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Altra Lone Peak 3.0
Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Review Facts
The Altra Lone Peak is a neutral trail running shoe ideal for an adventurous trail such as a mountain marathon. It was designed for rugged terrain. The shoe features a zero drop with the perfect amount of cushioning.The TrailClaw lugs do an admirable job of handling technical trail conditions.
The TrailClaw outsole combines downhill and uphill traction for any trail. Altra aims to ensure confidence and provide comfort with the shoe. Avid trail runners will be impressed. Terrain and weather in nature are unpredictable. The 3.0 model of the Altra Lone Peak is a solution for both.
While running through inclement weather, streams, puddles, and mud the NeoShell lining will keep feet dry and warm. It creates a weather resistant barrier between the feet and nature. Sandwiched StoneGuard protects from debris and rocks. Like other Altra shoes, the Lone Peak 3.0 has fully cushioned Zero Drop and a FootShape toe box. They put the foot in a natural position that provides proper form and added stability.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
- Altra’s MaxTrac rubber compound used in TrailClaw lugs
- Fit4Her system that accommodates the female foot
- Roomy toe box
- Well-cushioned
Cons
- Narrower fit than past models
- Quick-Dry Air Mesh is a less flexible version of the shoe
- Wide toe box and high profile outsole produce slower turnover
Outsole
The Altra Lone Peak is a comfortable base for trail adventures on any terrain. It has a new outsole designed with MaxTrac Sticky Rubber technology that offers a better grip than previous models. Rubber compounds are molded into aggressive lugs that provide a level of impressive stick that make a difference in the success of a race or trail run.
The combination of two different rubbers creates an interesting overall feel. In theory, the outsole is supposed to conform to the running surface if needed. Some users found the terrain wrapping ability instead of cushioning lead to foot fatigue.
The combination of two different rubbers creates an interesting overall feel. In theory, the outsole is supposed to conform to the running surface if needed. Some users found the terrain wrapping ability instead of cushioning lead to foot fatigue.
Midsole
The midsole area did not undergo many changes. Like previous models, the Lone Peak 3.0 midsole consists of a combined tough A-Bound layer, a stone rock plate, and lightweight EVA foam between the insole and outsole areas of the shoe.
It is a relatively lightweight combination that offers excellent overall cushioning and adequate protection from the impact that occurs on long runs. Users have said they would prefer more cushioning around the rock plate area. The A-Bound layer is made from recycled materials that compress two to three times less than traditional foam. It alleviates some rigidity and makes the shoe more durable.
It is a relatively lightweight combination that offers excellent overall cushioning and adequate protection from the impact that occurs on long runs. Users have said they would prefer more cushioning around the rock plate area. The A-Bound layer is made from recycled materials that compress two to three times less than traditional foam. It alleviates some rigidity and makes the shoe more durable.
Upper
Most of the changes in this shoe occurred in the upper. The change may not have been for the better. On the plus side, the shoes feature a combination of a plastic overlay material and a reinforced nylon mesh that increases the overall snug fit. The amount of play is reduced which helps when running on hilly terrain.
A stitched wrap encompasses the heel. It wraps around a large portion of the midfoot area. The wrap adds additional protection to the area of the toe. The stitch wrapping creates somewhat of a problem, especially when running in inclement weather or dealing with high perspiration amounts.
A stitched wrap encompasses the heel. It wraps around a large portion of the midfoot area. The wrap adds additional protection to the area of the toe. The stitch wrapping creates somewhat of a problem, especially when running in inclement weather or dealing with high perspiration amounts.
Weight
With all the cushioning found in the Altra Lone Peak, the shoe still falls in the median weight range of trail shoes. The shoe does not lend itself to agility and speed like that of minimalist shoes, nor is it a heavy clunker that is only suitable for bouldering and hiking.
It is a middle of the road shoe that finds its niche in the confidence of step and consistency. The stack height has been reduced from 25mm to 20mm. Less material is used in the upper of the shoe. The women’s shoe weighs approximately eight ounces. Men’s shoes weigh about 9.7 ounces.
