Altra Lone Peak 9+

This updated version of the ever-popular zero drop Lone Peak in some ways is similar to the older Lone Peaks. The toebox is a bit wider than the Lone Peak 8. These 2025 Lone Peak 9's are also available with a Vibram outsole, which is a noticable upgrade.

I've been a big fan of zero-drop, wide toe box Altras since I first got the Lone Peak 5 a few years back. Those older Altras were some of my favorite shoes for trail running and long-distance hiking. I felt sad when I had to toss them after they gave out! I skipped the LP8s because the reviews kept saying the toebox was narrower than the earlier LPs. I went to Topo trail runners instead of the LP8s.

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Enter the LP9's here in 2025. I read the toeboxes were wider than the LP8s so I decided to give them a shot. Altra has a good 30-day return policy which sealed the deal for me.  I'm glad I gave them a go! I really like them so far. To be clear, I got the LP 9+ which have the Vibram outsole. The regular LP 9's have the same MaxTrac outsole as earlier LPs. I went with Vibram because the Vibram outsoles on my Topo trail runners were grippy, durable, and very reliable on muddy and wet trails.

I haven't put tons of miles on these LP 9+'s yet, but I did run a half-marathon on a gravel/dirt trail last week. I was not disappointed! The Vibram did well through the thin layers of mud and over wet rocks. Also, these LP 9+ trail runners in my experience don't need much break-in time. I started running with them right after I got them and all is well. 

These LP's, like the earlier ones, are zero drop. I've been using zero drop road- and trail-running shoes for years, so I know the drill. If you haven't used zero drop shoes before, you need to slowly work into them. Also, these LP 9+ shoes don't have a ton of cushion. If 0 is no cushion and 10 is max cushion, these are a 3 or 4. I like a little cushion, but not too much because I want to feel the trail under my feet. I should also note that these LP 9+ trail runners are neutral in the support area; that is, they don't have arch support. I always wear neutral support shoes, so these work well for me.

These LP 9+'s are not waterproof. I don't like waterproof trail runners because they take too long to dry and get too warm for me. I did get wet feet because of wet grass on a longer run with these LP 9+s, but they dry pretty quickly like earlier Altras I've used. They don't have drainage holes, but the water can exit through the mesh on the side. 

What are the downsides of these LP 9+ trail runners? Well, they're not cheap. I did get mine on sale, but they were still around $130.  That leads to my second possible negative note: every LP pair of shoes I had in the past did not last more than 400 miles. LPs are NOT known for their durability. I've already read a few reports of premature wear on these new LP 9s. We'll see how long these last before the mesh gives out or the Vibram separates from the shoe itself. 

My last negative note is that the toebox could be a bit wider. The toebox certainly is wider than other brands of trail runners I've tried (aside from Topo). But to me it doesn't feel like the toebox is as wide as my LP 5's or 6's were. But my toes don't feel scrunched together in the LP 9+ so I suppose that's good enough for me.

All in all I do really like these Altra LP 9+ trail running shoes. I'll use them on various trail runs and multi day high mileage hikes I have coming up. They're comfortable and my feet feel fine after wearing them on a long run. I've hiked over some wet, muddy, rocky, and sketchy trails so I decided to get the Vibram outsole based on experience. For me, sometimes proper footing is the difference between getting through and getting hurt. The MaxTrac outsoles are good, but Vibram is my choice based on experience.

If you are looking for a legit zero drop, wide-ish toebox trail running shoe, I'd say check out the LP 9's. With Altra's 30-day guarantee policy, you can give them a shot and not be out much if you don't like them.

Background

I've hiked and done trail runs in Lone Peaks for quite a few years. I'm very familiar with the Lone Peak line as well as road running shoes from Altra.