Article by Ernst Linder
Altra Lone Peak 9 ($140)
Introduction
Altra launched the latest model of its Lone Peak, the Lone Peak 9 early this yr. It’s the newest within the evolution of this mannequin that has not modified considerably for the reason that Lone Peak 6 from 2022, and noticeable additionally, the worth of the shoe has not modified both.
Somewhat, Altra tweaked or added small options whereas staying true to the primary formulation of a lightweight path shoe utilizing its Altra EGO™ midsole foam, a zero-drop modest 25 mm stack peak, a smooth however sturdy mesh higher, and a MaxTrac™ outsole.
The Lone Peak 9’s updates over the earlier model (Lone Peak 8) appear to be focused to enhance stability across the heel, and to enhance sturdiness. Additionally, the ring hook over the forefoot was reintroduced to accommodate gaters.
Professionals:
gentle weight;
good stability;
Altra’s “authentic” huge toe field, zero-drop;
Altra Ego midsole foam – supposedly up to date;
reinforcements across the heel;
smooth ripstop mesh higher with all no-sew overlays for foot safety;
good traction.
new options are seemingly to enhance sturdiness and extend the lifetime of the shoe and to supply stability over an extended time particularly within the ankle space.
Cons:
up to date midsole and the heel reinforcement made the shoe barely stiffer which tends to cut back floor connection on technical uneven trails.
new design of the heel padding may very well be irritating on lengthy runs – wants a very good break-in.
Most comparable footwear
Altra Lone Peak 8 (Ernst)
Altra Timp 5 (Ernst)
Topo Terraventure 4 (Ernst)
Stats
Pattern Weight: males’s 10.48 oz / 297g US8.5 (v8:US 8.5: 10.25 oz / 291g)
Stack Peak: males’s 25mm heel / 25 mm forefoot ( 0mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 80mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Placing on the LP9 the primary time, It felt identical to I used to be used to from working within the Altra Lone Peak 8 (darkish shoe in image).
The match was cosy and true to dimension and even barely improved over the LP8 by which my huge toe tended to barely push in direction of the entrance.
The redesigned lacing reinforcements and the primary lacing loop being additional up within the foot could contribute to higher stabilization of the foot inside the shoe. There are enlarged toe protectors within the LP9 and but the higher has that very same flexibility because the LP8’s, offering consolation to foot and toes.
From the get-go, there was no clearly noticeable distinction, and in addition in a later run, once I wore the 2 fashions, one on every foot. I simply barely seen a slight stiffness within the LP9, which is typical of a brand new shoe.
The additional weight of about ¼ to ½ ounce of the LP9 over the LP8 attributable to reinforcements was additionally barely if in any respect noticeable.
By and huge the LP9 supplied a fairly good experience, with good take-off, didn’t really feel heavy, but gave me a steady feeling on the single-track trails. I additionally felt some welcome cushioning once I ran on just a few miles of pavement.
Midsole & Platform
Altra studies an “Up to date Altra EGO™ midsole foam, made for consolation and floor connection”.
I seen that LP9’s midsole is much less pliable than LP8’s which can point out a bolstered platform and will maybe even be attributable to a barely completely different geometry as seems to be seen from the skin. But the footbeds inside seem equivalent. However then once more, the general impact appears to be very delicate. Comparability after greater mileage is likely to be extra revealing.
Extra noticeable are the reinforcements across the heel: First, a slanted stabilizer on the hind sides of the higher. Second, a barely modified geometry of the higher across the ankle:(1) decrease horizontal “lower out” to keep away from rubbing towards the ankle bone; (2) a smaller rear heel padding piece. These mix with the brand new outsole reinforcements which forestall quick wear-down of the only real underneath the ankle. These new options level to higher ankle stability with longer lasting outsole.
Outsole
The Maxtrac outsole of the LP9 in comparison with that of the LP8 exhibits a slight modification of the sample of lugs and the fortifications (in yellow).
Most notable is the massive steady piece within the midfoot space, however extra so the 2 protruding rear aspect items to counter put on and tear across the heel but additionally to supply higher heel / ankle stability.
It is a welcome enchancment. My restricted testing thus far didn’t present a transparent distinction in traction between the 2 variations.
………….
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions
Total, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is a wonderful zero-drop path shoe with modest stack peak offering a very good compromise between cushioning, lightweight and stability. It supplies a cosy match to runners who want a large toe field. The experience is easy but there’s connection to the bottom. The shoe feels snappier than say the Altra Timp 5. but they each are the identical weight.. I’ll use the LP9 incessantly for coaching and probably additionally for longer distance path races on technical trails.
Altra additionally promotes this mannequin for mountaineering, which I’d endorse. For very uneven technical trails with a lot of roots and rocks, I – being a light-weight individual – barely favor LP8 for shorter runs due to its softness and adaptability. Nevertheless on very lengthy runs, and because the LP8 incurs extra put on, I could finally favor the consolation supplied by the protecting additions within the LP9 together with the up to date Ego foam.
The context needs to be a mixture of your preferences and general shoe design and efficiency. Some footwear are usually not one of the best for you however could also be nice for others and each points need to be thought-about in
Your Rating out of 10 with factors off and feedback for what might use enhancements. The scoring context needs to be a mixture of your preferences and general shoe design and efficiency.
If you happen to select to make use of the weighted by class scoring rubrics they’re right here:
Rating: 9 / 10 (slight concern about shoe stiffness / bounciness
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Comparisons
Altra Timp 5 (RTR Evaluation)
The Timp 5 is similar to the LP9, however feels general stiffer. It has the next stack of 29mm. Its outsole is a Vibram sole that has the lugs hooked up to it through strips. A few of these are likely to peel off over time. Within the LP9, lugs are absolutely built-in into the only real and now have a barely extra pronounced profile. Clearly an enchancment.
Topo Terraventure 4 (RTR Evaluation)
The Terraventure 4 is comparable in weight and stack peak to the LP9, however has a modest drop of three mm and a rock plate within the forefoot space. Topo’s Vibram Megagrip outsole supplies a lot better traction than Altra Timp 5’s Vibram sole. Presumably, LP9’s revised sample and pronounced profile in its MaxTrac outsole is nearly akin to the Terraventure’s glorious outsole.
Index to all RTR opinions: HERE
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Samples had been supplied at no cost for assessment functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are completely the authors’.
Tester Profiles
Ernst lives within the New Hampshire Seacoast space and loves with the ability to run “from his doorstep” on a number of related path networks. Whereas being the shortest pupil in grade college, he discovered nearly all sports activities to be overly difficult, however “distance” working appeared to be pure for him. Ultimately his household steered him in direction of aggressive orienteering in his teenage years in Switzerland. This all stopped when he grew to become an trade pupil and moved to the USA.
However the seed was sown, and finally the working spirit reemerged. All through the years he has rediscovered orienteering, pursued highway, path and mountain working, journey racing, triathlon and nordic snowboarding. He turned in direction of extra aggressive working when Loco began organizing races within the Seacoast space, first half marathons in 2007, and later marathons. His marathon PR is 3:03 at age 59, and he has quite a few USA Monitor and Area New Hampshire age group state information. He’s 70 years outdated 5ft 5 inches (165cm) tall and weighs 135 lb (61 kg).
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