Our verdict
Pros
- True to size
- Fairly light
- Excellent traction
- Multi-directional lugs
- Wide toebox
- Responsive
- More flexible upper
- Simpler lacing system (that the Lone Peak 4)
Cons
- Not maximally cushioned
Altra Lone Peak 4.5 review
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is a burly and responsive trail running shoe built for tackling tuff terrain like its Montana namesake Lone Peak in Big Sky. This iteration of the Lone Peak is not one to pass by.
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is agile and responsive. For a trail running shoe, it is exceptionally light (10.5 oz). This is a shoe built for speedy runs or races. Great traction, combined with its lightweight makes this a great choice for runners planning to race shorter and medium distance trail events. The burly TRAILCLAW treads that are mindfully positioned create security of footing that is unparalleled. The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 will be my choice for my fall trail races.
Who should buy the Lone Peak 4.5
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is a shoe best suited for runners who want:
- a responsive, connected feeling while running
- enough protection and cushion for technical terrain
- a fast and light shoe built for trail racing
- a shoe with exceptional traction
Who should NOT buy the Altra Lone Peak 4.5
Look away if you:
- want a more cushioned shoe (in this case, consider the Olympus 4.0)
- are looking for a waterproof (see this list of waterproof trail shoes)
Lockdown is outstanding!
The lockdown of the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is outstanding. The simplified lace cage (updated from the Lone Peak 4) and fat laces work well to cinch down the foot nicely. The heel box is a thing of beauty. I have a bony heel and am pretty particular about my heel box. The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 checks all of the boxes for me in this department.
Responsive comfort and control
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5´s crowning feature is how responsive it feels. The lockdown, well thought lug pattern of the sole, and the weight all conspire to make this shoe one of the most responsive trail runners that I´ve ever run in.
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 corners like a dream and there´s no noticeable energy loss in the cushioning of the sole. The cushion is just enough to ease the impact on your joints, creating a comfortable ride, but not so much as to create an energy suck.
The StoneGuard technology provides protection but does not create stiffness. All in all, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 delivers a sense of control while flying down uncertain fall-condition trails.
The Lone Peak 4.5 is a remarkably light shoe
At 10.5 oz, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is as light as some other brands of road running shoes. The feel of this lightweight trail racer is amazing. I´m really enjoying the nimble feel of these trail runners on the cool fall mornings.
Sizing is spot on
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 fits true to size. I wear a medium size 9.5 (US Men´s) in most other brands and the Lone Peak fits that bill as well.
Gaiter Trap is a nice addition to the Lone Peak 4.5
The Velcro Gaiter Trap is featured on the Altra Lone Peak 4.5. These are great features but are dependent on the runner buying the Altra gaiters for an extra $20.00 for them to be fully usable. That said, the shoe works just fine with off-brand gaiters too.
Traction when it counts
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5´s multi-directional lugs on the TRAILCLAW sole, combined with the MAXTRAC technology make the shoe unstoppable. The traction and durability of the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 are amazing. The western Montana trails in fall can be dicey, to say the least, but the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 had zero difficulties handling whatever conditions I threw at them.
