Gear Review: Altra Lone Peak 4.5

I really want to love these Altra Lone Peak 4.5 trail runners. I purchased them in my typical women's size 9.5, during the REI anniversary sale, for $89.99. I chose the poppy red version, as I love color, and they look so good.

Poppy Red Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes

I typically have worn a shoe with 5mm to 6mm drop. If you're not familiar with this measurement, it is the ratio of the height from your heel to your toes at it sits in the shoe, so imagine a tiny wedge heel inside your shoe. You can usually find this easily on a shoe's webpage under product information and look for "drop" measurement. Altra's are all zero drop shoes (or 0mm) - your foot is level from heel to toe when standing - as well as offer a much wider toe box as their niche in the running shoe market. Similar to barefoot running enthusiasts, there is plenty of science and opinion around zero drop and what is more natural or best for the running form.

What I have noticed, with both Altra's and other examples of zero drop sneakers I've walked around in such as Converse, is that my arch, particularly my left arch starts yelling at me. I will walk through the pain but I have never gotten to the point that it goes away. I simply switch back to my 6mm drop shoes and the pain goes away running or walking. If you aren't have any other issue with the shoe, I have read it is recommended to continue wearing the shoes and increasing time and distance in them to train your feet to adjust.

Despite loving the bright poppy color and the cushion underneath my feat, I had a second issue that has me leaning towards returning my Lone Peaks. The top/tip of my big toes hit the top of the shoe. No, I'm not jamming my toes into the front of the shoe. My big toes flex up when I run and brushes the top of the shoe. I have tried going up a half size to 10s and slide around too much even with thicker socks. I have tried different lacing techniques but have not found the right setup to mitigate the issue.

The grip and rock plate on the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 feels solid on road, dirt and gravel.

Overall, I really really want the Altra Lone Peak 4.5's to work for me. The color, the look, the really cool grip for all trail conditions all make them a great shoe. But this is my 3rd attempt over the years trying different Altra models and I just can't seem to commit to them being right for me and my feet. I do recommend everyone to give them a try, especially in the bright poppy red.

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