Backside 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 operating. We respect the large toe field, which supplies our toes loads of room to unfold out and prevents blisters, particularly throughout lengthy hikes. The ripstop mesh higher dries rapidly and stands up effectively to put on, even in moist situations. Nevertheless, we’ve discovered that the shoe’s sturdiness won’t maintain up as effectively on very rugged terrain, and a few might discover getting used to the zero-drop design can take a while.
Should you’re exploring different nice choices, have a look at our full information to the greatest ladies’s mountain climbing footwear, the place we additionally cowl improbable long-distance worthy choices.
Fast Specs
Girls’s Altra Lone Peak 8
Greatest Mountaineering Footwear for Lengthy-Distance & Through-Hikers
Worth:
$140
Weight (Pair):
1 lb. 2.3 oz.
Choices:
Waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop:
0 mm
Execs
- Roomy toe field
- Glorious traction
- Extra sturdy than earlier Lone Peak fashions
- Ultralight
- Breathable
- No break-in wanted
- Constructed-in gaiter attachment
- Vast sizes accessible
Cons
- Zero-drop takes some getting used to
- Not as cushioned as different path runners
- Not as sturdy as some
- Not supportive sufficient for heavy hundreds
Consolation
The Lone Peak 8 is a cushty shoe, however not a cushiony shoe. Its consolation comes from the roomy toe field, permitting our toes to unfold out naturally. It is a big 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 footwear are additionally impressively light-weight and breathable, so our toes keep cooler and brisker even after a full day on the path. Nevertheless, for those who’re new to zero-drop footwear, you may 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 power in muscle tissue and tendons that aren’t used to working so exhausting earlier than taking these on any large journeys. We had no drawback adjusting, however some say it takes them every week or so to regulate from a conventional shoe with a heel-to-toe drop, and it might assist to part out your heel-to-toe hiker slowly over time as an alternative of switching to the Lone Peak 8 instantly. Regardless of this, the consolation of the large toe field and breathable materials make them a go-to for a lot of of our mountain climbing adventures.
Including to that ergonomic really feel is the foot-shaped toe field, which permits your toes to unfold naturally as you step. Most different footwear are designed to direct your foot into a selected gait, however once more, many hikers desire 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 alternative, and we advocate making an attempt the Lone Peaks for your self to see in the event that they’re the proper footwear for you.
Traction
The Lone Peak 8 offers strong traction on a wide range of surfaces. On a latest trek via a muddy part of the Pacific Crest Path, we felt assured navigating slippery sections because of the grippy MaxTrac rubber. The lug sample grips effectively on free gravel and filth. Nevertheless, it’s possible 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. Should you’re trekking via areas with many slick, icy patches, you may take into account footwear with a extra aggressive tread. Nonetheless, the traction is adequate for commonest path situations.
Weight
The ultralight nature of the Lone Peak 8 is one in every of its standout options. On a long-distance hike, each ounce counts, and these footwear helped us hold our weight manageable. They really feel nearly weightless on the toes, which reduces fatigue over lengthy stretches. Nevertheless, the Lone Peak 8 may present much less assist than heavier, extra strong choices for those who carry a heavy pack or deal with rugged terrain. They’re exhausting to beat for a steadiness of light-weight and toe consolation.
Sturdiness
When it comes to sturdiness, the Lone Peak 8 exhibits some enchancment over its predecessors. The brand 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 stated, for those who’re exhausting in your gear, you may nonetheless want to interchange them extra incessantly than different path footwear. For individuals who often push their gear to the restrict, the Lone Peak 8 strikes a great steadiness, however it’s not essentially the most indestructible shoe on the market.
Climate Resistance
The Lone Peak 8 manages moisture fairly effectively, drying rapidly even after river crossings. We respect how briskly they dry after a splashy stream crossing, protecting our toes from feeling damp all day. Nevertheless, they have an inclination to sponge water moderately rapidly, so for those who’re out in very moist situations, you might need moist toes earlier than you’d like. Should you’re incessantly in moist environments, these footwear won’t be the only option for staying dry, however the upside is that they dry in a short time.
Ought to You Purchase the Altra Lone Peak 8?
The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a superb alternative 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 footwear thrive on average trails with diversified situations, providing long-distance consolation and breathability. Should you’ve had points with blisters or cramped toes, the Lone Peak 8’s large match will probably be a game-changer. Nevertheless, these won’t be best for those who incessantly deal with rugged terrain with heavy hundreds or want most sturdiness and assist. The traction on moist, icy surfaces may 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 on the subject of consolation and weight—simply consider it’d require some adjustment for those who’re new to zero-drop footwear.
What Different Girls’s Mountaineering Footwear Ought to You Think about?
Should you’re eyeing the Altra Lone Peak 8, try these options.
Merrell MQM 3: The Merrell MQM 3 is a superb alternative for those who’re on the lookout for a shoe that handles scrambling simply however continues to be mild and fast. Its cosy match and large toe field are best for individuals who want more room for his or her toes, although the easier lug sample won’t be as versatile on combined terrain.
Topo Ultraventure 3: If you’d like one thing for a protracted hike, the Topo Ultraventure 3 provides distinctive cushioning and a roomy match. Nevertheless, it won’t present the most effective stability on technical terrain.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Evaluation: The HOKA Speedgoat 6’s plush assist, mixed with lightness and sturdiness, make it a strong choice for hikers who want further cushioning on rugged trails. Nevertheless, the footwear’ bulkiness might be a disadvantage for those who’re going to hike technical routes with lots of descending and scrambling.
