Altra Lone Peak 8 Review: Zero Drop Ground-Feel, Great Grip

The key specifications

• Price: $140 at Altrarunning.com and REI.com
• Sizing and fit: True to size with a medium width fit. A ‘wide’ version is also available on the Altra website and at REI
• Weight: 8.4oz (238g) for a size US(W) 7.5 (my pair).
• Drop: Zero drop on a 25mm stack height at heel and toe
• Toe box width: Wide
• Stability: Neutral, so there’s no additional stability or support added.
• Cushioning: Medium-responsive cushioning
• Best for: Trail running on a wide variety of trail types

Hey everyone, it’s Helen here from Trail and Kale, and I’m super excited to dive into my review of the Altra Lone Peak 8.

So what are the Altra Lone Peak 8 running shoes for? Well, they’re trail running shoes predominantly, and not just that but they’re trail running shoes designed to be capable of basically giving you grip in any terrain. I mean if you look at the tread, it’s pretty gnarly, I’d say it’s some of the most rugged tread you can get on a pair of trail running shoes so they’re definitely designed to be worn in any environment.

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In this Altra Lone Peak 8 review I’m going to be covering its key features, and then I’ll share what I love about these running shoes and where I think there’s room for improvement. I’ll finish off with my final rating and some quick pros and cons.

If you’re looking for a pair of Altras for walking or running on roads rather than trails, you may also want to look at the Altra Torin 7, which are their latest cushioned road running shoes – learn more about them in my Altra Torin 7 review.

The features of the Altra Lone Peak 8 that I love

First off, Altra really sets itself apart with its wide toe box and zero-drop design across most of its range (though they offer a few models with a minimal 4 mm drop).

This design encourages a forefoot running style, which can feel like you’re prancing through the trails with the freedom of being barefoot, yet you’re cushioned and equipped with great grip thanks to the shoe’s outsole.

At first, you might find the forefoot width surprisingly spacious, but it’s important to note that this design isn’t specifically for those with wide feet. The shoes are wider in the toe area but maintain a snug fit around the midfoot, intentionally designed to mimic the foot’s natural shape.

If you have wide feet, this shoe is, however, also available in a wide version, so that’s an option to consider.

This unique combination is a bit of a double-edged sword; it’s fantastic if you’re open to adjusting your running technique to embrace a more natural stride on the trails, but you may not get enough support or cushioning if you continue to land flat or heel strike when running in them, or have to do any significant running volume on paved surfaces (e.g. to get to the trailhead).

Moving on to the grip, the outsole of the Lone Peak 8 has impressive lugs. Not only do you get exceptional traction from the sole, but Altra has also designed the heel with an outward extension.

This extra bit of grip is pretty great, especially when you’re descending rapidly, potentially through mud. I’ve noticed it really makes a difference.

The lugs also curve up around the toe, providing that extra traction for uphill climbs without making the shoe feel overly aggressive.

Another nice aspect of the Lone Peak 8 is the thoughtful design of the lacing system and the tongue. There’s a handy loop to keep the tongue in place, preventing it from sliding down as you run. It’s surprising how many running shoes overlook this feature.

Additionally, the shoes include sizable loops at the front and back, making them easier to put on. And the laces themselves are textured, making them easy to tie securely, and they stay tied.

The Altra Lone Peak 8 offers neutral support, meaning there’s no added stability features for runners who may experience pronation issues – the support is very balanced. The cushioning is moderate, which I personally find leans towards the lighter side of moderate.

This might be less cushioned compared to other trail running shoes, but I believe this is a positive attribute – These shoes are designed to allow you to feel the trail beneath your feet, enhancing your connection to the ground, which can be lost with too much cushioning.

If you’re looking for an even more cushioned Altra trail running shoe, you may want to look at the Timp 5. The Timp 5 is a fantastic cushioned trail runner with a grippy Vibram outsole. If that shoe sounds interesting, learn more about it in my Altra Timp 5 review.

As for the Lone Peak 8’s weight, they’re light enough that you barely notice wearing them, complementing the zero-drop, barefoot feel.

➡ If you’re enjoying this review drop a comment down below, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more running shoe reviews just like this one, and if you’re familiar with the Lone Peak 8 or you’ve run in the previous version, let me know in the comments, I want to know what your thoughts are on them.

Features that I feel could be improved for a future Altra Lone Peak 9

Now, let’s touch on where I think the Altra Lone Peak 8 could use some improvements.

While these shoes are designed for the demands of trail running, one aspect that seems to be missing is adequate toe box protection.

Despite the robust underfoot rock plate protection from sharp or jagged rocks, the toe box itself lacks the rigidity to protect your toes, meaning that if you happen to kick a rock while on the trail, you’re definitely going to feel it.

This lack of toe protection is something to consider, especially for those who frequent trails with a lot of loose rocks or debris, or tend to kick rocks! That said, it does help keep the shoes light in weight, so perhaps you can’t have it all.

➡ I’m curious to hear from you if you are a runner loyal to the Lone Peak series – Drop a comment below sharing your experience with them and any questions about version 8!

Altra Lone Peak 7 vs 8

There is little difference between the Lone Peak 7 and 8, the tech specs and fit are very similar. They feature the same ‘MaxTrac’ outsole, the ‘Altra EGO’ midsole, a 25mm stack height, and of course zero drop.

If you liked the Lone Peak 7, you should be happy with the Lone Peak 8, too.

Altra Lone Peak 8 review summary

At $140, these trail running shoes are competitively priced, especially considering the level of underfoot traction and protection they offer. So, my answer is yes, they are a fantastic choice, but with a note of caution as mentioned earlier in this review.

If you’re new to Altra’s shoes or the concept of zero drop, be prepared for an adjustment period. For those seeking a shoe that provides ample toe box space without the significant heel-to-toe drop found in many other running shoes, the Lone Peak 8 is definitely worth considering. You’ll enjoy the protection and feel agile on the trails, making your runs enjoyable and fun.

However, if you’re not keen on altering your running style, which might temporarily reduce your mileage and require a period of adaptation to avoid injuries, especially if you’re a heel striker needing extra cushioning or a heavier runner, these shoes might not be the best fit.

Adapting to a zero-drop shoe requires a shift in running mechanics that not everyone is willing or able to make, potentially leading to discomfort or injury for those not adjusting.

If you have wide feet, go for the wide Lone Peak 8 version

For runners with wide feet attracted to Altra for its reputation for accommodating wider feet, it’s worth noting that the Lone Peak 8 comes in a wide version for both women and men. So, if you genuinely have wide feet, you might want to check out the wide version of the Lone Peak 8.

The standard version, as I’ve found, offers a snug fit around the midfoot while still providing plenty of room in the toe box for comfort without cramping. This design suits me perfectly, securing my feet while running, yet still allowing for toe spread.

Other wide toe box trail running shoes to consider

If you are researching wide trail running shoes in general, and aren’t necessarily set on having a zero drop, also check out these other trail running shoe reviews of shoes that we also rate highly and are available in wide versions, too:

• HOKA Speedgoat 5 review
• Brooks Cascadia 17 review

Where to buy the Altra Lone Peak 8

The Altra Lone Peak 8 costs $140 and is available to buy directly from Altra’s website for the full range of colors and sizes in men’s and women’s versions. Head there using the buttons below where you can check the price and for any current deals:

I highly recommend you also browse the Men’s and Women’s versions of these shoes at REI.com. REI members get a load of benefits, including a yearly 10% member dividend on purchases, great customer service and a no-hassle returns policy.

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Altra Lone Peak 8 Review – image gallery