Altra Lone Peak 8: The Best Thru-Hiking Trail Runner

For years, there has been a strong debate about what is the best hiking footwear. Whilst traditionalists swear by hiking boots as the best option, many people have switched to trail running shoes thanks to the lighter weight and cushioning. And this becomes especially important when trekking on thru-hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail (AT), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or Continental Divide Trail (CDT). There is one legendary trail running shoe that is the unofficial best thru-hiking shoe…. introducing the Altra Lone Peak Series. I picked up the Altra Lone Peak 8 this summer and have been testing it on hikes and trail runs around Vancouver. Check out a technical overview, the strengths, weaknesses and kit rating in this review.

Altra Lone Peak 8: Introduction

Quick Overview

The Altra Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe are the 8th generation of the popular Lone Peak line. It’s Altra’s original shoe and has been popular throughout its longevity! What makes this shoe stand out from the crowd is that the neutral zero-drop design gives a natural feel for the trail. Then combined with a roomy, wide toe box, flexible ride and good protection, the Lone Peak 8 is a comfortable and versatile shoe. Altra built this shoe with a ripstop upper mesh for durability and the tried and tested MaxTrac™ outsole for a sticky underfoot grip. No wonder this shoe is so popular with hikers on long-distance backpacking treks as well as trail runners. The protection, feel, and comfort with a great grip mean it’s a reliable shoe over varied terrain.

The Lone Peak 8 has now been replaced by the Altra Lone Peak 9 shoes, meaning a great deal can be found! These were originally very similar in design; however, Altra released a Vibram version of the Lone Peak 9s, which means these great shoes have evolved further! The LP9s have a stone guard added to the midsole to help protect against penetrating rocks. Overall, there have been minor improvements from the Lone Peak 8 to 9 in the midsole, traction, heels, tongues, and general durability of materials. The Lone Peak series isn’t for everyone, but it allows the feet to move more naturally by promoting mid-foot running instead of heel striking. This concept will strengthen the ankles, knees, hips and lower back and lower injury risk.

Altra Lone Peak 8: Key Stats

• Weight: 10.7 oz / 303 g (men), 9.1 oz / 259 g (women)
• Price: £110 / $140
• Drop: 0mm
• Cushioning: Medium
• Stack Height: 25mm /25mm

Key Features

• Drop – A key feature is the 0mm drop from heel to forefoot, giving the Lone Peak 8 that distinctive natural feel and close-to-trail experience.
• Stack Height – With a 25mm stack height at the front and rear, this shoe has less cushioning than most hiking shoes or road runners but offers more stability on uneven terrain.
• Upper Mesh – Altra updated the ripstop mesh for added durability, which offers great breathability. Plus, it has a front toe bumper for more protection against rocks and roots.
• MaxTrac Outsole – Altra’s MaxTrac™ provides the ideal combination of grip, traction, and durability on all types of terrain. The iconic Trailclaw canted lugs are strategically designed under the metatarsals for extra traction. The multidirectional chevron lugs are around 3mm, so it’s better for dry or moderately damp conditions over heavy mud, snow or wet rocks.
• EGO Midsole Foam – The Lone Peak 8 use a firmer midsole and moderate cushioning to balance protection and that natural feel Altra aim for. There is good protection from sharp rocks and roots, but it doesn’t offer Hoka or hiking shoes’ levels of comfort. The Innerflex technology is a grid-like grooving that provides flexibility and movement for the shoe when on varied terrains and adds responsiveness and comfort.
• Fit – The Altra Lone Peak 8s are true to size and feature a wider fit. This is a reason for their popularity, but it’s always worth trying them on before buying! The toe box is very spacious, as seen in the photos, and has good midfoot lockdown and support around the ankle.
• Features – There is a Hook-and-loop tab that allows a strapless gaiter to easily attach to the shoe. This adds further protection against rocks and debris entering the shoe. Plus, there are overlays for the upper structure.

My Altra Lone Peak 8 Experience

Since picking up the Lone Peak 8s, I have been very impressed. They replaced my Nike Pegasus Gore-Tex Trail Runners (wouldn’t recommend), so I was immediately happy with the upgrade. I was tempted by the expensive Norda 002 as I wanted a shoe to run and hike in, but for half the price, they were too good to pass up. At first, it took a few weeks to adjust my feet to the zero-drop. But once on the trails, they came to life with great confidence underfoot and all-day comfort. In particular, the MaxTrac grip was fantastic on loose rocks, over roots and dirt trails when running and hiking. They coped fairly well on snow and mud, but are definitely not waterproof! The midsole is responsive, and there is great midfoot lockdown for that barefoot style running.

