When looking for gear for a long-distance hike finding the best trail shoes for thru-hiking is an important first step. Since the entire thru-hike will be done on shoes they will take the brunt of the damage done and also help absorb that and direct it away from your legs and muscles.
The Lone Peak 4 is a fresh take on Altra’s original trail shoe with several significant updates. The new upper includes the same integrated tongue as the previous version but now with static webbing for better cinching ability, a flexible strap overlay for a roomier forefoot fit and a sandpaper textured toe cap.
In addition, breathability has been improved by way of draining mesh in the heel and forefoot and the decoupled nature of the TrailClaw, as well as multi-directional, carved lugs for improves traction and reduced weight.
Altra
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Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Review
Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this Altra Lone Peak 4.0 review:
- First, we’ll share the features and benefits that you’ll find useful
- Next, we’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about
- Then, we’ll tell you a bit about the Altra company
- And finally, we’ll provide a sampling of the actual customer and Independent reviews to give you better insight into the product.
Sound good? Let’s get started!
Features and Benefits of the Altra Lone Peak 4.0
- Large Toe Box allows your toes to relax and spread out naturally for more comfort and stability in uphill climbs and downhill descents.
- Places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your trail run.
- The energy-return compound sits directly under the foot to reduce ground impact and add a spring to each step.
- Hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris from building up beneath the shoe.
- Canted lugs positioned strategically beneath the metatarsals to provide traction at toe-off
- A perfect combination of grip, traction, and durability that will eat up gnarly terrain like a boss
- Sandwiched between the A-Bound and EVA midsole, the StoneGuard offers flexible protection from rugged terrain by deflecting rocks into the midsole for a smooth, stable ride
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Special Features (Pros) of the Altra Lone Peak 4.0
Very Comfortable – Able to take from the store right into a long (7+ day) hike without any side effects due to not being broken in.
Works Well With Flat Feet – Very comfortable for people who have flat feet where normal shoes cause pains.
Very Roomie Toe Box – The toe box was built to give toes full freedom in their movement without constriction leading to fewer blisters and issues.
Drawbacks (Cons) for the Altra Lone Peak 4.0
Laces And Eyelets – Concerns with the laces being thin and that the eyelets don’t go far enough into the toe box on the shoe.
Toe Separation – Appears that some people have issues with the front of the toe box separating, though this looks to be by people who drag the front of their feet on the ground or bang toes into objects a lot.
Video: Altra Lone Peak 4.0
About the Altra Company
Altra Running, commonly known as Altra, is an American company engaged in the design, development, marketing, and sales of road running, trail running, and general footwear. Altra has been ranked in the top 10 brands in “run specialty” and number 4 for trail running.
Golden Harper chose the name “Altra” based on the Latin word “altera”, which means “to fix or mend something that is broken.”
Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Reviews
Looking at the features and benefits is great, but taking a look at what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers a deeper dive of insight. Here we’ve curated reviews that reflect the Altra Lone Peak 4.0, providing feedback from product users and reviewers on independent review sites as well as on Amazon.
Independent Reviews and Recommendations
Outdoor Gear Lab
The Lone Peak 4 is a nicely cushioned shoe that features Altra’s zero-drop platform. It has a significant 25mm of EVA foam cushioning underfoot that gives it a springy and responsive ride but maintains a healthy amount of sensitivity and trail feel.
Read More…
Running Shoes Guru
I wore the Altra Lone Peak 4.0s straight out of the box and into a 50k race, and they performed brilliantly! Subsequent runs since race day have done nothing but confirm that this is a solid trail shoe that will definitely remain in my rotation going forward.
Read More…
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What Amazon Customers Have to Say About Altra Lone Peak 4.0
I bought these for my son, he has extremely flat feet. He said this is the first time in his life that he was able to take shoes out of the box and be 100% happy and comfortable.
Seems like the lone peak and superior had a baby. Really comfortable shoe. I was a size 10 in lone peak 3.0 and a size 11 in 3.5’s. These fit great as a size 10. Has that Altra roomy toe box, and seem like an upgraded 3.0 and not a weird foamy slipper like the 3.5.
Putting 12 miles on the 4.0’s on a hilly trail run today, these were confidence inspiring, probably more so than the 3.5’s. But I did feel the trail more and my right foot was a little sore after 9 miles. I think the trade off was worth it.
Bottom Line
The Altra Lone Peak 4 is one of the favorites of most thru-hikers currently, it has a quality fit and can last a very long time on the trail when treated right. When you are looking for a good shoe which can help you take care of your feet there aren’t more that are trusted more.
These are the shoes I trust for my hikes and I hope they are still in production and available come my thru-hike in 2020. I have thought about buying 2-3 pairs to ensure I have some on hand in case they retire the shoe on me!
