Altra Lone Peak 9 Review + Comparison to LP7 and LP8
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The Altra Lone Peak 9 has officially hit the market, and as an avid hiker, I was eager to put them to the test. The Lone Peak series has been my trusted companion on countless hikes. Having logged serious miles in the Lone Peak 7 and Lone Peak 8, I was curious to see how the Lone Peak 9 stacks up. Is the Altra Lone Peak 9 worth the upgrade, or should you stick with the tried-and-true Lone Peak 7 or 8? In this post, I’ll share my honest take after testing them on some challenging trails and compare the specs side by side to help you decide which model deserves a spot on your next hiking adventure.
Why the Altra Lone Peak Series is a Hiker’s Favorite
I started my journey with the Altra Lone Peak 7, and from the very first hike, I knew I was a lifer. These shoes felt much lighter than my previous bulky hiking boots, giving me freedom on the trail. I could hike for endless miles without experiencing blisters or foot discomfort, a game-changer for someone who spends hours outdoors.
What makes the Lone Peak series ideal for hiking is its unmatched combination of comfort, durability, and traction. The wide toe box allows my feet to splay naturally, the zero-drop platform encourages a more balanced stride, and the grippy outsole confidently handles all kinds of terrain.
After using both the Lone Peak 7 and Lone Peak 8, I’ve realized that I slightly prefer the Lone Peak 7. As I explained in my comparison review of these two models, I sometimes experience mild irritation on my outer left big toe with the Lone Peak 8, a quirk I’ve never encountered with the 7. That preference even led me to snag another pair of Lone Peak 7s when they were 40% off!
Now, I’ve just received the Lone Peak 9, and I’m super excited to hit the trails with them. I can’t wait to see how they perform and whether they’ll take the top spot in my Lone Peak lineup!
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Altra Lone Peak 9 Review
Unboxing my Altra Lone Peak 9 felt like Christmas morning! There’s always something exciting about exploring the updates in a fresh pair of hiking shoes. The Lone Peak 9 immediately impressed me with its sleek, modern design, a clear visual upgrade from the Lone Peak 7 and 8.
A few standout features caught my eye: a newly added hook at the top for gaiter attachment enhances practicality, the redesigned toe box offers improved protection on the outer edge, the outsole boasts an upgrade for better traction, and the tongue is now seamlessly connected to the inner upper for a more secure fit.
The outsole also received visible changes, including a gap at the heel and what seems to be an improved MaxTrac outsole, engineered for enhanced grip and durability.
Altra’s signature FootShape fit is still a highlight. Its roomy toe box promotes natural movement and comfort, even on long hikes.
The new Stoneguard insert is a bonus, providing flexible underfoot protection from debris and rocky trails.
The Lone Peak 9 perfectly balances comfort and ground connection with its responsive Altra EGO midsole foam.
The Altra Lone Peak 9 features a new design element not found in previous models I owned: the tongue is connected to the inner upper of the shoe, providing a secure and seamless fit.
These updates clearly show that the Lone Peak 9 is built to handle tough terrain while keeping hikers comfortable, protected, and supported. I can’t wait to take these out on the trail!
Altra LP9 Comfort & Specs
- Best For: Trail running, hiking, thru-hiking
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Upper: 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper
- Midsole: Altra EGO™
- Outsole: MaxTrac™
- Weight: 9.3 oz / 263.65 g
- Cushion: Mid
- Stack Height: 25mm / 25mm
- Support: Neutral
- FootShape: Original
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape fit
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape fit
Altra Lone Peak 9 Hiking Experience
Day 1 (January 10, 2025):
I wore my LP9 for about eight hours during a 6.5-hour drive from San Diego to Yosemite, with minimal walking. Unfortunately, I chose to take them off to avoid developing a proper blister. This was very unexpected, as I never had such issues with my Lone Peak 7 or Lone Peak 8, both of which I wore straight out of the box for long hiking adventures. My original plan was to use the LP9 for my Half Dome hike, but given the irritation and risk of blisters, I chose to wear my Lone Peak 7s instead and had zero foot issues.
Day 2 (January 15, 2025):
I wore my Lone Peak 9 during a 3-mile walk to the beach. Initially, everything seemed fine, but after just 1.5 miles, I developed a blister on the crease of my left heel. By the time I got home, the skin had peeled off, and a blister had also developed on my right heel crease. Moving forward, I’ll rely on trusty Compeeds to protect my heels until I can trust these shoes not to cause blisters.
Day 3 (January 19, 2025):
Amazon delivered my Compeeds this morning, so I applied them to both heels and headed out for a 5-mile hike in my Lone Peak 9. I’m happy to report that there was no new irritation to my heels, and I stayed comfortable throughout the hike. The Lone Peak 9s feel more cushioned and bouncy than the Lone Peak 7s and 8s.
