Wide toe box and zero-drop shape give the boot excellent out-of-the-box comfort (especially for those with wide feet or that are prone to blisters).

Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM Hiking Boot Review - Switchback Travel Altra Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM Hiking Boot Review - Switchback Travel

GaiterTrap: Hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris from building up beneath the shoe. To ensure that these boots really are designed for All Weather, Altra uses an eVent waterproof breathable inner bootie that keeps water out, as well as a treated textile fabric on the outer. We measured the flood height at 3.5 inches, which is rather low for this category as a whole, but for the lower mid-cut, it seems appropriately tall. The same lacing design that makes it easy to achieve a secure ankle fit can make the NeoShell Mid a struggle to put on at times. Since the shoe utilizes eyelets instead of hooks for the ankle lacing the shoe laces are more or less permanently laced up the ankle. This makes it so that the tongue is not easily repositioned to make way for your foot without first taking time to loosen the laces around the ankle a great deal. While this is an admittedly minor complaint compared to the benefit this lacing design provides, I would be lying if I didn’t say it wasn’t annoying at times. Cost If there’s one thing that Altra does well, it’s comfort: no matter the style, every Altra shoe has a zero-drop footbed and wide, “FootShape” toe box. Many hikers and runners find that these features allow their feet and body to align and move more naturally, resulting in less impact. For us, the wide toe box provided impressive comfort right out of the box. And coupled with the thin yet supple upper, we experienced virtually no break-in period. On soft, loamy trails, the Lone Peak 4 Mid RSM offered the experience of walking on a cloud.The thru-hikers favour trail runners have had an update; the Lone Peak 7’s are the latest incarnation of the zero drop legend. If the Altra Lone Peak suits your body and your hikes, you may fall in love with this comfortable, lightweight, fast-drying trail shoe with the roomy toe box and balanced cushioning that restores your lower body's natural biomechanics. If it doesn't suit your body or your hikes, however, you may hate this unsupportive trail shoe with the sloppy fit that puts unnecessary stress on your feet, ankles, and calves before it falls apart.

Altra Lone Peak Review: high risk, high reward? - www Altra Lone Peak Review: high risk, high reward? - www

These boots are a niche product for those with wide feet, who like the comfort of a running shoe but want the stability of a hiking boot, and who like the zero-drop flat shoe feel. If that describes you, the Lone Peak is a good value, and we recommend them. What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider? The thru-hiker’s favourite trail runners have had an update. The women’s Lone Peak All-WTHR Low 2 is the zero-drop legend's latest waterproof incarnation. eVent fabric and thin upper allow the Lone Peak to breathe better than most other waterproof shoes. Waterproof hiking boots aren’t typically praised for their breathability, but we’re pleased to report that the Lone Peak RSM is a standout in this area. While it certainly can’t compete with non-waterproof mesh versions, we came away impressed with the Lone Peak RSM’s ability to keep our feet cool on moderately warm days. Even during a handful of summer hikes—outings we typically reserve for trail-running shoes—our feet never felt soggy or damp due to moisture buildup. All things considered, we found the eVent upper to breathe better than similarly equipped Gore-Tex models.

Comfort is a subjective thing that has a lot to do with fit, body type, and the specific types of hiking you do. The Lone Peak's roomy toe box, moderate cushioning, and minimal support works for many hikers. When it works for you, the Lone Peak can feel like your favorite slipper with trail traction. For others, though, that big toe box may be uncomfortable or feel sloppy on technial terrain. Personally, I found the Lone Peak pretty comfortable on easier trails but not on steeper, tougher trails. That being said, plenty of people absolutely love that comparatively loose fit and max toe room. Another very popular option for a lightweight hiking boot is the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. Both the Altra and Salomon feature an aggressive outsole, waterproof construction, and come in low-top and mid-height options. However, the similarities end there. Whereas the Lone Peak offers a very roomy fit and large toe box (perfect for wide feet), the X Ultra runs a bit small and is better suited for narrow feet (good news is they now off a wide version). Weighing in at 1 pound 15.6 ounces, the Salomon is considerably heavier than the Altra (1 lb. 10 oz.), but this added weight undoubtably comes with an increase of support and durability—two areas where the Altra falls noticeably short. For technical trails or hiking with heavy loads, we think the Salomon is the better option. Disclosure: Altra donated these items for review, but this article presents an honest representation of my experience using the gear. Altra Lone Peak All-WHTR Mid 2 are a lightweight water resistant boot perfect for fast moving hiking and trail running, whatever the weather. Altra says: This was a longer term review spanning the better part of a year. I was able to take the Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell Mids into a wide variety of conditions logging nearly 200 miles in the shoes. They endured miles on sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and arid foothills in southern California as well as the damp, rainy October weather surrounding Scotland’s 96 mile West Highland Way (WHW). PROS Available for Both Women and Men