It is a middle of the road shoe that finds its niche in the confidence of step and consistency. The stack height has been reduced from 25mm to 20mm. Less material is used in the upper of the shoe. The women’s shoe weighs approximately eight ounces. Men’s shoes weigh about 9.7 ounces.
Breathability
Without air to circulate the foot, a runner will slow down. The Quick-Dry Mesh of the Lone Peak 3.0 aims to keep feet cool. It is slightly stiffer than previous models for durability purposes. The Quick-Dry Mesh should be perfect in most conditions.
A good part of the upper has a stitch wrapped covering that provides extra protection but may inhibit drainage on wet trails and hamper control of temperature in warm weather. Users have reported less than a stellar time required to dry. The overall ventilation and breathability leave something to be desired.
A good part of the upper has a stitch wrapped covering that provides extra protection but may inhibit drainage on wet trails and hamper control of temperature in warm weather. Users have reported less than a stellar time required to dry. The overall ventilation and breathability leave something to be desired.
Comfort
The comfort of the Altra Lone Peak depends somewhat on the person’s foot size, shape, and running style. A zero drop feature increases the overall stability. Most people find the shoe runs true to size. There is little wiggle or playroom.
People with narrow feet find the shoe to be a bit sloppy and did have wiggle room, especially in the heel area. The lacing system features eyelets on the top of the shoe rather than the side. Often, a little too much pressure is placed on the toe area. People with average or wide feet find the roomy shoe volume and gusseted tongue comfortable.
People with narrow feet find the shoe to be a bit sloppy and did have wiggle room, especially in the heel area. The lacing system features eyelets on the top of the shoe rather than the side. Often, a little too much pressure is placed on the toe area. People with average or wide feet find the roomy shoe volume and gusseted tongue comfortable.
Style
Some styles and colors meet individual tastes. The zero drop tolerance and low profile heel lend into nearly any casual environment. The shoes transition easily from urban sidewalks to backyard trails with little effort.
A common theme among runners seems to be bright shoes make fast runners. Some claim the shoe falls short on design, but the different combinations and colors please most runners. Four color schemes are available for each gender. Men’s are available in orange, blue, black/yellow, and black/red. Women’s choices include purple, blue, red/deep sea, and pink/orange.
A common theme among runners seems to be bright shoes make fast runners. Some claim the shoe falls short on design, but the different combinations and colors please most runners. Four color schemes are available for each gender. Men’s are available in orange, blue, black/yellow, and black/red. Women’s choices include purple, blue, red/deep sea, and pink/orange.
Durability
The upper material is an upgrade from the less than ideal mesh of previous models. It has proven to be a little less flexible. The shoes require slightly more break-in time. They are considerably more durable.
Wearers have reported running anywhere from 200 to 500 miles in a pair of these shoes. The upgrade is an improvement over past versions and compares similarly to other trail shoes. A few problems remain when it comes to longevity and toughness. The toe area and forefoot crease and show signs of wear and tear. Moderate use causes the outsole to shear off over rough terrain.
Wearers have reported running anywhere from 200 to 500 miles in a pair of these shoes. The upgrade is an improvement over past versions and compares similarly to other trail shoes. A few problems remain when it comes to longevity and toughness. The toe area and forefoot crease and show signs of wear and tear. Moderate use causes the outsole to shear off over rough terrain.
Protection
Overall, the trail running shoe rates high in protection. Dirt, grime, and sand that cause severe abrasion can be easily washed away. A gusseted tongue makes it difficult for small particles to get inside the shoe. Ample cushioning and a snug fit make side rolls difficult and the shoe generally more stable.
Protection from odor and wetness needs some improvement. There is little ventilation in the upper portion, and the outsole does not let perspiration out very well. The shoe materials absorb water and make the shoes heavier than they need to be
Protection from odor and wetness needs some improvement. There is little ventilation in the upper portion, and the outsole does not let perspiration out very well. The shoe materials absorb water and make the shoes heavier than they need to be
Responsiveness
The combination of good cushioning and the zero drop make the shoe reasonably responsive. Turning rapidly and slowing down as needed can be done quickly due to the tread of the shoes. Such movement is necessary for urban environments where sidewalks and pavement make up the majority of the ground surface.
