Altra Lone Peak: Quick Preview

The Lone Peak (photos from Altra)

I NOW HAVE THE LONE PEAK IN HAND AND HAVE A DETAILED REVIEW POSTED. CLICK THIS LINK TO READ UP AND GET ALL THE INFO ON THIS GREAT SHOE

Just this week, Altra Running began shipping their new trail model, the Lone Peak.  It has been a long-awaited release with teaser photos and online discussions taking place about this product for over a year.

From what I understand, the Lone Peak is very similar to the Altra Instinct, a shoe I have a lot of positive experience with this summer (review HERE).  Trademark zero-drop stance, a wide, foot-shaped last with a roomy toebox, two insole options, and a cushioned ride.

In addition to these features common with the Instinct, the Altra Lone Peak has a few trail-specific features including:

• a modified, beefier, protective toe bumper
• multi-directional lugs for uphill and downhill traction
• a "trail rudder" tail that sort of hangs off the back of the sole
• a stone guard protective plate sandwiched into the midsole
• quick drain and dry mesh upper

A wide forefoot and foot-shaped last from Altra

I am a fan of low/zero drop shoes for road and trail. My current trail favorites are the Merrell Trail Glove, which is great for much of my trail running, and the Saucony Peregrine, which was my go-to marathon and ultramarathon trail shoe this summer.  However, neither of these examples are as universally adaptable as I would like.  The Merrell Trail Glove is great, but for very rocky trails and for long, long runs, they are simply not enough shoe for me as I get tired or my form lapses. 

Merrell Trail Gloves are my favorite shoe to run trails in, hands down, but some days and over longer distances I still need a bit more protection.  That is where my trusty Saucony Peregrines have come in handy.  I wore these for the Grand Island Trail Marathon, Stumpjump 50k, and for hundreds of training miles.  I have very few negative things to say about the Sauconys, but one of those few is the upper fit.  I am never 100% sure I have these shoes well locked-down.  They usually need a tightening after an hour or so...maybe grippier laces would help.  The toebox, while sufficient, is just not as comfortable or roomy as I would prefer (try them yourself, these are attributes specific to me). Not to mention that the Peregrine has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop, which I am obviously OK with given the miles I've put in, but would rather see gone. The Peregrine is one cool-looking shoe, though, with a fantastic tread and many positive features.  I'll do a review on that shoe soon in advance of the new Peregrine 2 due out early 2012.  

A rugged outsole and integrated rock plate

The Altra Lone Peak is heavier than the Merrell Trail Glove, and about the same as the Saucony Peregrine.  However, with a level platform, cushioning somewhere between the Saucony (which has a lot) and Merrell (which has essentially none), and a roomy, anatomical last. my guess is that these could become an go-to all conditions trail shoe for short and fast runs all the way up to 50k and beyond for me.  The thin midsole and low ride height should offer great on-trail stability, while the cushioning and insole options should provide relief from very aggressive trails and long days on my feet.

Time will tell.  I understand that I may have a test pair coming from Altra, so as soon as I get some miles under them I will be back with a full-blown review and in-hand photos. I suspect they could be a great winter natural running shoe, with enough room for warm socks, enough tread for snowy trails, so they should get a good workout in Michigan in the next few months.