Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

Bottom Line

The Altra Lone Peak 8 places a pep in our step with its roomy match and zero-drop design, making it a favourite for mountain climbing and path working. We recognize the extensive toe field, which supplies our toes loads of room to unfold out and prevents blisters, particularly throughout lengthy hikes. The ripstop mesh higher dries shortly and stands up effectively to put on, even in moist situations. However, we’ve discovered that the shoe’s sturdiness won’t maintain up as effectively on very rugged terrain, and a few could discover getting used to the zero-drop design can take a while.

If you’re exploring different nice choices, have a look at our full information to the finest ladies’s mountain climbing sneakers, the place we additionally cowl incredible long-distance worthy choices.

Comfort

The Lone Peak 8 is a snug shoe, however not a cushiony shoe. Its consolation comes from the roomy toe field, permitting our toes to unfold out naturally. This is a large benefit on lengthy hikes, the place a sizzling spot can actually drag you down. With the Lone Peak 8, we’ve discovered fewer sizzling spots and higher foot consolation. The sneakers are additionally impressively light-weight and breathable, so our toes keep cooler and brisker even after a full day on the path. However, for those who’re new to zero-drop sneakers, you would possibly must ease into them.

Zero-drop means your heel and toes sit on the similar top within the shoe, versus having a raised heel. Hikers new to zero-drop ought to ramp up mileage to construct energy in muscular tissues and tendons that aren’t used to working so arduous earlier than taking these on any large journeys. We had no downside adjusting, however some say it takes them per week or so to regulate from a standard shoe with a heel-to-toe drop, and it could assist to part out your heel-to-toe hiker slowly over time as an alternative of switching to the Lone Peak 8 instantly. Despite this, the consolation of the extensive toe field and breathable materials make them a go-to for a lot of of our mountain climbing adventures.

Adding to that ergonomic really feel is the foot-shaped toe field, which permits your toes to unfold naturally as you step. Most different sneakers are designed to direct your foot into a selected gait, however once more, many hikers favor to let their gait happen naturally as an alternative of permitting the shoe to dictate their steps. Like most issues, it’s a extremely private selection, and we suggest attempting the Lone Peaks for your self to see in the event that they’re the suitable footwear for you.

Traction

The Lone Peak 8 gives strong traction on quite a lot of surfaces. On a current trek by way of a muddy part of the Pacific Crest Trail, we felt assured navigating slippery sections because of the grippy MaxTrac rubber. The lug sample grips effectively on free gravel and filth. However, chances are you’ll need to be further cautious on a difficult part of moist rocks as a result of the shoe’s grip wasn’t essentially the most safe we examined. If you’re trekking by way of areas with many slick, icy patches, you would possibly take into account sneakers with a extra aggressive tread. Still, the traction is adequate for most common path situations.

Weight

The ultralight nature of the Lone Peak 8 is one in all its standout options. On a long-distance hike, each ounce counts, and these sneakers helped us maintain our weight manageable. They really feel virtually weightless on the toes, which reduces fatigue over lengthy stretches. However, the Lone Peak 8 would possibly present much less help than heavier, extra sturdy choices for those who carry a heavy pack or sort out rugged terrain. They’re arduous to beat for a stability of light-weight and toe consolation.

Durability

In phrases of sturdiness, the Lone Peak 8 exhibits some enchancment over its predecessors. The new ripstop nylon higher held up effectively throughout a tricky stint on a slippery rocky path, the place earlier fashions might need worn out sooner. That mentioned, for those who’re arduous in your gear, you would possibly nonetheless want to switch them extra incessantly than different path sneakers. For those that frequently push their gear to the restrict, the Lone Peak 8 strikes a superb stability, however it’s not essentially the most indestructible shoe on the market.

Weather Resistance

The Lone Peak 8 manages moisture fairly effectively, drying shortly even after river crossings. We recognize how briskly they dry after a splashy stream crossing, holding our toes from feeling damp all day. However, they have an inclination to sponge water relatively shortly, so for those who’re out in very moist situations, you might need moist toes before you’d like. If you’re incessantly in moist environments, these sneakers won’t be your best option for staying dry, however the upside is that they dry in a short time.

Should You Buy the Altra Lone Peak 8?

The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a superb selection for those who’re a light-weight hiker or path runner who values a roomy toe field and prefers a zero-drop design for extra pure foot motion. These sneakers thrive on average trails with various situations, providing long-distance consolation and breathability. If you’ve had points with blisters or cramped toes, the Lone Peak 8’s extensive match will seemingly be a game-changer. However, these won’t be excellent for those who incessantly sort out rugged terrain with heavy masses or want most sturdiness and help. The traction on moist, icy surfaces will be hit and miss, and the light-weight design means they may put on out sooner than another choices. For a flexible path shoe for a lightweight mission or lengthy thru-hike, the Lone Peak 8 is value contemplating in relation to consolation and weight—simply bear in mind it’d require some adjustment for those who’re new to zero-drop footwear.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you’re eyeing the Altra Lone Peak 8, take a look at these options. 

Merrell MQM 3: The Merrell MQM 3 is a superb selection for those who’re in search of a shoe that handles scrambling simply however remains to be mild and fast. Its cosy match and extensive toe field are excellent for many who want extra space for his or her toes, although the easier lug sample won’t be as versatile on combined terrain.

Topo Ultraventure 3: If you need one thing for a protracted hike, the Topo Ultraventure 3 presents distinctive cushioning and a roomy match. However, it won’t present the perfect stability on technical terrain.

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review: The HOKA Speedgoat 6’s plush help, mixed with lightness and sturdiness, make it a strong possibility for hikers who want further cushioning on rugged trails. However, the sneakers’ bulkiness might be a disadvantage for those who’re going to hike technical routes with loads of descending and scrambling.