For me, they were an ideal hiking rotation shoe to stop wearing out my La Sportiva TX4s or Scarpa Mescalito Planet approach shoes. The Lone Peaks are great for summer hiking, where the routes aren’t too technical and the approach shoes or hiking boots aren’t required. They also did a great job on a short backpacking trip carrying my Osprey Atmos 50 backpack, so I agree they are suited to long-distance thru-hikes. On trail runs, I’ve used them up to around 15km with over 500m of climbing over varied terrain and been pleased with the comfort and feel so far. I would say they are a great entry shoe in trail running and zero-drop builds. The Altra Lone Peak 8s are a fantastic shoe for both trail running and hiking, which means you don’t need to buy 2 separate pairs.

Altra Lone Peak 8: Strengths

1. Natural Feel & Stability – The zero drop and relatively low stack height mean you feel connected to the trail and ground. This is a more natural foot movement than highly cushioned shoes, which helps choose the optimal route. This combination means the LP8s have great stability to stay planted and minimise the risk of rolling. This is helped by the secure midfoot lockdown as well.
2. Wide Toe Box & Comfort – One of the signature strengths of the Lone Peak series is the roomy toe box. This is ideal for people with wider feet and allows the toes to spread. There are fewer pressure points, which adds to the all-day comfort on the trail. The good flexibility gives that fantastic ground feel.
3. Traction – The Altras excel over rough terrain and mixed surfaces with good confidence on steep rock and descent on slippery surfaces. The trademark MaxTrac outer sole with the claw-like lugs gives multidirectional grip on mud, dirt and rocks. After several hundred kilometres, there are some early signs of wear on the lugs from scraps with sharp rocks.
4. Versatility – This shoe is very versatile for both trail running and hiking. The LP8s are perfect for easy to medium hikes due to their lightweight construction, great traction and comfortable midsoles. No wonder they are popular with thru-hikers, trekkers and backpackers wanting a versatile trail runner for long-distance trails.
5. Lightweight – Compared to most hiking shoes and boots, trail runners are lighter and more agile when hiking. These are not ultralight for races, but don’t hold you back on trail runs or on easy scrambles.
6. Breathability & Quick Dry – The improved engineered upper mesh provides great breathability. These trail runners are not waterproof, but they dry remarkably quickly. When I’ve gone through puddles, streams or out in the rain, they dry out quickly thanks to the upper mesh.
7. Protection – The ripstop upper mesh in version 8 is more durable and protective compared to the previous one. There is a wide front toe bumper that protects against rocks or roots effectively. The ankle and heel lockdown is good and has sufficient support.

Altra Lone Peak 8: Weaknesses

1. Outsole Durability – The MaxTrac rubber outsole seems to wear down faster than premium rubber compounds such as Vibram. It explains why the Lone Peak 9s have a Vibram option to solve this problem. The rest of the shoe has hard-wearing materials, so the outer sole would be the limiting factor for the life of the shoe (instead of the upper mesh or cushioning).
2. Break-in for feet adaptation – If you’re used to shoes with heel-to-toe drop or generally more cushioning, then switching to a zero-drop shoe with a low stack height requires some getting used to. It’s best to break the shoes in with easy short walks on smooth, even surfaces before hitting the trails where the Lone Peak truly performs to allow the calves, achilles and feet time to strengthen.
3. Limited traction in difficult conditions – The MaxTrac lug pattern and rubber are great on drier surfaces and generally over most mixed terrains. However, when dealing with slippery rocks or muddy conditions, the outer sole is not as effective as more aggressive trail runners with deeper lugs (such as Salomon Speedcross). Over winter or in icy/snowy conditions, I would look for a different trail runner compared to the LP8s.
4. Limited Cushioning – Whilst one of the key selling points is a low height stack design, some people would prefer the extra comfort, especially if backpacking with much heavier backpacks. Most Thru-hikers pack extremely lightweight and minimally, which suits the good cushioning and support of the Lone Peak 8. However, for serious treks with large 50L+ backpacks on technical terrain, an approach shoe or hiking boot might be better to avoid fatigue on the feet.

Comparisons & Alternatives

Altra Lone Peak 8: Rating

Final Thoughts

The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a versatile, zero-drop trail running and hiking shoe that builds on the line’s signature natural feel and roomy comfort. With a balanced 25 mm stack height, spacious toe box, and updated recycled ripstop mesh upper, it offers a blend of ground connection, protection, and durability. The MaxTrac outsole delivers reliable traction across mixed terrain, and the EGOFoam midsole provides great call day comfort on the trail. It is ideal for runners and hikers seeking a natural stride, long-day comfort, and do-it-all trail versatility. The Lone Peak 8 continues Altra’s legacy as a go-to shoe for those who prefer freedom, balance, and a connected feel on the trail.