That said, because the skin on my left heel tore off from a blister four days ago, I still experience slight heel pain when walking in the LP9s. Once that fully heals, I’m confident they’ll be much more comfortable. For now, I’ll continue wearing them with Compeeds to protect my heels and prevent further skin damage.
Unlike my experience with the Lone Peak 7s and Lone Peak 8s, the LP9 seems to require some breaking in, at least for me. This is something to keep in mind if you’re considering the Lone Peak 9s for a PCT thru-hike or any extended hiking adventure. Breaking them in beforehand could save you from unnecessary discomfort.
Days 4-6 (January 24-26, 2025):
I wore my new Altra Lone Peak 9s for three consecutive days in Death Valley National Park, and they performed flawlessly. I hiked multiple times each day and kept them on for over 12 hours daily without any issues. To be cautious, I used Compeeds, and everything was perfectly comfortable throughout.
Hiking the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in my Altra Lone Peak 9 with Altra Trail Gaiters was a total game-changer. The soft sand was relentless, but my shoes handled it easily, and the Trail Gaiters? Zero sand in my shoes. Not a single grain. Climbing the dunes felt effortless with the grippy traction of the LP9, and I never had to stop to shake out the sand. By the time I got back to the car, my feet were still completely clean, proof that gaiters are a must for desert hikes. Highly recommended! Check out this video for the beautiful views from the dunes!
Altra Lone Peak Gaiters
- Keep feet debris-free during hikes and runs
- Available in two sizes
- Multiple colors available
Altra Lone Peak 9 Pros and Cons
The Altra Lone Peak 9 offers impressive upgrades, including a roomy toe box, improved cushioning, durable design, and excellent traction with the updated MaxTrac outsole. While it’s lightweight and gaiter-ready, the higher heel collar design may irritate the heel crease and lead to blistering if you have sensitive skin.
Pros
- Improved Cushioning
- improved toe box protection
- Durable Design
- Lightweight Feel
- Reliable Traction
- Gaiters-ready with velcro and hook
Cons
- The higher heel collar design irritated my heel crease and gave me blisters
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape fit
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape fit
Comparing Altra Lone Peak 9 to previous Altra Lone Peak models
Here I’ll be comparing the Altra Lone Peak 9 to my Lone Peak 8 (purchased in March 2024) and to my second pair of Altra Lone Peak 7.
The table below compares the specs of Altra Lone Peak 7 versus Lone Peak 8 versus Lone Peak 9:
| Altra Lone Peak 7 | Altra Lone Peak 8 | Altra Lone Peak 9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 9.2 oz / 261 g | 9.16 oz / 259 g | 9.3 oz / 263.65 g |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ | Altra EGO™ | Altra EGO™ |
| Outsole | MaxTrac™ | MaxTrac™ | MaxTrac™ |
| Cushion | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| Stack Height | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25mm / 25mm |
| Drop | 0 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm |
| Upper | Quick-Dry Air Mesh | Ripstop mesh | 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper |
| Velcro attachment for trail gaiters | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hook for trail gaiters | No | No | Yes |
Altra Lone Peak 9 vs. Lone Peak 8
Check out my review of the Altra Lone Peak 8 here!
The Lone Peak 9 builds upon the strengths of the Lone Peak 8, keeping Altra’s signature FootShape fit and zero-drop design, while introducing key refinements in cushioning, durability, and performance.
Key Differences
✅ Cushioning & Midsole
- The LP9 features an updated Altra EGO midsole, delivering noticeably more cushioning and responsiveness than the LP8.
- If you’re looking for a softer, bouncier hike or run, the LP9 is a solid improvement over the firmer LP8.
✅ Outsole & Grip
- The LP9’s MaxTrac outsole has been tweaked for better traction and durability, offering improved grip on loose, rocky terrain.
- The LP8’s traction was and is still solid, but the LP9 is meant to wear down slower than LP8.
✅ Weight & Upper Design
- The LP9 is slightly lighter than the LP8, thanks to a streamlined upper that reduces unnecessary bulk.
- However, the LP8’s denser mesh upper might offer better durability in rugged environments.
✅ Breathability & Water Drainage
- The LP9’s new mesh upper improves breathability and quick-drying, making it great for hot-weather hikes and wet conditions.
- The LP8’s tighter-knit upper might feel a bit warmer but offers a bit more protection.
✅ Toe Box & Fit
- The LP9 maintains Altra’s FootShape design, but in my experience, it actually feels roomier than the LP8, despite being the same size (10.5).
- In photos where my feet are in the shoes, the LP9 looks slightly bigger on my foot, confirming that it offers more space overall, at least for my foot shape. I don’t have particularly wide feet, so this could explain why it feels more spacious rather than snug.
