Reviews You Can Rely On

Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

For tackling technical trails with all-day comfort, there is no other zero-drop model we'd recommend more
gearlab tested logo
Altra Lone Peak 8 Review
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $140 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Altra
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 30, 2024
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 19
  • Foot Protection - 25% 6.5
  • Traction - 20% 6.7
  • Sensitivity - 15% 8.0
  • Stability - 15% 8.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 7.9
  • Weight - 10% 6.7

Our Verdict

The Altra Lone Peak 8 continues to provide all-day comfort for long days on the trail. The main change found is a thinner ripstop upper than the one found in the previous model. This more closely mimics the fabric found on the Lone Peak 6. This new fabric is both durable and breathable, and we prefer it. Fans of the model will be happy to know that all other elements of the shoe remain the same, such as zero-drop, wide toe box, and lug design. If you are a hiker or runner who wants to step into zero-drop style shoes, we'd recommend starting with this one. For experienced zero-drop fans, you will most likely already be familiar with this classic.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Great trail feel
Stable
REASONS TO AVOID
More fatiguing on steep trails
Looser fit upper
Soft rubber is less durable

Compare to Similar Products

 
altra lone peak 8
This Product
Altra Lone Peak 8
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award  Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $97.96 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$190 List
$189.95 at Backcountry
$51.51 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$130 List
$77.97 at Backcountry
$100 List
$74.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
72
80
76
73
66
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line If you can only take one shoe with you to do it all we'd consider this a must-grab for its all-day comfort and ability to tackle any type of terrainA perfectly fitting, comfortable, and very protective shoe that just begs to be worn on long run daysIf you've stayed away from La Sportiva running shoes in the past, this model offers an alternative fit to their narrower, low-volume modelsWith great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fastSome more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort
Rating Categories Altra Lone Peak 8 Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 La Sportiva Karacal HOKA Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Foot Protection (25%)
6.5
9.0
9.0
7.8
7.9
Traction (20%)
6.7
7.5
9.0
7.5
4.8
Sensitivity (15%)
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.8
3.4
Stability (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.4
9.0
Comfort and Fit (15%)
7.9
9.0
7.0
8.4
7.8
Weight (10%)
6.7
6.4
6.5
7.8
6.1
Specs Altra Lone Peak 8 Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 La Sportiva Karacal HOKA Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Sizes Available 7 - 16 US
regular
4 - 13 US
regular
6 - 13.5 US
regular
7 - 15 US
regular
7 - 15 US
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height 25 mm 31 mm 32 mm 28 mm 32 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 0 mm 9 mm 9 mm 6 mm 9 mm
Rock Plate No Not disclosed Dual-Density EVA No No
Measured Lug Depth 3.18 mm 3.5 mm 4 mm 4 mm 2.5 mm
Measured Weight 10.95 oz. 10.64 oz 10.58 oz 9.60 oz 10.82 oz
Upper Ripstop Mesh Matryx Jacquard Mesh Mesh Mesh
Midsole Altra EGO Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection Compression-molded EVA EVA DNA LOFT
Outsole MaxTrac Salomon Contagrip MA La Sportiva FriXion AT 2.0 Rubber TrailTack Rubber
Heel Tab Type Finger loop None None None None

Our Analysis and Test Results

Across our test group, the Altra Lone Peak 8 stands out for its comfort and sensitivity and maintains the award for best zero-drop. Such comfort is achieved by excellent cushioning with a wide, airy platform for your foot to splay. This is great for easier runs and walking, but some could find it a bit loose feeling, even if you have the correct size. Lateral movement and shifting within the upper is something we've come to expect. This isn't a problem if you've adapted your running style and foot strength, but those moving from more standard width/fit shoes could notice. If you are a zero-drop fan and are after comfort, you should highly consider this model.

Performance Comparison


altra lone peak 8 - the altra lone peak 8 provides all-day comfort whether your out for...
The Altra Lone Peak 8 provides all-day comfort whether your out for short lap around town or going on a month long thru-hike.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Foot Protection


The Lone Peak 8 maintains the zero-drop platform and a minimal stack height (25mm) of its predecessor, offering a close-to-the-trail feel compared to some stiffer options. Soft cushioning in the forefoot creates a great ground feel. However, this sensitivity comes with a slight trade-off: less protection from rocks, roots, and debris. This is noticeable when compared to stiffer foams found on most other models.


The Lone Peak 8 is still the best zero-drop model we've tested for technical trails, but we wouldn't mind if the foam was a bit stiffer, allowing for a more protective platform. For runners tackling the most technical terrain, the combination of zero-drop and plush cushioning may not provide enough support unless your legs are very conditioned.

The soft cushioning on the Lone Peak is great at providing all day comfort, if you're racing short distances you may want to find something a little stiffer.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Traction


The Lone Peak 8 has some of the softest rubber we've tested, which makes it great for grip, especially in wet conditions. If you're coming from heel-drop and large lugs, you will probably feel less confident in the Lone Peaks; however, for users of zero-drop, this is one of the more rugged platforms and works over a wide variety of terrain. The lug design is aggressive but doesn't feel overbuilt on more maintained trails.


