Altra Men's Lone Peak 6 Sneaker

Product Information

Dom: I’m thrilled to report that the LP6 is a big improvement. The excessive roominess of the LP5 is slightly moderated; the midfoot hold is improved; the floppiness of the sole is improved; the amount of protection is increased; all without regression in any area. All of these small changes add up to a much better shoe. The Altra Lone Peak is a classic and this one does more to stay the same than it does to make big changes. That said, we already know Altra has several trail models that DO incorporate more tech, such as the Timp redesign (new upper), the Mont Blanc (new shoe and new upper material for Altra) and the Mont Blanc with a dual Boa system, and the Outroad, which looks to have considerably less tech, but a new-ish approach for the brand. Like so many of Altra’s shoes, the Lone Peak has undergone many revisions over the years (and additions; they now offer waterproof and mid-cut versions). However, the current Lone Peak 6 has a few significant updates that may change the feel and appropriate usage of the shoe altogether. The Lone Peak was the pioneer of their brand. The true OG. It is one of the few that is reminiscent, almost unchanged, over ten iterations! A good portion of Altra’s cult following (that we often refer to) goes right for this shoe.

There are a few notable features we need to touch on. Some of these elements were carried over from past versions, and some are specific to the Lone Peak. Nonetheless, these are what separate the Altra from the rest. Zero Drop (Photo/Josh Kirchner) Dom: The first thing that I noticed was the more modern and stripped-down upper. The lighter upper of the LP6 results in a useful weight reduction compared to the outgoing LP5. (Drop in US M10 was 26 g per shoe, almost exactly an ounce lighter) Altra designated half editions to mark the minor version updates in the past. It has since moved away from that strategy, but I would call the Lone Peak 6 as close to a half update as you can get. The Lone Peak 6 retains just about everything that draws runners in the first place — the zero drop ride, roomy toe box, and EGO midsole, and even the MaxTrac outsole with its chevron lugs. Even with a bed of soft cushioning and a host of protective features, the Lone Peak 6 remains lightweight and nimble.

Our Verdict

From a usage standpoint, I think the Lone Peak 6 is a good option for short- to medium-length flatter runs on just about any surface. And given the shoe’s mid-to-high weight, I think it works best as a daily trainer, especially in warmer temperatures, rather than something reserved for faster-paced runs. And if you’re looking for a shoe that produces a lot of rebound, I’d look elsewhere. ALEX: The Altra Lone Peak 6 may be my favorite Lone Peak yet. This iconic shoe just keeps getting better. The primary update from the previous version is in the form of changes to the forefoot upper and lacing system, with slight modifications to the overlays, including toe protection. They didn’t mess with the sole (or soul), and I am super pumped about that. Despite the length fitting perfectly, I wondered if Altra’s “Original Footshape” fit — their widest-profile shoe — would end up being too wide for my foot, and possibly affect the stability of the shoe or heighten the torque on some part of my lower limbs. Out of the box, the toebox is quite spacious, both in respect to width and height, but the laces extend far enough forward that I was able to cinch down the forefoot enough to condense the excess room for a secure fit there. Despite the width being slightly overkill for my narrower feet, I was still very willing to give this shoe a try because, while I think of my feet as medium-to-low volume, the potential benefits from a wider toebox on longer runs seemed appealing, especially considering how my feet seem to swell almost a full size after a few hours of running. Disclosure: We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Good

Once I start running, I stop noticing the shoe, which I think is a testament to the natural feel that the Lone Peak provides,” another reviewer says. “It’s like the shoe becomes an extension of my body.” TAYLOR: If natural is what you’re looking for, natural is what you’ll get with the Lone Peak 6. As with all past iterations, a roomy zero-drop experience awaits you. I’ve just been informed about Altra’s three varieties of foot-shaped lasts. The Lone Peak sits (and has always been) on the last with the most volume — classic. It is the same last you will find in shoes like the Altra Escalante and Olympus series. It truly gives the most room in any toe box I have experienced and is unrestrictive throughout the foot. If you are an original Altra fan, this is the fit you seek.Finally, the lacing is simply phenomenal, mine looked great in pink, and the flat profile with enough stretch and squish makes for a really solid score of 45.5N in our lace slip testing. Conclusion In short: The Altra Lone Peak 6.0 is easily one of the best zero-drop trail running shoes out there. From comfort to overall functionality, it’s a step in the right direction for anyone looking to burn up the trails. Altra Lone Peak 6.0 Review Overview (Photo/Josh Kirchner) The traction pattern is similar to the likes of the Salomon Speedcross 5 multi-directional chevrons throughout the underside and enough spacing to allow mud to fall off the shoe rather than to cake onto it. Canice: As mentioned before I would like to feel a bit more pop or spring under foot but this is subjective and each person will have their own opinion. For me, if Altra can improve this, I think the Lone Peak would set a new standard for distance trail running shoes.

