The Altra Lone Peak 9+ is the newest evolution of one of the most beloved trail running (and walking) shoes in the zero-drop space. Built on Altra’s signature platform—with a FootShape toe box, zero-drop design, and Altra EGO midsole—the 9+ also introduces a major upgrade: a Vibram Megagrip outsole for improved traction. In this Altra Lone Peak 9+ review, we put the latest model to the test to find out if it’s a worthy upgrade—or just a minor refresh dressed in flashy new tread.

From Road to Rugged: A Reluctant Trail Runner

Let’s address the obvious: I’m not a trail runner. Or at least, I wasn’t before the Altra Lone Peak 9+.

Sure, if we take the logic of “If you run, you’re a runner” one step further – “if you run on trail, you’re a trail runner” – then call me Kilian Jornet. But one look at my review history and it’s road, road, and more road.

The Lone Peak 9+ is the first trail shoe I’m reviewing, and frankly, that’s because trail running never really clicked for me. Maybe it was the tricky terrain, the constant elevation, or the shoes themselves – often low on cushion, short on bounce, and uninspiring underfoot.

That surprised even me. I’ve hiked, climbed, and spent most of my adult life outdoors. Trail running should’ve been a natural evolution. But when your first exposure to running is tech-laden, propulsive road shoes, it’s hard to see the appeal in something more stripped-back.

While I’ve tested other trail shoes, I try to log at least 50 km before offering any meaningful opinion. The Lone Peak 9+ is the first trail shoe to cross that arbitrary milestone – and that alone says something positive.

Full Disclosure: I’m Learning as I Go

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ may be my first proper trail shoe review, but that comes with a caveat: I’m still learning the ropes. My trail shoe knowledge isn’t as refined as my road shoe experience. I won’t pretend otherwise. What I can offer is honesty and full transparency. If I don’t know something, I’ll say so.

Finally, a note on integrity. Like every other review on Gritty Runners, I bought the Lone Peak 9+ with my own money. I’d love a sponsor to rescue me from financial ruin, but until then, you’ll get brutally honest reviews—no PR gloss, no strings attached.

How I Tested the Altra Lone Peak 9+

I’ve done two long and two short runs in the Lone Peak 9+, which I’ll be using as reference points for this review. Those were 17 km, 30 km, 10 km, and 6 km, respectively, for a total just shy of 64 kilometres. Two of the long runs and one of the short ones were on what I’d describe as light to moderate terrain, with the remaining short run on a mix of moderate and technical.

Additionally, the three longest runs included varying amounts of road mileage – possibly around 10 km in total. For context, most of the mileage was logged in the Peak District National Park during a stretch of uncharacteristically good weather. As such, I can’t comment on their performance in wet and/or muddy conditions – but I’ll update the review once those return (any second now, surely?).

I’ve also been using the Lone Peak 9+ casually – on walks to the shop or the local climbing wall – which probably adds at least another 20 kilometres.

Say Hello to the Anatomical Toe … Box

Fit, Sizing & Comfort

The step-in feel of the Altra Lone Peak 9+ really is special. As soon as I put them on, I knew that—irrespective of how my feet and legs felt after the first run—I’d have to get used to zero-drop simply for the comfort trade-off. Fortunately, my legs and feet were fine, so I could just enjoy the Altras.

While I usually size up in all other running shoe brands, I went with my street size, UK 8, in the Lone Peak 9+. That decision was based on the wide anatomical toe box. I don’t have particularly wide feet, so I figured the extra room provided by the FootShape™ contour would be enough—and it absolutely is. The upper is extremely comfortable, and despite the wider fit, the upper and lacing system provide one of the best lockdowns I’ve experienced in a shoe. Top marks to Altra here.

What About the Weight?

Trail running shoes tend to be heavier than their road counterparts due to added protection and more substantial outsoles. Of course, there are exceptions – the NNormal Kjerag, for example, weighs in at a feathery ~200g, rivaling even the lightest road shoes.

