Altra Lone Peak 9+ Review – Is the Vibram outsole worth it?

Fit

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ offers a touch more room in the toe box, particularly around the big toe area. This updated design will benefit those with a wider toe splay. Compared to earlier models, the Lone Peak 9+ has a spacious fit similar to that of the Escalante, although it doesn’t achieve the same full width.

The midfoot fit of the Altra Lone Peak 9+ remains consistent with previous iterations, offering a familiar feel for long-time users. A significant update in this model is the reduction of overlays, which enhances the upper flexibility and adaptability to various foot shapes. For me, that’s relieved pressure points and discomfort in the LP7 and 8. But it does still mean the midfoot isn’t overly wide.

We see the same wide-open and deep-heel design. The external small plastic heel cup has been removed, although the internal heel cup maintains a degree of rigidity, delivering a stable feel. While this design can work for those who want some stability in their shoe, those looking for a shoe to “get out the way of foot function” may find it a little restrictive.

Initially, I thought the LP9 was shallower, but after 20 km, the shoe packed out, and the original Lone Peak depth returned. As the shoe breaks in, it becomes more accommodating, especially for users with high-volume feet who need additional space. I found the extra depth great for comfort; however, the limited lockdown can cause challenges during descents, as my foot slipped inside the shoe. This is something to consider for those with shallow feet. It might be better to stick with the Timp 5 or the Superior 6 instead.

Although I’ve heard others say the Lone Peak 9 is longer, I still believe they’re true to size. I still give the same recommendations as the earlier versions, such as the Lone Peak 8 or 7.

If needed, the Lone Peak offers a Wide option, which provides additional width and volume. If the standard is too snug in width or depth, I suggest this option.

Feel

Overall, the shoe feels more flexible in the upper and midsole. Whereas there was a trend of stiffening the model in the Lone Peak 8 or 7, I’ve found this version to have regained the flexibility. The softer upper allows the shoe to mold to the foot better, and the midsole feels softer and more flexible. It’s worth noting that compared to the Lone Peak 9 with the MaxTrac outsole, the 9+ was a smidge stiffer, but if they weren’t side by side, it’d be very hard to notice.

This outsole is made for dry technical terrain but also works in moderate wet conditions. During testing, the shoe demonstrated good grip on dry and wet rocks. However, the lugs are not quite up to the job in extremely muddy conditions. This isn’t new for Lone Peak, and it makes sense for the market it’s aimed at. Compared to the MaxTrac, I found little difference in grip even when testing side by side! This surprised me and got me questioning Vibram completely! Is it worth it?

At 25mm stack height, this isn’t a minimalist shoe, nor is it a maximalist shoe. Some would call this a sweet spot, and it’s simple to see why. Even though this 25mm of rubber and foam, I still felt some ground feel, but not enough to force me to go easy. For those looking to drop down from maximalist shoes, this stack height serves as a perfect stepping stone to move into thinner soles. Alternatively, if barefoot runners want a shoe to run longer, this could work too!

The key to the Lone Peak’s success is the comfortable feel. Whether it’s your hiking shoe or trail runner, the fact that the Lone Peak has become popular is the comfort over the long distance. For longer, flatter runs, saving those toes from narrow toe boxes is crucial, and when hiking long distances, the same rings true. The Lone Peak 9 doesn’t sway too far from this philosophy.

Coming in at around 305g for a men’s US9, it’s neither bulky nor lightweight. Posing this as a hiker, I’d say it’s a great lightweight option, but if you’re pushing the PRs on the trail, maybe you want to check performance-oriented shoes like the Mont Blanc instead. On a side note, I found this to be 10g heavier than the Lone Peak 9! :S

Durability

The upper material closely resembles that of the Lone Peak 8, showing early signs of creasing, particularly around the forefoot. This similarity raises concerns about potential durability issues, as previous models have been prone to breakdowns in the forefoot area. While models have improved recently, Altra still does not have the best track record for durability.

The Altra Lone Peak 9+‘s toe cap design incorporates a flexible overlay crafted from a slightly rubbery material that extends further over the toes. This toe cap does little to protect the toes but offers structure to keep the upper material away from them. Instead, the outsole rubber wraps up high, protecting you from rock kicks. I found this design to be very effective!

The internal material has transitioned from the plush linings of previous models to a more standard grippy material. This change aims to enhance durability by minimizing the risk of developing holes, a common issue with the softer interiors of earlier versions. It may not feel as “luxurious” as some previous designs, but trust me, this is a better design choice.

Are we still on the same old EVA foam? Well, yes, but we know how this works. The midsole feels softer than previous models, which may flatten out quicker. After a few hundred km, it will feel more “flat,” but that doesn’t mean the shoe is finished. You can keep running it until it falls apart. Don’t fall into the trap of replacing your shoes too early unless you have biomechanical issues.

Obviously we trust the Vibram outsole, but upon initial inspection, it’s performing no better than the MaxTrac! During testing, the Vibram outsole demonstrated impressive resilience, maintaining its grip on rocky trails and loose gravel. However, after ~50km, the wear on the rubber looked VERY minor but also similar to the Lone Peak 9’s MaxTrac outsole. Only time will tell if this remains true over time.

Altra Lone Peak 8 vs. Lone Peak 9+

The Vibram outsole on the Lone Peak 9+ offers a potential improvement in wet conditions. The Lone Peak 8’s MaxTrac outsole was always adequate for dry trails, but I’ve burned through pairs faster than I’d like on rocky loops or hardpack. Switching to Vibram with the 9+ means that many find better traction in wet, off-camber conditions, and the rubber should last longer. All that said, I’ve found very similar performance up to now.

Underfoot feel stays true to Lone Peak’s roots, but the ride is a bit more refined in the 9+. It keeps the familiar 25mm stack and flexible, zero-drop platform. The foam is marginally softer in the 9+, which I prefer for its flexibility and long-distance comfort. Toe protection and overall build feel a notch more robust, too—no more worrying about quick blowouts at the flex points.

Sizing and upper volume are still generous. If you loved the space up front in the 8, you’ll find the 9+ just as roomy, and the midfoot feels a little more relaxed. For Altra diehards who thrive in the original Lone Peak fit you may still want to opt for the wide option.

Conclusion

The Lone Peak has never been my favorite Altra. Heck, I’ve even had pain in Lone Peaks of the past.

So, for me to say I’ve run a trail marathon in this shoe is a testament to its improvements.

If you’re looking for comfortable, deeper shoes that can handle gentle trail terrain, the Lone Peak 9+ is perfect.

Also, if you’re really penny-pinching, it’s worth spending $20 less and picking up the Lone Peak 9 because I’ve found little to no downsides with the MaxTrac model.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a better lockdown and more shallow fit, I love the Superior or even the King MT 2, both from Altra.