The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is one of our top performers, especially for those with wider feet. Featuring a super comfortable 0mm drop Balanced Cushioning Technology, an eVent water-resistant bootie, a rugged Duratread outsole, and a padded and supportive ankle cuff, there's not much we don't like about these versatile hikers. Perhaps the most notable feature that sets these boots apart from the rest is the Footshape technology that allows more space for your toes to spread out inside the boot, increasing comfort and reducing hot spots. Whether you're psyched to hit the local trails or head out for an extended backpacking trip, the Lone Peak Mid won't disappoint.
The Lone Peak ranks among the most comfortable hiking boots we tested. However, while these boots provide excellent comfort right out of the box due to Altra's Balanced Cushioning, they also require some getting used to. If this is your first time wearing a shoe from Altra or a zero-drop shoe, you will notice some soreness in your calves, especially if you plan to use these versatile boots for mountain running. We recommend at least a couple of weeks of break-in time, allowing your foot time to adjust to the 0mm drop, which aligns your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. The zero-drop technology pays off in the long run as it encourages better alignment and form that will benefit your entire body by positioning your feet for lower-impact landings.
Altra also boasts a Footshape technology that allows more space in the toe box, hence the reason we recommend these boots for wider feet. The spacious toe box enhances overall comfort and encourages your feet to sit naturally within the boot. You'll never look back after a little time adjusting, as the Balanced Cushioning and Footshape toe box provide top-notch comfort while encouraging your body's natural alignment.
In addition to excellent comfort, the Lone Peak also scores well in this metric, almost receiving a perfect score due to the padded ankle support, the Altra EGO midsole, and the 5mm cushioned footbed. The lacing system is incredibly durable and runs from the forefoot to the top of the mid-rise padded ankle allowing for two durable laces to cross over each other, so the ankle is stabilized while in motion.
Our testers love both the combination of support and flexibility offered by the synthetic upper as well as the Altra EGO midsole and TPU heels, which increase protection and stability.
The Lone Peak Mid also scored well in this metric thanks to its strategically placed lugs below the forefoot known as the TrailClaw, allowing added traction underfoot. And talk about responsiveness; these lugs help you to stop on a dime when quickly navigating varying mountain terrain.
In addition to the TrailClaw technology, this hiking boot also features Duratread rubber technology, designed for maximum grip on all types of terrain. Whether moving through loose sand and decomposing granite or boulder hopping in the high alpine, the flexibility of the synthetic upper and the excellent traction gave us confidence on the trail.
The Lone Peak is designed with precipitation in mind. Featuring an eVent weather-resistant bootie construction that functions similar to a waterproof membrane, your feet will stay dry and comfy, especially in those colder months of training. If considering this boot for training during the hot summer months, you might be disappointed as the eVent technology is excellent for keeping precip out of the inner boot but isn't as efficient for releasing excess moisture. This created some pruney toes during our spring training outside of Bishop, California.
While Altra advertises a breathable waterproof membrane, our testers noted that water resistant is more like it, as the synthetic material keeps your foot dry when encountering snow, mud, or puddles on the trail, but the boot is not entirely waterproof when fully submerged.
As one of the lighter boots that we tested, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR performs quite well in this metric. Weighing in at just 1.6 pounds for a US women's size 8.5, this shoe lets you stay focused on performance rather than being bogged down by excess bulk and material.
An evolution of the Altra's Lone Peak trail running shoe, this rugged hiker is designed to offer lightweight support while also including the features of a traditional hiker such as incredible comfort, stability, and durability when moving quickly through technical terrain.
Unfortunately, the only true caveat we found with these hikers was in their durability. While our testers love the burly Duratread Rubber Soles and the lugs strategically placed below the metatarsals, the synthetic upper part of the boot can be prone to snags in the material. This could reasonably defeat the purpose of the waterproof technology and can allow rocks and debris to penetrate the shoe.
While we did not experience any problems with durability during our testing period, we can understand how one puncture could change the performance of this hiking boot. The tread and lugs can provide the traction to rip technical trails and cross-country terrain, and perhaps the best application for this shoe is on a well-groomed trail free of obstacles that could potentially rip the synthetic fabric. It is also worth mentioning that Altra warranties this shoe anywhere between 300-500 miles if you should encounter any issues in that timeframe.
Scoring well where it counts, the Lone Peak is an excellent option for a versatile and high-performing lightweight hiking boot that allows for maximum comfort at a reasonable price. When compared to other leather-bound boots that we tested, this one offers better performance for a smaller price tag. Once your body adjusts to the 0mm drop technology and gets spoiled by the wider toe box, you won't regret your investment in these hiking boots, which encourage your body's natural alignment, increasing stability and grip while moving fast on uneven terrain.
While the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid comes with a couple of caveats in terms of durability and sufficient breathability when compared to other more traditional hiking boots, our testers love the comfort and support provided by the FootShape and Balanced Cushioning technology. It allows for maximum comfort in the spacious toe box. If you're considering a less traditional hiking boot with better durability, consider the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX, available at a similar price. Or if you want other options that cater especially to a wider foot, check out the Keen Targhee III Mid or the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP.
