AOne other yr, one other Lone Peak evaluation. It is arduous to maintain up with Altra, which revises the design of America’s favourite path runner yearly. However Lone Peak 7 is much like final yr’s Lone Peak 6 in very vital methods, and the few substantial adjustments vary from impartial to overwhelmingly optimistic in my estimation. In the event you appreciated final yr’s design, you will in all probability be proud of this one too.
This evaluation will cowl the fundamentals of the Lone Peak 7 for Altra newcomers, in addition to an summary of what is new for the long-time wearer.
Extra Lone Peak 7 at a look
Suggested value: $150
Weight (pair): 18.4oz Ladies’s | 22 oz males’s
Cushioning: Reasonable
Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
Males’s Lone Peak 7 right here.
Circumstances of evaluation
I have been testing the Lone Peak 7 all spring, together with a number of in a single day hikes on the rocky Pennsylvania part of the Appalachian Path, operating on pavement and grime trails, and day by day put on round city. I’ve additionally walked each model of the Lone Peak since 3, giving me 1000’s of miles of expertise on this shoe. This gave me a good suggestion of how lengthy a pair will final and the way it will carry out over its lifetime.
Meant use
Picture courtesy of Altra.
Light-weight and responsive, the Altra Lone Peak was designed for path runners who cowl lengthy distances on unfastened terrain. It has additionally change into immensely common as a thru-hiking shoe over the previous seven years or so. In our annual survey of Appalachian Path hikers, it was the most well-liked footwear 4 years in a row.
Many hikers love the Altra’s minimalist zero-drop design, which is meant to imitate barefoot operating to advertise a extra pure stride. Past that, the straightforward consolation and roomy toe of the Lone Peak have helped improve its recognition. And like most path runners, it saves vitality as a result of it does not weigh an excessive amount of and the skinny materials breathes properly and dries shortly.
Options of Lone Peak 7
Zero drop: All Altra sneakers, together with the Lone Peak 7, are flat: the only real has the identical top from heel to toe. This uniform floor is named zero drop (Altra calls it Balanced Cushioning). Conversely, many sneakers are a number of millimeters larger on the heel, which causes the foot to lean ahead and downward a bit.
It takes getting used to; chances are you’ll expertise ache in your calves the primary few instances you placed on a zero-drop shoe. In the long term, it’s assumed to strengthen muscle tissues and be extra comfy as a result of it mimics a pure barefoot stroke.
It is value noting that consultants disagree on the claimed advantages of zero drops, however anecdotally, many runners and hikers swear by it.
Spat lure: Many hikers put on low-profile, breathable operating gaiters round their ankles to maintain path particles from sneaking into the tops of their sneakers. Altra stands out from the gang as a result of it designs its sneakers with gaiter compatibility in thoughts. The Lone Peak 7 includes a double-sided Velcro patch on the heel to maintain the gaiters safe. The entrance of the gaiter hooks onto the entrance laces.
Up to date MaxTrac outsole: The most recent model of the outsole has an up to date multi-directional tread sample with considerably extra knobs to enhance grip, particularly within the instep.
Foot form: Altra’s signature match includes a large toe field that tapers to a slimmer instep and heel, giving your toes room to splay out naturally with every step. The Lone Peak 7 can be out there large.
What modified between Lone Peak 6 and Lone Peak 7?
The most important change this yr is the up to date tread sample. The 7 has extra flaps general (particularly within the instep) and the form of the outer flaps has modified. Till now, the tread sample has remained nearly unchanged for a number of generations. The added grip is a welcome enchancment, though the Lone Peak 7 nonetheless is not fairly as grippy as, say, a Salomon path runner or something with a Vibram sole.
Additionally totally different this yr is the seamless design of the higher (actually, there are nearly no seams). Which means fewer potential factors of failure and, based on Altra, at the very least a “lighter really feel.” I have not seen a lot purposeful distinction between the higher and this yr’s final, however it seems to be good.
The additional lacing holes and laser-cut drain holes that made a quick look within the 6 disappeared once more within the seven. Lastly, a pair of sevens can be about an oz. heavier than a pair of 6s.
READ NEXT –
Lone Peak 7 Professional
Picture courtesy of Altra.
Broad toe: Different sneakers have tempted me through the years with guarantees of extra assist, higher grip, or decrease general weight. However these broad toes hold me coming again to Altra each time. Do not consider different manufacturers that declare a large toe; the consolation of the Altra tip has no equal, full cease.
Light-weight and fast drying: The path runners’ low weight and improved breathability are the one purpose hikers swap from mountaineering boots within the first place. On that entrance, Altra continues to ship. Whereas not the lightest path runner available on the market, the Lone Peak 7 remains to be loads lighter than most boots. What’s much more essential to me is that in contrast to most sneakers, my ft do not get scorching due to the skinny mesh uppers. Likewise, they dry out fairly shortly after getting moist.
Altra Ego midsole:I am a fan of Altra’s proprietary EGO foam midsole. I’ve tried extra cushioned sneakers, together with the super-soft EVA foam on the Altra Olympus, however I hold coming again to the reasonable cushioning on the Lone Peak. Whereas it is not as gentle as a maxed-out midsole, I’ve come to belief the firmer, extra responsive really feel of the EGO foam. Paired with the rock plate at Lone Peak, it is sufficient to guard my cute pups from the worst of path rocks and roots with out absorbing the entire vitality from my foot strike.
Lone Peak 7 Cons
Three earlier iterations of the Lone Peak. From left: Lone Peak 6, 5 and 4.5.
Fixed updates: I am all for steady enchancment, however Lone Peak’s yearly updates are getting a bit an excessive amount of. It looks as if each time I uncover a match or characteristic of the Lone Peak that I like, it is phased out over the following yr. Additionally, some adjustments really feel arbitrary: final yr the Lone Peak 6 was up to date with laser-cut drain holes and further lace holes, however they quietly disappeared with the disclosing of the 7, making one surprise what was the purpose with which to start out.
And each spring, when the most recent revision comes out, I appear to roll the cube once more as as to whether I am going to nonetheless like them. The footwear market being what it’s, I doubt that may occur anytime quickly, however I might love to have the ability to sit with a model of the Lone Peak for a number of years between updates.
Not appropriate for tough terrain: I’ve just lately gotten extra into mountaineering and off-piste climbing and I am compelled to confess that Lone Peak is not made for that kind of factor. They are not cosy sufficient, the large toe field makes it tough to get your foot into tight areas and (worst of all, for me) the skinny mesh higher does nothing to guard the perimeters and tops of your ft from sharp rocks , ice , and branches. Heck, even carrying Lone Peaks with microspikes on the finish may cause the perimeters of your shoe to blow up.
It is a good path shoe in respectable form which, in all honesty, is what it was designed for however it’s not your best option for gnarly terrain.
Altogether
I am a bit of worn out by the yearly updates to this shoe, however I’ve to confess that the up to date outsole is an enchancment over earlier variations. It is change into fairly an costly shoe at $150 a pair, however sadly it is just about consistent with different path runners, so I will not maintain it in opposition to the Altra.
For all however probably the most rugged off-piste endeavor, the Altra Lone Peak 7 will proceed to be my shoe of selection.
Store Altra Lone Peak 7 for girls
Store the Altra Lone Peak 7 for males
Comparable sneakers
Extremely Journey Mouse 3
Inov-8 Trailfly G270 V2
Hoka Challenger 7
The Altra Lone Peak 7 was donated for evaluation functions.