The Altra Lone Peak 9+ isn’t especially heavy at around ~300g, but it’s also not what you’d call lightweight, especially considering its relatively low stack height. What’s surprising, though, is how well it carries that weight. Altra exists to create a more natural-feeling running shoe, and with the Lone Peak 9+ they’ve certainly achieved that aim.

I recently reviewed the Puma MagMax Nitro, a shoe with a towering 46/38mm stack but a comparable weight to the Altra. On foot, the MagMax feels two times heavier. I can only assume this is where Altra’s carefully curated features come into play. The Lone Peak just disappears on your feet, likely thanks to the more natural footstrike it encourages.

That said, even though the Altra feels impressively light in practice, the comparison with the Puma highlights that it could—and maybe should—weigh less. Perhaps we’ll see that addressed in the Lone Peak 10. But honestly, weight isn’t a concern in real-world use. I’d rather see future versions focus on preserving comfort and boosting durability than shaving grams just for spec-sheet bragging rights.

Reframing Trail Expectations

When most of your mileage is logged in modern road shoes—think Fresh Foam, FF Blast+, ZoomX—trail shoes can feel like a step backwards. In previous attempts to move onto the trails, I always ran into the same problem: firm, uninspiring midsoles that felt like yesterday’s tech.

I used to ask:
Why aren’t trail shoes built like my road shoes?
Why no towering stacks or pillowy softness?
Why do they often feel so… dull?

(And yes, I’m writing this on the day Hoka released the Mafate X—a maximalist trail monster.)

To be fair, I now understand why most trail shoes don’t lean into superfoam sensibilities. Stability, agility, and ground feel are crucial when navigating uneven terrain. You don’t want to feel like you’re tottering on stilts while bounding over rocks. Still, for anyone coming from plush, bouncy road shoes, the transition can be jarring.

Altra EGO Midsole: Balanced, Not Boring

Enter the Altra Lone Peak 9+, and its surprisingly plush Altra EGO midsole. This isn’t superfoam by any stretch, but it’s far softer and smoother than I expected—especially given its modest 25 mm stack and zero-drop design.

Altra EGO is a proprietary blend of EVA and rubber, aiming to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort. It doesn’t offer the bounce or propulsion of PEBA-based foams, but it doesn’t feel flat or overly firm either. It occupies a nice middle ground.

Compared to something like the ASICS Superblast, the Lone Peak 9+ obviously doesn’t feel as high-tech or as “electric” underfoot. It’s not a trail super shoe, like the Nike Ultrafly (though, while many will disagree, I for one am glad about that). But the ground connection it provides makes it one of the most natural-feeling trail shoes I’ve worn. It reminds you that a shoe doesn’t have to be flashy to be effective—especially on the trails.

Outsole Upgrade: The Power of Vibram Megagrip

The Lone Peak 9+ now features a Vibram Megagrip outsole (hence the +), with 3.5mm lugs. Vibram Megagrip is well-known for its confidence-inspiring grip on a range of terrains and conditions, from wet rock to dry hard-packed trails. Living in the UK, I’d usually be able to comment on a shoe’s wet-weather performance, but it’s been uncharacteristically dry these last couple of months. Nonetheless, you can really feel the Vibram Megagrip sticking to every surface, so I feel confident in the Lone Peak’s ability to handle wet conditions.

For the Vibram / Lone Peak experience, make sure you purchase the “+” edition. The Lone Peak 9 is still available at many retailers, but you’re missing out on the new and improved outsole.

How Durable Are the Altra Lone Peak 9+?

A common complaint from long-time Altra users is declining durability, particularly in recent Lone Peak iterations. With just 64 km of running and around 20 km of walking on my pair, I can’t yet offer a definitive verdict. However, early signs are promising: no visible wear, no delamination, and everything looks solid so far.

According to Altra, the LP9+ includes an “updated upper with no-sew overlays and ripstop mesh,” which should improve long-term durability. The inclusion of a Vibram Megagrip outsole is also a strong indicator of a more resilient shoe, as this compound is widely known for both grip and longevity.

Still, anecdotal reports online mention common fail points – toe cap separation, delamination, and upper fraying – often occurring between 150–200 miles (240–320 km). If these are widespread and remain unaddressed, it makes long-term recommendations difficult. I’ll revisit this review if and when my pair approaches that threshold.

