Altra Lone Peak 9 vs Altra Lone Peak 9+ Review – A detailed comparison

The Altra Lone Peak series has long been a staple for trail runners and hikers. It offers zero-drop comfort with a spacious toe box. 

With the introduction of the Lone Peak 9+ alongside the Lone Peak 9 (only available in the US), some are left wondering whether the 9+’s Vibram outsole is worth the upgrade.

In this review, I’ll compare both models directly to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

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The most notable difference between the Lone Peak 9 and the Lone Peak 9+ is the outsole:

• Lone Peak 9: Features Altra’s MaxTrac outsole.
• Lone Peak 9+: Upgraded with a Vibram outsole.

Other minor differences include:

• The Lone Peak 9+ is slightly heavier than the Lone Peak 9 (~10g more in a men’s US 9).
• The Lone Peak 9+ is marginally stiffer due to the Vibram outsole, but the difference is minimal unless comparing side by side.

In most other aspects, the shoes remain nearly identical in fit, feel, and durability.

Feature	Lone Peak 9	Lone Peak 9+
Outsole	MaxTrac	Vibram
Weight	~295g	~305g
Flexibility	Slightly more flexible	Slightly stiffer
Traction	Good for dry, but not in the wet	Marginally better, but not significantly
Durability	Good, but the outsole may wear faster	Vibram may last longer, but upper durability is similar
Fit	True to size	Same
Price	~$20 cheaper	~$20 more expensive

To read the full comparison, head over to the individual reviews from the Altra Lone Peak 9 and Altra Lone Peak 9+.

Lone Peak 9

• True to size, but slightly longer than other Altra models.
• Toe box is wide but not excessively so, with a softer upper, allowing for some midfoot flexibility.
• Spacious heel cup that may feel loose for narrow heels.
• Shallower overall depth compared to previous Lone Peak versions, offering a more locked-down feel.
• Midfoot remains slightly snug, but wide options are available.

Lone Peak 9+

• Feels similar to the Lone Peak 9 in length and width.
• Offers a slightly roomier toe box, particularly around the big toe.
• The upper is slightly more flexible due to reduced overlays.
• The depth starts out feeling shallower but packs out over time.
• Still features a spacious heel cup with moderate rigidity.

Verdict: Both shoes have nearly identical fits. There is no reason to choose one over the other. 

Lone Peak 9

• 25mm stack height provides a balance of ground feel and cushioning.
• More flexible than past Lone Peak models, offering a natural foot movement.
• MaxTrac outsole is softer, providing good grip but with potential durability concerns.
• ~295g (Men’s US 9) Making it light for a trail shoe, but I wouldn’t consider it lightweight.

Lone Peak 9+

• Maintains the same 25mm stack height.
• Slightly stiffer due to the Vibram outsole but still relatively flexible.
• Offers a very similar feel to the Lone Peak 9, with the difference barely noticeable in isolation.
• Vibram outsole provides confidence in grip, but side-by-side testing revealed minimal advantage over MaxTrac.
•  ~305g (Men’s US 9) Around 10g heavier than the Lone Peak 9, likely due to the Vibram outsole.

Verdict: The feel of both models is incredibly close. The slight stiffness in the Lone Peak 9+ is not a dealbreaker unless you prioritize maximum flexibility.

This is where the big differences come in and likely where the decision will be made. And to be honest, I’d just be buying the 9+ for the Vibram name. In my testing, I saw and felt no real difference. But purely because Vibram is a trusted rubber, I’d still opt for the 9+.

Lone Peak 9

• MaxTrac outsole has improved over previous versions.
• Offers reliable traction on dry terrain and moderate performance on wet surfaces.
• Slight concern over outsole durability, particularly on abrasive trails.

Lone Peak 9+

• Vibram outsole brings a well-respected name in traction and durability.
• Performs well on dry and rocky terrain and offers decent grip on wet surfaces.
• Lugs are not aggressive enough for deep mud, similar to the Lone Peak 9.
• Initial side-by-side tests showed little noticeable improvement in traction over the MaxTrac outsole.

Verdict: While Vibram is generally a trusted outsole, real-world performance differences between MaxTrac and Vibram in this model are minimal. If extreme grip is your priority, the Lone Peak 9+ may be worth it, but most users won’t notice a major improvement.

Lone Peak 9

• The upper has improved durability but still shows early signs of creasing and wear, particularly in the forefoot.
• The comfortable midsole may pack out quicker due to its softer composition.
• MaxTrac outsole grips well but may wear out faster on hard surfaces.

Lone Peak 9+

• Uses the same upper materials, meaning durability concerns remain in areas prone to creasing.
• In theory, the Vibram outsole should last longer than MaxTrac, though early testing suggests wear rates are similar.

Verdict: The Vibram outsole might provide slightly better longevity, but the upper durability remains the same. The Lone Peak 9+ might have a minor edge if you prioritize long-term wear.

• The Lone Peak 9+ costs about $20 more in the US than the Lone Peak 9.
• Given the minimal differences in grip and durability, the extra cost may not be justified for most users.
• The Vibram outsole may be worth it if you’re an aggressive runner looking for maximum durability.
• If you’re on a budget, the Lone Peak 9 offers nearly the same experience for less money.

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If you’re deciding between the Lone Peak 9 and Lone Peak 9+, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you value the Vibram outsole enough to justify the additional cost.

• Go for the Lone Peak 9 if you want a reliable, flexible, and slightly cheaper option that performs well in most conditions.
• Choose the Lone Peak 9+ if you prioritize durability, prefer a slightly firmer outsole, or want the added confidence of a Vibram grip (even though the difference is minor).

Overall, unless you strongly prefer Vibram, the Lone Peak 9 offers almost identical performance at a lower price, making it the better value choice for many!