While on the topic of the outsole, the Altra Lone Peak 6 has a tremendous 8mm of rubber underfoot. Bearing in mind that the average is 3.7mm, that is a ton of material. Canice is a 2 x finisher of the Wasatch 100, the Bear 100, Moab 100, Western States 100, and Leadman as well as many other ultras. He regularly competes in Expedition Length Adventure races with his longest race to date 600 miles as well as in traditional road races and triathlons. Matt: "I would say that the underfoot protection was one of my favorite aspects of this shoe. The Lone Peak doesn't have the tallest midsole out there, but the AltraEGO foam feels refreshingly resilient. Also, the stone guard adds an extra bit of armor, which helped instill total confidence while trekking over gnarly terrain. Since the heel-to-toe drop is 0 mm, there's a consistent amount of cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot. I knew I could trust the Lone Peak 6 no matter the distance or the surface. It truly was versatility at its finest." The stitched rand on the toebox is pliable to the touch, which helps keep the forefoot comfortable on long days while providing a little protection for toe bumps. I prefer a little more protection on the toes, but understand the reason for going with a softer material here. The width up front is traditional Altra, with a very slight volume reduction over previous versions. I'm all about those roomy toe boxes, but not all about the zero drop. (For what it's worth, the podiatrist who trained me in hiking footwear had the same take on Altra trail running shoes.) Sadly, I quit hiking in my Lone Peaks after my second calf strain in fifty miles—after zero calf strains in my previous 10,000 miles in other brands (and none in 3000 Altra-free miles since). Some of my customers, co-workers, and friends have had more serious issues in the Altra Lone Peak, including injuries such as stress fractures, broken ankles, and ruptures Achilles tendons.

Should You Buy the Altra Lone Peak 6?

Canice: I have run in every version of the Lone Peak since the LP 1.5 and the shoe really has come a long way over time. I found the midfoot hold of the LP 6 to be much better than previous versions and the upper itself is much more advanced in construction techniques. Canice: It’s amazing how much the midsole has evolved over the years and for the better. I found the midsole to be functional and enjoyable to run on. I like that the EGO Midsole has great ground feel and plenty of cushion. My ding here is I believe it’s time for another update. What I would like to see now is more spring or pop, and though this is a “Ride” comment in this case it’s the midsole material that is driving this. Canice: Altra has maintained their gaiter trap on the heel. This is a feature that works well but I find it unnecessary, and though it does not weigh much on its own, I would gladly drop it to save a little weight. For that matter I could ditch the heel loop too. The Lone Peak is exceptionally easy to get in and out of and I have never used the heel loop in any of the various generations of Lone Peaks. Yes, I am a weight weenie :)

Dom: The heel, in particular, feels sized for Clydesdale runners. I would love this shoe if Altra reduced the heel diameter. Maybe not a downside, but it is worth noting that the zero-drop design is a significant change from what most people are accustomed to. The design goes against what you’ve likely always worn in terms of a running shoe, and some people simply might not like it. No doubt, that limited support can be a springboard for some hikers to develop their lower bodies and show off their ripped calves. But not me. That light-duty build took its toll on mt (flat) feet, (genetically) weak ankles, and skinny calves. On easier trails tha I normally hike, I had trouble with rolled ankles, cramping feet, shin splints, and calf strains. There’s also a great gusseted tongue which helps keep out debris and make the inner feel snug. I’m always a fan of this.For neutral runners who want a go-to zero drop shoe, it’s a brilliant, reliable option for anything from shorter, speed workouts on the trail to full-on marathon-length runs. Who should NOT buy them Brycen: "I could not feel the pavement, dirt, tree branches, or anything that was under my foot while running in this shoe. The Lone Peak 6 is one of the best shoes for my knees that I have reviewed. I'd give it a perfect 10 when it comes to protection."