Durability Watch: I’ll update this section once my pair crosses the 300 km mark with any signs of wear or performance changes.

Trail Running, Durability, and Environmental Responsibility

Durability isn’t just a performance issue, it’s also an environmental one. Most trail runners enjoy the outdoors for more than just exercise. We want to protect the natural spaces we explore.

If the Lone Peak 9+ (or any shoe) breaks down after 300 km, that means more shoes in landfills and more resources burned in production. That’s a real problem.

Brands like Nnormal (Tomir, Kjerag) and Norda (001, 002, 005) are building shoes with sustainability as a core focus. Their prices are steeper (£160–260) compared to the Lone Peak’s £130, but many users report over 1000 km per pair. If those claims hold true, the cost-per-kilometre and environmental impact are demonstrably lower.

I’m still in the early days with Altra, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. But durability will be a critical factor in whether I return to the Lone Peak line or look elsewhere.

Love at First Flight?

Having covered the basics, it’s time for the real verdict: Do I like the Altra Lone Peak 9+?

No. I absolutely love them.

From the first step-in, I knew something was different. The comfort was immediate thanks to the anatomical toe box, soft EGO midsole, and breathable mesh upper. The low stack and close-to-the-ground feel gave me something I’d never had from a trail shoe: connection.

When I first got into running, I expected to fall in love with trails. I’m a climber. I love the outdoors. Yet for some reason, I ran beside busy, polluted roads – chasing bounce, softness, and speed. That felt more “fun.”

Now? I still enjoy road running, and it’s undeniably convenient. But the Lone Peak 9+ has reshaped my perspective. I’m no longer chasing times. I’m chasing time outside. Running has become more about the experience than the stats.

Lone Peak 9+’s Strengths (and Weaknesses)

The LP9+ isn’t a “do-it-all” shoe. At least not for my current level of trail experience, though YMMV.

In my experience, it excels on light to moderate terrain, where it feels natural and smooth, instilling confidence in every step. Despite weighing around 300g (UK 8), it disappears on foot. I found it ideal for long trail days where comfort and ground feel matter most.

But on moderate-to-technical rocky terrain, things changed. The softer midsole and wide toe box—both strengths on mellow trails—felt less stable. I caught a toe and went down hard on one run. That was a reality check. It’s not a shoe I’d trust for sustained rocky descents or sharp climbs.

What About Zero Drop?

Let’s talk drop. The Lone Peak 9+ is zero drop. 25mm stack front and back. For context, I’ve run in 3mm-drop road shoes with no issues.

After my first 17km in the LP9+, I felt a bit of ankle fatigue. Nothing dramatic, and by my second and third runs (including a 30km effort), that feeling disappeared. Transitioning didn’t feel difficult for me.

That said, I did experience a recurrence of plantar fasciitis in my left foot. It’s a past injury, so I’m not pointing fingers. But if it becomes a trend and only occurs in the LP9+, I’ll revisit this review. For now, it seems more likely due to my own biomechanics than the shoes.

Final Thoughts on the Altra Lone Peak 9+

If you’re looking for a responsive and comfortable trail shoe with plenty of ground feel for light-to-moderate terrain, our review shows the Lone Peak 9+ delivers. It’s opened the door for me to fall in love with trail running in a way no other shoe has. Zero drop, but certainly very far from a huge flop.

Sure, it’s not perfect. On technical terrain, the soft ride can feel unstable. Durability may also be a concern. It’s not built to be your one-trail-quiver. But it doesn’t need to be. For the right terrain, the LP9+ is simply a joy to run in.

Where to Next?

I’m currently in the process of reviewing a couple of trail running shoes, namely the Norda 002, and the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon (I think I’ve caught the Altra bug). I’ve also been testing a lot of trail running gear, so I’ve made a roundup of what I consider to be the best pieces of trail running gear and accessories for 2025.

Keep checking in for more trail-focused articles. I’ll also be announcing the who, what, and why of a new project — “Rewire: The 100-mile Challenge for Spinal Cord Injury Research.”