect your feet against jagged rocks and other sharp objects you may encounter on your runs. When removed from the shoe, this stone guard looks like a basic rubber grid with reinforced zones in high-impact areas. This grid-like construction on the rock plate protects your feet without hindering your full range of motion or adding any unnecessary weight to the shoe.
UPPER
When considering a trail running shoe, the performance of the upper is just as important as the outsole. This improved upper is composed of mesh materials with laser-perforated holes for maximum breathability and excellent drainage. It also utilizes synthetic overlays in key areas to promote heightened stability as well as lockdown. Some runners found that this shoe runs a little hot, but the added protection this upper provides is well worth a little heat!
One thing worth noting, however, is the fit of the heel counter. The shape of Altra shoes is designed to mimic the natural shape of your foot. While this is incredibly beneficial in the toe box where it allows the toes to naturally splay, it can be a bit problematic in the heel counter. Some runners felt that the wide heel caused the shoe to shift around on their foot, especially when running down steep declines.
OUTSOLE
Altra is a brand that primarily sticks to trail running shoes, so they know what it takes to craft a shoe that really sticks to the trails. The Lone Peak 5 boasts a MaxTrac rubber outsole with modest angled lugs for superior grip whether you are running on grass, dirt, gravel, slick leaves, or even snow. The lugs are modest, so you won’t really feel them underfoot, and the zero drop design gives you an excellent ground feel when scaling difficult terrains.
Many runners feel that the MaxTrac outsole really grip the ground like a pair of gaiters. The best part about the design of this modest outsole is that while it is great for trails, it can easily transition to road running or simply be worn as a great everyday casual shoe.
PERFORMANCE
Altra’s goal is to make a shoe that can accommodate just about everyone. If you are a newbie, this is a great entry point because it provides ample support in the midsole, and modest stability features to ensure that you ease into a nice and even gait cycle. If you are training for an ultramarathon, the advanced drainage features and flexible midsole allows for just enough support and agility to dominate any trail.
The Lone Peak is a trail runner through and through, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick solely to trails. The modest lugs and heightened flexibility allow these shoes to transition easily from the trails to the sidewalks without skipping a beat. Of course, you will get the most out of these shoes on the trails, but they also make for a great casual shoe, hiking shoe, or even a gym shoe.
FIT
One of the best features of Altra running shoes is their unique fit. Some runners may shy away from these shoes because the overall cut looks a little unusual and a little wide. However, this unique cut serves a very distinctive purpose. The wide toe box that mimics the natural shape of your foot allows your toes to easily splay inside of the shoe. When your toes are splayed while running, you gain a lot in terms of stability as well as support.
What’s exciting about the rollout of the Lone Peak 5 is that Altra is now offering its shoes in wide options as well. While this has never been an option in the past, it will be available to runners from here on out. Be sure to take good measurements of your feet and compare those measurements to the sizing chart provided by Altra to ensure that you get the perfect fit for your foot!
STYLE
Altra is a brand that is known for prioritizing performance over style. Older versions of the Lone Peak weren’t the most stylish, and many runners overlooked them completely based on style alone. However, it seems as if Altra has taken this into consideration with the design of the Lone Peak 5. While it boasts a similar shape and wide frame that some runners shy away from, they have made big steps in their color palette.
Many Altras only come in neutral color options, but this design works to spice things up a bit. Your more neutral shades are still available, of course, but they also added in some bright and punchy color options as well. I particularly love the deep purple with electric blue accents.
PRICE
Altra is considered to be one of the higher-end trail running shoes, so be prepared for a heavy price tag. Sure, the price tag may be higher than other options out there on the market, but that high price point ensures that you are getting innovative running tech. Altra takes great care to ensure that the design, as well as the performance of their shoes, are always moving forward. Plus, these shoes are insanely durable and hold up quite well over hundreds and hundreds of miles, making the Lone Peak an overall great value.
The midsole of this design is composed of a full-length Altra Ego foam midsole, which is a big improvement when compared to previous versions of the Lone Peak. What runners love most about this midsole is that it isn’t quite as stiff as previous models. It provides you with a fuller range of motion when you want to pick up the pace while offering excellent energy return for a bright and springy ride.
It also boasts a new and improved stone guard that works to protect your feet against jagged rocks and other sharp objects you may encounter on your runs. When removed from the shoe, this stone guard looks like a basic rubber grid with reinforced zones in high-impact areas. This grid-like construction on the rock plate protects your feet without hindering your full range of motion or adding any unnecessary weight to the shoe.
UPPER
When considering a trail running shoe, the performance of the upper is just as important as the outsole. This improved upper is composed of mesh materials with laser-perforated holes for maximum breathability and excellent drainage. It also utilizes synthetic overlays in key areas to promote heightened stability as well as lockdown. Some runners found that this shoe runs a little hot, but the added protection this upper provides is well worth a little heat!
One thing worth noting, however, is the fit of the heel counter. The shape of Altra shoes is designed to mimic the natural shape of your foot. While this is incredibly beneficial in the toe box where it allows the toes to naturally splay, it can be a bit problematic in the heel counter. Some runners felt that the wide heel caused the shoe to shift around on their foot, especially when running down steep declines.
