Gear Review: Altra’s Lone Peak 3.0 Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

Altra might be known for its running shoes, but the brand does have a line of trail shoes. This review will focus on Altra’s Lone Peak 3.0 women’s shoes. Altra did donate these shoes to me for review purposes, but this will not affect the accuracy of this review.

Basic Specs for Altra’s Lone Peak 3.0

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe  Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running ShoeAltra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

Type: Trail Running Shoe
Sizes Available: Women’s 5.5-12
Waterproof: No
Weight: Site claims 8 oz (does not state size), weight of my size 6.5 shoes is 15 oz for both
Material: Quick-Dry mesh fabric upper, EVA midsole, rubber outersole 
Suggested Retail Price: $120.00

About Review

IMG_2000 Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

I tested these shoes on various hiking trails in Colorado and Utah. They were tested on both trail and pavement. Terrain varied from rocky, sandy, muddy, completely submerged in water, packed soil, and wet rock. I ran, hiked, and did some bouldering in these shoes too. I did not replace the insoles.

Pros

Big Toe Box

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

The first thing I noticed when I put these shoes on is the large toe box. I actually thought I received the wrong size, but then when I read that these shoes are designed with a larger toe box, I realized that this size toe box is what I’ve needed all along! I think this is a great feature for a thru-hiker, since some of us experience foot expansion whiling thru-hiking.

Lightweight

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

These shoes are fairly lightweight for the amount of sole. The upper mesh is thin and cooling.

Grip

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

The grip is pretty good on these soles and hasn’t worn down too much from my many trail runs and hikes in them. I also feel secure with the thick sole, however I could see the thick sole being a bit too much for some hikers.

Durable

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

I’ve taken these out on at least 40 trail runs and three hiking vacations and have yet to experience a tear. However, with these shoes being lightweight, they won’t be as durable as sturdier hiking shoes and boots.

Dried Fairly Quickly / Adequate Air Flow

I walked the Narrows in Zion National Park, a hike that is very commonly a walk in a stream. After I hiked some of the Narrows, completely submerging the shoes, I hiked up Angels Landing, a mountain and ridge walk. The shoes did dry fairly quickly while wearing them (without airing them out or setting them in the sun). However, I did try to squeeze as much water out as I could while wearing them. I do have to consider that I was in a desert that was hot and sunny, accelerating the drying process. They actually did not squish around water and dried faster than my Salomon shoes (both Salomon waterproof and not) but not as quick as my Pearl Izumi’s.

Cons

Not Waterproof

If you are looking for a waterproof shoe, these are not for you. However, non-waterproof shoes are great during the summer months, but can be quite miserable during wet winter conditions.

Shoe Laces

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

The shoe laces did not seem to stay tied sometimes. I would find myself tying my shoe more than I would have liked. I do recommend changing out the laces.

Thick Sole

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

Although I liked the thick sole, this might be something that might seem bulky for those of you that enjoy a very minimalist feel.

Expensive

At $120, these shoes might be a bit pricey, but do remember that you get what you pay for. I do believe that these shoes are worth the price due the durability alone.

Gaiter Attachment

Altra's Lone Peak 3.0 Trail Running Shoe

There is a gaiter attachment in the back of the heel. This could be a pro or con depending on if you wear gaiters. I am under the assumption that the attachment feature on the shoes is only for Altra gaiters. Although this a a nice touch, it is useless every other time you want to wear the shoe without gaiters. It could possibly save on weight without this feature.

Overall

Overall, I really enjoy these shoes. I think they are great for both running and hiking during the summer and could also make great long distance hiking shoes due to the durability and bigger toe box. I do wish that the laces did stay tied better, which is the one main flaw that I would change besides removing the gaiter attachment.

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Comments 2

  • Katherine : Feb 8th

    Does the gaiter attachment work with Dirty Girl gaiters? Looks like it might…

    Reply
    • Travis : Mar 10th

      Yes they do My wife and I have them and use them on ours

      Reply

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