✅ Heel & Lockdown
- A notable downside of the LP9: heel irritation. The redesigned heel collar can cause blisters or slippage initially, whereas the LP8 has a softer, more forgiving heel cup.
- While the LP9 should break in over time, out of the box, the LP8 felt immediately more comfortable in this area.
✅ Gaiter Hook Addition
- A small but useful upgrade: the LP9 now includes a built-in gaiter hook, making it easier to attach gaiters and keep debris out.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you prioritize cushioning, durability, and better traction, the Lone Peak 9 is a worthy upgrade.
- If you prefer a roomier fit, a more comfortable heel, or a shoe that feels great right out of the box, the Lone Peak 8 might still be the better option.
Overall, despite the initial heel irritation, I expect the LP9 to break in nicely and eventually become my go-to over the LP8!
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8
NOW ON SALE
- Cushioned with wide toe box
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Medium and wide widths are available
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 8
NOW ON SALE
- Cushioned with wide toe box
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Medium and wide widths are available
Altra Lone Peak 9 vs. Lone Peak 7
Check out my review of the Altra Lone Peak 7 here!
The Lone Peak 9 makes several key improvements over the Lone Peak 7, but both shoes stay true to Altra’s signature wide toe box and 0mm drop, promoting natural foot movement.
Key Differences
✅ Cushioning & Midsole
- The LP9 features an upgraded Altra EGO midsole, making it noticeably more cushioned and responsive than the LP7.
- Walking in the LP9 feels softer and more comfortable, whereas the LP7 has a firmer underfoot feel, which some hikers may prefer for better ground feedback.
✅ Outsole & Grip
- The LP9’s MaxTrac outsole has been redesigned for better durability and grip, making it a great choice for rough terrain.
- While the LP7’s outsole performed well, the LP9 feels more secure on loose or rocky trails.
✅ Protection & Stability
- The LP9 adds a removable StoneGuard insert, which provides better protection against sharp rocks and debris, something not found in the LP7.
- If you like a closer-to-the-ground feel, the LP7’s simpler design might still be preferable.
✅ Fit & Comfort
- The LP9 includes a gaiter hook, making it easier to attach gaiters, whereas the LP7 lacks this feature.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go for the Lone Peak 9 if…
- You want more cushioning and a softer, more responsive feel underfoot.
- You hike on rocky terrain and want better grip and added protection from the StoneGuard insert.
- You use gaiters and want the convenience of a built-in gaiter hook.
- You don’t mind a break-in period before getting the full comfort experience.
- Stick with the Lone Peak 7 if…
- You prefer a firmer, more minimal feel with more ground feedback.
- You want out-of-the-box comfort with little to no break-in time.
- You’re happy with a shoe that still performs well on a variety of trails.
While I currently prefer my Lone Peak 7 for longer hikes, I believe that once I break in the LP9, it will become my go-to shoe thanks to its extra cushioning and improved durability. If you don’t mind a little patience with the break-in phase, the Lone Peak 9 is a worthy upgrade—but if you want a shoe that’s comfortable from day one, the LP7 still holds up as a great choice.
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 7
NOW ON SALE
- Cushioned with wide toe box
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Medium and wide widths are available
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 7
NOW ON SALE
- Cushioned with wide toe box
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Medium and wide widths are available
Final Verdict on the new Altra Lone Peak 9
Should You Upgrade from Lone Peak 7 or 8 to 9?
The Lone Peak 9 brings plenty of upgrades, the gaiter hook is a thoughtful addition, the colors are vibrant, and the increased cushioning and bounce make each step feel great. The StoneGuard insert adds extra protection, and the updated outsole enhances grip and durability compared to the Lone Peak 7 and 8.
However, the break-in period has been a challenge for me, particularly with heel irritation during my first few wears. Because of this, the Lone Peak 7 still holds the top spot for comfort right out of the box. That said, I plan to keep breaking in the LP9, and I’m optimistic that once the irritation resolves, it will become my go-to hiking shoe.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable hiking shoe with improved comfort and traction, the Lone Peak 9 is a solid upgrade. Just be prepared for a short adjustment period before they reach peak comfort.
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail running | Hiking | Thru-hiking
- Updated midsole foam
- Refined ripstop mesh uppers
- Added protection from rocks & debris
- Original FootShape™ fit
Let’s Hit the Trail Together
I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve hiked with any of the Altra Lone Peak models, whether it’s the latest Lone Peak 9, the Lone Peak 8, or even an older version, share your experiences in the comments. What trails have they taken you on? How have they performed for your hiking adventures? Let me know if you have any questions about the Lone Peak series or suggestions for other trail-tested gear you’d like me to review. Your insights and ideas help keep this community of hikers informed and inspired!
Post originally published on January 15, 2025, and last updated on February 27, 2025.