OUTSOLE
Altra is a brand that primarily sticks to trail running shoes, so they know what it takes to craft a shoe that really sticks to the trails. The Lone Peak 5 boasts a MaxTrac rubber outsole with modest angled lugs for superior grip whether you are running on grass, dirt, gravel, slick leaves, or even snow. The lugs are modest, so you won’t really feel them underfoot, and the zero drop design gives you an excellent ground feel when scaling difficult terrains.
Many runners feel that the MaxTrac outsole really grip the ground like a pair of gaiters. The best part about the design of this modest outsole is that while it is great for trails, it can easily transition to road running or simply be worn as a great everyday casual shoe.
PERFORMANCE
Altra’s goal is to make a shoe that can accommodate just about everyone. If you are a newbie, this is a great entry point because it provides ample support in the midsole, and modest stability features to ensure that you ease into a nice and even gait cycle. If you are training for an ultramarathon, the advanced drainage features and flexible midsole allows for just enough support and agility to dominate any trail.
The Lone Peak is a trail runner through and through, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick solely to trails. The modest lugs and heightened flexibility allow these shoes to transition easily from the trails to the sidewalks without skipping a beat. Of course, you will get the most out of these shoes on the trails, but they also make for a great casual shoe, hiking shoe, or even a gym shoe.
FIT
One of the best features of Altra running shoes is their unique fit. Some runners may shy away from these shoes because the overall cut looks a little unusual and a little wide. However, this unique cut serves a very distinctive purpose. The wide toe box that mimics the natural shape of your foot allows your toes to easily splay inside of the shoe. When your toes are splayed while running, you gain a lot in terms of stability as well as support.
What’s exciting about the rollout of the Lone Peak 5 is that Altra is now offering its shoes in wide options as well. While this has never been an option in the past, it will be available to runners from here on out. Be sure to take good measurements of your feet and compare those measurements to the sizing chart provided by Altra to ensure that you get the perfect fit for your foot!
STYLE
Altra is a brand that is known for prioritizing performance over style. Older versions of the Lone Peak weren’t the most stylish, and many runners overlooked them completely based on style alone. However, it seems as if Altra has taken this into consideration with the design of the Lone Peak 5. While it boasts a similar shape and wide frame that some runners shy away from, they have made big steps in their color palette.
Many Altras only come in neutral color options, but this design works to spice things up a bit. Your more neutral shades are still available, of course, but they also added in some bright and punchy color options as well. I particularly love the deep purple with electric blue accents.
PRICE
Altra is considered to be one of the higher-end trail running shoes, so be prepared for a heavy price tag. Sure, the price tag may be higher than other options out there on the market, but that high price point ensures that you are getting innovative running tech. Altra takes great care to ensure that the design, as well as the performance of their shoes, are always moving forward. Plus, these shoes are insanely durable and hold up quite well over hundreds and hundreds of miles, making the Lone Peak an overall great value.
Comparisons to Previous Versions
Comparisons to Previous Versions
Altra is a brand that doesn’t just rest on its laurels. If you were hoping to save a few bucks and opt for an older version, you may want to reconsider. The Lone Peak 5 far outshines previous versions of this shoe in a variety of ways. First of all, this newest model boasts a completely overhauled upper that is lighter, more breathable, and has improved drainage. It also boasts a reinforced toe cap that is sewn into the end of the sole, rather than simply glued down.
It also boasts a new and improved stone guard. This grid-like stone guard increases flexibility cuts down on overall weight and has reinforced high-impact zones that protect your feet from jagged trails. The Altra Ego midsole is also a little less stiff than previous versions, which is something that runners really appreciate. One of the biggest changes made to this design is that it is also offered in wide sizing options, which is something that Altra has never done before the release of the Lone Peak 5.
It also boasts a new and improved stone guard. This grid-like stone guard increases flexibility cuts down on overall weight and has reinforced high-impact zones that protect your feet from jagged trails. The Altra Ego midsole is also a little less stiff than previous versions, which is something that runners really appreciate. One of the biggest changes made to this design is that it is also offered in wide sizing options, which is something that Altra has never done before the release of the Lone Peak 5.
Verdict
Verdict
If you are in the market for a great trail running shoe and want the best of the best and are willing to spare no expense, the Altra Lone Peak 5 is one of your best options. What I love most about this shoe is that it has a new and improved style that looks a little sleeker and stylish while maintaining all of the performance features of an Altra shoe.
The Altra Ego midsole provides an insanely energetic ride that won’t squish down into a pancake after a long run, and the tacky MaxTrac claws its way through rocks, rains, puddles, mud, and even snow. Plus, it comes in a variety of unique color options that cater to those that love neutral or punchy color pallets in their running shoes. It costs a little bit more than most, but it is well worth the investment!
The Altra Ego midsole provides an insanely energetic ride that won’t squish down into a pancake after a long run, and the tacky MaxTrac claws its way through rocks, rains, puddles, mud, and even snow. Plus, it comes in a variety of unique color options that cater to those that love neutral or punchy color pallets in their running shoes. It costs a little bit more than most, but it is well worth the investment!
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