 This Product
Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best For Day Hikes |  Best Overall Women's Hiking Shoe | Best for Versatile Performance |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Hiking Shoe Below $100 |
| Price | $160.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $209.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $170.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $48.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $70 List $49.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This hiking shoe resembles a comfy running shoe design that provides ample space for the toes | Featuring high-quality performance technology, this hiking shoe is designed to handle any backcountry challenge you dream up | This hybrid design provides stability and waterproof protection that’s best for those with narrow feet | This affordable hiking shoe offers great support for those with high arches | The lightweight design and sneaker-like feel provide ample comfort under foot |
| Rating Categories | Altra Lone Peak 9 W... | La Sportiva Spire G... | Salomon X Ultra 5 G... | Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Altra Lone Peak 9 W... | La Sportiva Spire G... | Salomon X Ultra 5 G... | Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) | 1.46 lbs | 1.66 lbs (size EU 39.5) | 1.54 lbs | 1.70 lbs | 1.50 lbs |
| Upper | Recycled polyester mesh | Abrasion-resistant mesh | Matryx: Kevlar and technical yarn | Pigskin leather, mesh | Leather, mesh, and webbing |
| Lining | Waterproof bootie construction | Gore-Tex Surround | Textile | Recycled mesh | Omni-Tech |
| Midsole | Altra EGO foam | EVA | EnergyCell | Air cushion | Techlite |
| Outsole | MaxTrac | Vibram XS Trek | Contagrip rubber | Vibram TC5 | Omni-Grip |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
The Lone Peak 9 Waterproof features a unique zero drop heel and mid cushion comfort to keep you connected to the ground while proving all-day comfort and extra space in the toe box for tired feet. The waterproof upper combines with a thick MaxTrac outsole and heel stabilizers to provide confidence underfoot, even while navigating muddy, wet conditions. While not as supportive nor as substantial as a traditional hiking shoe, this lightweight option is perfect for day hikes and short jaunts in the mountains.
Altra continues to improve their classic Lone Peak design with the latest iteration. The Lone Peak 9 Waterproof features responsive mid cushion support that provides the all-day comfort of a running shoe. The natural fit is true to size and Altra's FootShape fit includes a roomy toe box that makes this shoe a good choice for those with wide or narrow feet. The zero drop (0 mm) heel places your foot in its natural position rather than decreasing the strength of your feet by including tons of additional cushion below the heel.
After years of testing Altra's our lead tester is adjusted to the zero drop heel, however, if you've never worn the 0 mm design, you'll experience some discomfort and soreness in your calves as your body adjusts to the more natural positioning. That said, the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof still provides the comfort of a running shoe with extra space in the toe box for those with wider feet.
While the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof is not as supportive as a traditional hiking boot or shoe, the design does include key features that extend the support beyond your average running shoe. The latest iteration features a reinforced heel along with integrated lacing to improve the fit and ease of use with the laces. Our lead tester preferred to include the runner's eyelet near the ankle for even more support. Altra also refreshed their proprietary Altra EGO midsole to reduce the weight of the shoe without sacrificing comfort, stability, or connection with the trail underfoot.
Although supportive and responsive on the trail, this shoe does lack the ample support and ankle stability required for carrying the weight of a heavy pack. The shoe is designed for lightweight performance, and therefore, the insole is quite thin and doesn't provide a ton of support for those with high arches. If you find yourself seeking more support underfoot, we recommend purchasing an aftermarket insert for more firmness beneath the arch. That said, it is comfortable and supportive out of the box, making it perfect for those seeking a shoe that can keep up on day hikes while moving through technical terrain.
The soft and flexible upper of the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof combines with the MaxTrac outsole to provide more surface area below the foot that effectively grips in most terrain types. The multi-directional Chevron lug pattern along with heel stabilizers help provide confidence underfoot and the depth of the lugs help this shoe to grip in muddy or snowy terrain.
Whether we were hiking through slippery boulders and rock along popular trails or tough terrain at the beginning of the season, we were impressed with the grip and traction provided by the outsoles. The only time we lost our footing was on a super muddy trail while navigating a steep and snowy descent, while we slid for a moment on the freshly melting snow, the lugs engaged and caught quickly, allowing our lead tester to remain upright. Besides one minor slide, the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof provides confidence underfoot thanks to its MaxTrac outsoles and flexible upper that allows for ample connection with the trail system underfoot.
The latest iteration of the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof features a 100% PFC-free and recycled polyester waterproof upper along with no-sew overlay that increases waterproof performance and overall durability. Whether we were moving through lingering snowfields, muddy sections of trail, or simply dunking them in a bucket full of water for a controlled test, the waterproof bootie construction never let us down.
While the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof passed all of our waterproof tests with flying colors, the zero drop design and neutral positioning also reduce the flood height of the shoe, which measures only 3 inches from the outsole to the ankle. For those considering seriously tough terrain and wet conditions, purchasing a trail gaiter could be a great way to extend the flood height and further increase water resistance.
The Lone Peak 9 Waterproof remains lightweight, agile, and stable underfoot, yet slightly increases the weight of the shoe with the latest technology and trail protective features. Weighing 1.46 pounds for a US Women's size 8.5, the LP is still one of the lighter options that we tested, and we didn't notice the extra ounces underfoot.
Although the most recent version of the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof includes a no-sew overlay along with fully updated midsole that were specifically designed to lighten the weight of this high performing trail shoe, it weighs more than previously tested models. That said, the LP 9 still provides the lightweight feel of a responsive running shoe along with adequate protection from debris and rocks encountered on the trail.
The Lone Peak 9 Waterproof features a flexible recycled polyester mesh along with a Stoneguard insert to protect the feet while moving through technical and rocky terrain. The latest update improves the upper by including a no-sew overlay which further protects the toes while reducing any fabric that could snag on sharp rocks. The toe cap is effective although not as substantial as beefier shoes that we tested for this review.
We love the updated lacing system along with the runner's eyelet that not only increases durability but also makes the laces easier to tighten than previous versions. Although the lightweight design doesn't feature any metal eyelets in the center of the shoe, Altra reinforced the eyelets at the ankle and forefoot where the shoe will experience the most tension during use. Our testers believe the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof is the most durable design yet, and would highly recommend the shoe for those seeking ample protection and day hiking performance.
If you're in need of a waterproof shoe that provides excellent traction within a lightweight design, the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof may be the perfect choice for you. The waterproof upper combines with an internal waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry even in wet and muddy conditions. While the shoe is limited in breathability and Altra's zero drop heel can take some getting used to, we found this shoe to provide the best performance in terms of connection, traction, and balance for day hikes, rain or shine.
The Lone Peak 9 Waterproof is our favorite shoe for those seeking a comfortable, supportive, grippy, and waterproof design that's perfect for day hikes and shorter jaunts. If you're not into the zero drop or simply prefer more substantial protection underfoot, we highly recommend the La Sportiva Spire GTX that has a more beefy toe box, midsole, and even deep lugs that better grip loose terrain. If you find yourself on a budget, options like the Merrell Moab 3 WP or the Columbia Crestwood maybe right up your alley. They are also great choices for those who don't need a waterproof design. The North Face VECTIV Fastpack is another running shoe inspired design in our award winning lineup that is similar in weight features more traditional cushioning beneath the heel.
