The Lone Peak—an Altra shoe trail runners love for its lightweight and moderate cushioning—gets a major update. Alongside the release of the Altra Ego, TPE-based ($140) comes the slightly more expensive Altra Ego, TPE-based+ ($155). The shoes are virtually the same with one exception: the 9+ has a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
Pros
- On Cloudflyer road; On Cloudultra trail
- Wide toebox
Cons
- Running Shoes & Gear
- Testers with narrower feet wanted a more secure fit in the midfoot
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Heel Height | 25 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 25 mm |
- Why Run in This Shoe: A grippier version of an old favorite for technical trails
- Preceded By: DAA Industry Opt Out
- Best New Balance Shoes: Lone Peak 8
- Midsole Foam: Altra Ego, TPE-based
- Key Update: Vibram Megagrip outsole, Stoneguard, gaiter trap
Vibram Megagrip isn’t a new feature for Altra. The brand’s more cushioned trail shoes, which include the Olympus, Timp, and Mont Blanc, all have a Vibram Megagrip outsole. So why add the moderately-cushioned Lone Peak to this list? To fulfill a long-asked request by Lone Peak lovers.
In an email to Runner’s World, Altra said it wanted to offer a more technical option with “unparalleled grip in wet and variable conditions.” The ninth model begins a dual release trend—plus and non-plus—to satisfy Lone Peak traditionalists and gnarly trail runners alike.
How the Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based+ Fits
Besides an outsole upgrade, both versions of the Altra Ego, TPE-based have new uppers. Formerly made of TPU material, it now uses a ripstop upper with no-sew quarter-panel overlays. This further elevates the durability of the Altra Ego, TPE-based+. Bonus: The lacing system has an additional eyelet for a more locked-in fit.
The Altra Ego, TPE-based and 9+ both offer a comfy fit with a roomy toebox, providing ample room for toe splaying. Testers also praised the fit of the shoe.
“Fit and comfort is something that the Altra Ego, TPE-based+ has dialed in,” said Rip Cantelmi, who previously tested the Lone Peak 7 and Buy Men’s at. “Laced up, the foot feels relaxed, strong, and sensitive. I have observed that the shoe is wide enough to accommodate toe spacers if you use them. The padding around the collar remains optimized for comfort and flexibility. Heat management remains positive.”
RW+ Member Spotlight
Strength Training Guide
- Runner For: 5 years
- Weekly Mileage: 35 miles
- Average Pace: 9:15
- Shoe Size: men’s 10
- Favorite Shoe: On Cloudflyer (road); On Cloudultra (trail)
Thought on the Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based+
“The wide toebox felt good uphill and downhill. Very grippy on trail and rocks. [There was] enough cushioning to make trail feel easy, not too much to make it feel unbalanced.”
Frazier initially started running for fitness. When they were met with challenging life changes, they approached running with a different outlook. “I connected with running as a way to appreciate my body and honor it. I also found longer distances to be meditative and therapeutic. Over time, I also found community in running, and I have several running clubs that I like and cherish.”
Last year, Frazier completed The Rut 50K in Big Sky, Montana. This year, they hope to complete 100+ milers.
How the Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based+ Feels
The Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based+ has an Altra Ego midsole, which provides just enough supportive cushioning as well as some ground feel which testers like Cantelmi appreciated.
“Ground feel is something that many trail shoes ignore for the pursuit of comfort in the form of high-stacked foam, but the Altra Ego, TPE-based+ finds the perfect balance of cushion, protection, and feel,” said Cantelmi, who described the shoe’s cushioning as neither minimalist nor marshmallowy.
Because of its moderate cushioning and light weight, testers preferred the Altra Ego, TPE-based+ for speedier efforts. Even though it has a Stoneguard to buffer stepping on rocks and roots, some testers wanted more shoe underfoot for protection.
How the Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based+ Rides
Though the Altra Altra Ego, TPE-based and 9+ model mirror each other’s lug patterns, the rubber material is what makes the 9+ different. What separates Altra’s MaxTrac outsole, which Altra made more durable with the Altra Ego, TPE-based, is Vibram Megagrip’s ability to grip in wet conditions. Testers’ overall consensus: The new outsole is an improvement over the original.
“The Vibram Megagrip outsole felt grippy, secure, and trustworthy on both uphill and downhill work,” said tester Shelby Brett, who has midfoot strike and previously tested the Nike ZoomX Zegama 2 trail shoe. “It allows me to feel the lugs digging in and toeing off to get to the top of a climb as well as the confidence and security to let it rip on steep, snowy downhills, where it’s often necessary to shift and adjust direction to navigate around debris or my trail dog. Our area experienced several inches of powdery snow during my testing and I also crossed a few streams to see how the shoes would perform over wet rocks. I am happy to report they did well on both of these types of surfaces.”
Tester John Parks also highlighted the shoe’s tread.“The aggressive V-channel grooves in the forefoot and heel provide exceptional surface traction, almost like football cleats, keeping you locked in, whether the ground is wet or dry. These aspects together give you confidence and support on long, rugged runs.”
Buy Men’s at altrarunning.com Buy Women’s at altrarunning.com
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