It is easy to feel the ground beneath the fee and adjust accordingly on trails that are not too treacherous. The embedded rock plate does not hamper ground feel. Upgraded lugs provide grip that keeps the runner secure on off-camber single tracks and allows uphill push to negotiate the drop safely.
It is easy to feel the ground beneath the fee and adjust accordingly on trails that are not too treacherous. The embedded rock plate does not hamper ground feel. Upgraded lugs provide grip that keeps the runner secure on off-camber single tracks and allows uphill push to negotiate the drop safely.
Support
The material between the ground and the shoe is a consistent stack height of 20 mm front to back. The amount of cushioning is considered moderate. To achieve a level of support the sole is a combination of an asymmetrical lacing pattern and anew heel system factor into the shoe’s stability.
The foot is positioned to help eliminate the sloppy feel previous versions had. These trail running shoes feature a zero heel to toe drop and neutral arch support. The midsole provides a surprising amount of support.
The foot is positioned to help eliminate the sloppy feel previous versions had. These trail running shoes feature a zero heel to toe drop and neutral arch support. The midsole provides a surprising amount of support.
Terrain
The shoes were designed for many different environments. They are somewhat limited. For well-maintained or paved trails the shoes are beneficial. Other options may be better for mud or rougher terrain.
The Sandwiched StoneGuard Rock Protection buffers debris and sharp rocks. The wide toe box introduces concerns about feeling the foot placement at any given moment. Confidence in the stability over terrain that is uneven is reduced. A gaiter loop allows for seamless gaiter gear addition that offers more protection and allows for more adventurous experiences.
The Sandwiched StoneGuard Rock Protection buffers debris and sharp rocks. The wide toe box introduces concerns about feeling the foot placement at any given moment. Confidence in the stability over terrain that is uneven is reduced. A gaiter loop allows for seamless gaiter gear addition that offers more protection and allows for more adventurous experiences.
Price
The price of the Lone Peak 3.0 varies from retailer to retailer. The cost keeps within the current market value when compared to similar shoes. Amazon prices men’s shoes between $81 and $150. Women’s have a price tag of approximately $95.
Those costs are considered to be in the moderate price range. While the shoe has some issues, few customers complained about the price. Most feel the shoe sells for a reasonable price. The cost is similar to other Altra sneakers.
Those costs are considered to be in the moderate price range. While the shoe has some issues, few customers complained about the price. Most feel the shoe sells for a reasonable price. The cost is similar to other Altra sneakers.
Traction
The tread of the Altra Lone Peak has proven to be a distraction and an asset to runners’ enjoyment. The Trail Claw pattern features a combination of multi-directional triangular lugs and pentagon shaped lugs that are meant to provide superior grip in all directions of travel.
Under perfect conditions like dry, well-maintained trails the treads deliver on the promise of superior traction and excellent grip. The shoes are a disappointment when conditions are less than ideal. The tread is relatively shallow. Debris and mud easily fill in the depressed areas and troughs. Traction under those conditions is nearly nonexistent. Under wet conditions, there is little grip provided.
Under perfect conditions like dry, well-maintained trails the treads deliver on the promise of superior traction and excellent grip. The shoes are a disappointment when conditions are less than ideal. The tread is relatively shallow. Debris and mud easily fill in the depressed areas and troughs. Traction under those conditions is nearly nonexistent. Under wet conditions, there is little grip provided.
Flexibility
The thick sole of the Altra running shoe provides a fair amount of stiffness and stability which decreases the overall flexibility. There is a moderate amount of flexibility. The shoe allows natural foot movement. Offsetting the outsole the midsole is A-Bound material that is springy and bouncy like a rubber ball. It is fantastically resilient.
The mesh in the upper is thicker than that of previous models. It does not seem to have a measurable effect on the flexibility of the shoe. The cushioning is enough for ultra distances while keeping the shoe relatively agile and light. The overall feel is somewhat restrictive.
