Best Budget Option
Altra Lone Peak 9
$145A comfortable, wide-fitting trail shoe at an excellent price point with zero-drop design and rock plate protection. Real users love it for natural running and finicky feet.
what experts say
- >“For a reliable all-arounder, especially for those who want a more natural running experience, it's tough to find more for the money. Yes, there are cheaper shoes, but on trail, where protection and traction really matter, we don't recommend sacrificing for less.”— Switchback Tested
- >“The Altra Lone Peak 9+ (and 9) trail-running shoes offer excellent value with a wide toe box and natural fit that appeals to runners with finicky feet.”— REI Expert Advice
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +Signature wide toe-box and zero-drop setup provide natural running experience
- +Rock plate and gaiter attachments add trail-specific protection
- +Improved MaxTrac outsole offers better traction than previous versions
- +Abrasion-resistant ripstop mesh upper handles trail wear
- +Heel and tongue pulls make on/off convenient
[-] what's not
- -Wide, zero-drop design feels sluggish and slipper-like to some runners
- -Can feel dead and under-cushioned, especially during faster runs
- -Standard model's rubber wears out faster than competitors
- -Too roomy for runners who prefer snug, traditional trail shoes