As with all zero-drop shoes, your foot will be more evenly distributed and we felt this was noticeable when ascending or descending. By providing even pressure, your foot maintains surface area contact, providing great grip. However, this is a learned difference, and new converts to zero-drop should expect some learning curve to dial in their traction. We've learned over years of testing that smaller lug models don't necessarily have worse traction, and often, each shoe excels in certain conditions. It's easy to judge a shoe on its first run, but you will develop a sense of where care is needed and when you can let loose. If you've been considering the Lone Peak, we think you will find great traction once you've developed a bond with the shoe.

altra lone peak 8 - the lone peak 8's traction offers a good blend of comfort and...
The Lone Peak 8's traction offers a good blend of comfort and performance. It's excellent on single track providing some of the best ground feel.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Sensitivity


Soft cushioning and a low stack provide great sensitivity and ground feel without feeling fatiguing over long days. This is one of the softest shoes in our lineup for both rubber hardness and compression. This leads to a shoe that is noticeably soft and comfortable when walking or running. This softness makes for easy body adjustments, especially when hitting rocks or trail debris. This model provides a sense of connectedness to the trail which is probably why it's so loved by people walking for hundreds or thousands of miles. The neutral position gives you confidence in a wide variety of scenarios where other shoes can feel more removed from the trail surface.


For those accustomed to a bit more protection, this sensitivity could feel more forgiving than you are used to. This soft foam tends to feel vague in spots, and when paired with a roomier upper, there is more movement than other shoes we've tested. As with all zero-drop models we've tested, we find more care must be taken, and the strength required to manage such a shoe is greater than higher drop/stack models. While we prefer a shoe with around 6mm of drop, it's clear that zero-drop has its benefits and, from a sensitivity standpoint, can influence your entire running style and outlook.

altra lone peak 8 - great sensitivity provides excellent ground feel but doesn't go so...
Great sensitivity provides excellent ground feel but doesn't go so far as to fatigue your feet after a long day on trail.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Stability


With a stack of 25mm, the Lone Peak 8 is an excellent stability model. The low platform provides great support through your ankles, knees, and hips, all without being too firm. This is the one benefit of lower stack, in our opinion. Shoes with lower stacks can be softer because there will be less torque on the ankles.


Across our lineup, the highest stacks often have the most dense cushioning. While fairly subjective, our lead tester feels like the Lone Peak 8 is one of the most cushioned models in our lineup. Often, cushioning and stability don't go hand in hand. If that's what you're after, we'd suggest the Lone Peak 8.

With a low stack we found the stability on the Lone Peak 8 to be excellent on everything from easy single track to technical ridge lines.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Comfort and Fit


After many types of runs, we are confident in recommending the Lone Peak 8 purely for its comfort. Altra has created a shoe that has a wide range of versatility and maintains comfort across a spectrum of outings and events. If you are someone who likes a single model to do it all, definitely give this shoe a try. Altra's signature foot shape design provides comfort even on the longest of days. The upper does a great job of providing a snug fit through the midfoot and heel. Those with more narrow feet may find a bit more play in the forefoot, which could cause some issues on more technical terrain.


If you are on the fence about switching to the Lone Peak 8, you should consider your use case scenario and how this specific metric factors into your lifestyle/athletics. Personally, our lead tester prefers a snug forefoot that feels solid and locked in place. For those who don't mind a bit of play or have a wider foot, you could be less impacted by the roomy toe box. The updated ripstop mesh is thinner than the previous model, and we prefer it due to its more flexible design, which softens up over time. This ripstop still maintains durability and improves breathability, which we appreciate.

altra lone peak 8 - its wide toe box offers comfort and breathability that cannot be...
Its wide toe box offers comfort and breathability that cannot be achieved with a super snug fit. The Lone Peak is a great option for long runs and multiple days on trail.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Weight


At 10.95 oz per shoe, the Lone Peak 8 is a little heavier than our average model. This weight works well at providing a good blend of protection and lightness, but we can't say it feels overly agile or sluggish. The overall experience of the Lone Peak was dependable, and it always felt like it could tackle anything.


This weight class allows for faster runs or taking it slower. While the overall theme of the shoe is a do-it-all, we do sometimes wish the model felt a bit more lively. Thanks to the new ripstop, this model is a little lighter, but not enough to notice a difference.

The updated ripstop found on the Lone Peak 8 is thinner and offers better breathability over the previous version.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the Altra Lone Peak 8?


We recommend the Lone Peak 8 primarily for its exceptional all-day comfort and trail feel. For those cautious about transitioning to zero-drop shoes, we recommend easing into it with this model. We suggest this model most for people wanting to go long distances over more technical trails. If you plan to run shorter distances or will be on easy buffed-out trails, you could probably get away with something lighter and less built. If you want your shoes to be ready for anything or just like the look, we don't think you'll be disappointed with your purchase.

altra lone peak 8 - we don't just test the shoe in the field, here our in-house lab team...
We don't just test the shoe in the field, here our in-house lab team analyzes all of the internals in the Lone Peak 8 to provide you all of the details left out from the manufacturer.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?


If you're accustomed to snug fits and haven't tried zero-drop or wider platforms before, the Lone Peak 8 might require some adjustment. During our testing, we noticed that the shoe felt slightly less precise, especially at higher speeds and on technical terrain. If this sounds like a concern to you, we'd recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 5, which offers similar comfort with a tighter fit.

If you're looking for all-day comfort on trail consider the Lone Peak 8. We think it has the perfect blend of performance and cushioning for a zero-drop model.
Credit: Matthew Richardson


Matthew Richardson