The mesh in the upper is thicker than that of previous models. It does not seem to have a measurable effect on the flexibility of the shoe. The cushioning is enough for ultra distances while keeping the shoe relatively agile and light. The overall feel is somewhat restrictive.
Stability
These shoes are hard to beat in the stability category. Rolling the ankle from side to side is extremely difficult due to the midsole area structure. Feet move naturally because of the zero drop from heel to toe.
The roomy toe box lets the forefoot and toe splay a little which helps with overall stability and weight distribution. Any characteristic can be improved. The shape and size of the foot affect instability and play in the heel.
The lacing system doesn’t provide enough tightness to compensate. A fully cushioned outsole runs the length of the shoes. There is even weight distribution from back to front. A wide toe box allows them to sit naturally, which creates additional stability.
The roomy toe box lets the forefoot and toe splay a little which helps with overall stability and weight distribution. Any characteristic can be improved. The shape and size of the foot affect instability and play in the heel.
The lacing system doesn’t provide enough tightness to compensate. A fully cushioned outsole runs the length of the shoes. There is even weight distribution from back to front. A wide toe box allows them to sit naturally, which creates additional stability.
Drop
From above, you can see how heel drop affects many other aspects of the shoe. The Zero Drop platform promotes better posture which leads to a healthier form of running. Injury potential is reduced. Many traditional running shoes have a heel raised further from the ground.
Altra levels the playing field. The shoe is designed with an outsole that is evenly balanced. The heel and forefoot measurements are the same. The drop is defined as the difference between the height of the toe and the heel. With no difference in height, the Lone Peak 3.0 has a zero drop.
Altra levels the playing field. The shoe is designed with an outsole that is evenly balanced. The heel and forefoot measurements are the same. The drop is defined as the difference between the height of the toe and the heel. With no difference in height, the Lone Peak 3.0 has a zero drop.
Key Features
A-Bound technology is made from recycled materials and provides midsole flexibility
Altra MaxTrac Sticky Rubber has TrailClaw lugs that provide superior traction in any terrain
Altra’s Zero Drop platform promotes efficient running form and alignment
Evenly balanced cushion provides comfort, smooth rid
FootShape Toe Box allows natural toe splay
GaiterTrap system provides access to attach gaiters to additional protection
Sandwiched StoneGuard Rock Protection nestles the rock plate in between the outsole and midsole
Altra MaxTrac Sticky Rubber has TrailClaw lugs that provide superior traction in any terrain
Altra’s Zero Drop platform promotes efficient running form and alignment
Evenly balanced cushion provides comfort, smooth rid
FootShape Toe Box allows natural toe splay
GaiterTrap system provides access to attach gaiters to additional protection
Sandwiched StoneGuard Rock Protection nestles the rock plate in between the outsole and midsole
Bottom Line
The remarkable stability and superior grip of the Altra Lone Peak take the wearer through harsh conditions and terrain. It is best suited for distance rather than short trail runs. The Altra Lone Peak series has a loyal fan base that consists of ultra and long distance running crowds.
The ultra arena is a definite strength for the shoe. Reasons for the runners’ loyalty include the comfort provided over long distances. The shoe offers excellent overall stability. The zero heel to toe drop aids in mitigating runner fatigue.
There are areas in which the shoe falls short. The performance is excellent under ideal conditions. When rocky terrain or inclement weather are encountered, the performance quality rapidly decreases. The updated version improves on past releases. The design overcompensates which makes the upper somewhat overburdened.
The ultra arena is a definite strength for the shoe. Reasons for the runners’ loyalty include the comfort provided over long distances. The shoe offers excellent overall stability. The zero heel to toe drop aids in mitigating runner fatigue.
There are areas in which the shoe falls short. The performance is excellent under ideal conditions. When rocky terrain or inclement weather are encountered, the performance quality rapidly decreases. The updated version improves on past releases. The design overcompensates which makes the upper somewhat overburdened.
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