Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 - Women's Review

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is a lightweight trail running shoe that we think is also perfect for those seeking waterproof performance during moderate day hikes. The comfy shoes are true to size and best cater to those with wide feet as the roomy toe box is one design feature synonymous with the Altra brand. The neutral support, excellent traction, and new durability features make these a great choice for trail runs and day hikes without a ton of weight in your pack.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is comfortable directly out of the box. This shoe design caters to those with a wider foot profile or for those who simply like enough space for their toes to spread out inside the roomy toebox. Although some Altra designs require you to size up, our lead tester found these shoes true to size, allowing her foot to remain in its natural position throughout the objective of the day with extra room in the midfoot to increase comfort.

If you are not familiar with Altra's zero drop shoes, be warned, as this design feature can take some getting used to. While our lead tester has worn Altra's for years and has adjusted to the unique design, those who are not conditioned to this design should ease in with shorter hikes or runs to allow their body to adjust over time. If you go out big, your calves are likely to be very sore until you transition back to your body's natural alignment. While some found this shoe to feature a smaller fit, we didn't notice any changes to Altra's Original Footshape, though our lead tester has more of a narrow foot. If you are after a comfy, mid cushion design that is comfortable out of the box and are curious about the zero drop foundation, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 may be the best option for day hiking (or trail running) objectives.

Support

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 design provides neutral support through the mid cushion construction. The new fit is also more “sock-like” meaning more snug around the midfoot, while still featuring the Altra EGO midsole foam for a responsive and comfortable support underfoot. The upper now features more flexibility than previous iterations, which we found to offer more lateral and forward flexion while moving on uneven terrain. The improved lacing system is also more user-friendly and allows you to more easily cinch the laces for a snug fit.

The neutral support and lightweight design provide enough structure for day hikes and trail runs, yet not enough support for our testers to suggest wearing these minimalist shoes under the weight of a heavy backpack. Perhaps an extreme example is when we wore these shoes during our a wet and soggy 7 mile approach under the weight of a 70 pound haul bag, and couldn't help but notice sore and tired feet when getting out of bed the following day. Learn from our mistakes and enjoy the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 hiking shoes during day hikes with a light pack.

Traction

Altra designs are known for their exceptional grip and traction in all terrain types and the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 only further exemplifies this statement. The MaxTrac outsoles offer a multi-directional lug pattern that effectively grips well in most terrain types. We also found that the flexibility in the shoe enhances the grip through more surface area contacting rocks and slabs on the trail.

Altra upgraded the outsole of the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 for even grippier performance than previous iterations and we can confirm the confidence they provide underfoot. The only moments of failure we experienced were in especially tricky conditions where extremely wet and soggy terrain combined with steep slope angles and we were sliding around before we knew it. That being said, the MacTrac outsoles will offer exceptional performance on most trail systems.

Water Resistance

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 features a new and improved waterproof bootie construction that provides solid performance during bad weather encountered on the trail. While we did notice the waterproof upper absorbing some water, the only time the shoe actually failed to protect our feet was when we sunk below the 3.25 inch flood level. To be fair, all shoes will begin to absorb water at that point so we can't really deduct any points from the ALL-WTHR Low 2 construction.

While some online reviews mention the lack of waterproof performance of the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2, we found the updated design to perform better than most. The updated materials kept our testers dry during a 7 mile hike into a remote valley through very muddy conditions, but failed on the same hike out several weeks later during a torrential downpour. To be fair, no shoe would remain waterproof in those conditions, however, once soaked throughout, they did require a long time to dry in the sun. The flip side of this waterproof performance is that they also run hot, so if you plan to hike in very warm climates at low elevation, these could potentially create too much heat inside the shoe to remain comfortable. That said, if you're out for a day hike during the soggy spring and fall conditions, this may be the perfect shoe for you.

Weight

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is among the lightest hiking shoes that we've tested. Weighing only 20.8 ounces for a US Women's size 8.5, the ALL-WTHR Low 2 is also provides the most supportive and durable construction of the hiking shoes that feature a similar weight. The lightweight design made it easy for our lead tester to pack these comfy shoes for her approach into a remote Valley in Chile, without exceeding the luggage weight limit for her flight.

The lightweight, trail running shoe construction may not be for everyone. As previously mentioned the updated waterproof bootie upper has been redesigned to drop weight, yet sacrifices a bit of structure for locking the foot in place within the shoe. If you're after a more traditional leather hiking shoe with enough structure to support the weight of a backpack, these may not be best for you. That said, the lightweight construction provides the perfect amount of support for day hikes with limited weight on your back.

Durability

The new and improved Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 appears to be more durable than the previous iterations that we've tested. The upper is thicker, and less susceptible to tears when sharp rocks are encountered on the trail. Although a lightweight and minimalist design, it features a StoneGuard insert along with a more substantial toe cap that combine to protect the feet from rocks, stumps, and debris in technical terrain.

Although we really put these shoes to the test during an expedition in Central Chile, where heavy rains persisted and trails turned into small rivers, the design held up under the demanding conditions. No real signs of wear and tear beyond cosmetic scuffs and white fabric that is permanently brown (after all the mud) appeared after miles and miles of rough terrain. If you enjoy technical trails, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 may be a great option to consider.

Should You Buy the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2?

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is a modern trail running shoe that is also perfect for those who are after a waterproof, lightweight, hiking shoe. The new and improved design features a fresh take on the waterproof upper along with an even grippier outsole, making it perfect for day hikes during inclement weather. These shoes are comfortable out of the box, though the zero drop heel takes some getting used to, and the design is best suited for those with wider feet. If you're interested in the best shoe for day hikes during soggy spring and fall conditions, the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is a great option for you to consider.

What Other Women's Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2 is the perfect choice for those seeking out of the box comfort that's best suited for a wide foot profile. The lightweight design specializes in excellent traction and waterproof performance with enough structure to support day hikes without a ton of weight on your back. If you are after a shoe that provides more structure and support within a heavier construction, check out the La Sportiva Spire GTX. If you plan on shorter day hikes and want a shoe that will transition from the trail to the restaurant, the Altra LP Alpine features the same zero drop design within a stylish canvas design. And if you're on a tight budget, the Columbia Crestwood is a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly design that's also best suited for day hikes without a heavy pack.