Altra Lone Peak 7 Introduction
The Altra Lone Peak 7.0 is the newest version of Altra’s flagship trail shoe. The LP7s go back to earlier versions of the shoe with a roomier feel in the upper, a true foot-shaped toe box that seemed to be lacking in the more recent iterations.
This model does maintain the lighter weight that has been a Lone Peak trend of late, compared to some of the heavier versions I’ve worn (LP3 and LP4).
The biggest issue I have with the Altra Lone Peak 7.0 is the price point. Retailing for $150 isn’t outlandish compared to other similar shoes on the market, but Altras used to stand out as great value for the quality.
Over the last several years, across the board, Altras seem to be increasing in price steadily. I don’t feel that the LP7s are overpriced, but I also don’t feel like they are the type of value they were 10+ years ago.
Altra Lone Peak 7 Impressions
Right out of the box, I was pretty sure I was going to like the Altra Lone Peak 7.0. They were quite comfortable from the first time I put them on my feet, and I noticed almost instantly that they weren’t as tight as recent versions of the Lone Peaks. This was a very welcome return to the OG Altra foot-shaped toe box days, and my feet have been very happy with this change.
As mentioned previously in this review, the LP7s are a great option for just about any trail condition. One flatter, less technical, and more runnable trails, the LP7s are light enough to get out there and run/race fast. On a more technical trail, there is enough cushion to protect your feet and the lugs are aggressive enough to give you confidence with your traction while bombing down a hill.
The Altra Lone Peak 7.0s are also good options for different running surfaces, including pavement. So for a race where there’s some flat and fast, some more technical areas, and a few miles on the road, the LP7s are going to perform well from start to finish.
Are there other options available that could be better for flat and fast trails? And better options for more technical trails? Definitely. But for a shoe that can do it all, from short and fast to a mountain ultra, the LP7 ticks all the boxes.
Altra Lone Peak 7 Protection
The Altra Lone Peak 7.0 offers adequate protection to the wearer, but if protecting your feet is your top concern they may not measure up. The combination of rigid outsole and Altra’s Altra Ego midsole foam provide a nice buffer between your foot and the ground. While you can definitely still feel the terrain you are running on, rocks, sticks, and other trail debris shouldn’t cause you any issues during a run.
The LP7s have a light toe cap which provides a slight buffer when accidentally kicking a rock or root on the trail. That said, the cap isn’t enough to really cushion the blow, so you’re going to want to be sure to pick up your feet out there!
Altra Lone Peak 7 Durability
The Altra Lone Peak 7.0s are really holding up quite well. I don’t really do any bushwhacking though, and I’m not entirely sure if the breathable upper would hold up as well if it were to catch on stick and briars while going off-trail. But on a relatively open trail, I have no doubt these shoes will last many hundreds of miles.
As for holding up to a long-distance effort, I’d be very comfortable in the LP7s for a 50k and would expect them to hold up to a 50M as well. Depending on the trail conditions and your individual preferences for the amount of cushioning in a shoe, they could absolutely be a viable option for longer ultras as well.
Altra Lone Peak 7 Responsiveness & speed
If you want to go fast, you can go fast in the Altra Lone Peak 7.0s. These shoes are lightweight and respond well to the trails when opening up the throttle is an option.
Even though the LP7s are lightweight, they do have more than enough tread to be confident in your ability to push off and accelerate on muddy or slippery trails. When speed is a goal, confidence in footing is vital, and you’ll have that confidence when wearing the LP7s.
Altra Lone Peak 7 Comfort and fit
I have zero complaints, at all, about the comfort and fit of the Altra Lone Peak 7.0s. The foot-shaped toe box is back, but the overall fit of the shoe is just right. The toe box has room, the mid-foot is snug, and the heel cup is comfortable but keeps the foot in place.
Honestly, the fit of this shoe is as close to perfect of any trail shoe I’ve ever worn.
Altra Lone Peak 7 Conclusions
Overall, I’m not sure I couldn’t be happier with the Altra Lone Peak 7.0s. They just kind of tick every box I want from a trail shoe: comfortable, good traction, not too heavy, breathable, and durable.
It’s been a few models since a Lone Peak was at the top of my trail shoe rotation, but the LP7s are absolutely my new trail go-to.
I’ve had my issues with Altras the last few years, but this shoe is as good as any Altra I’ve ever worn. I’m confident in saying I’ll be happily running in my LP7s for many hundreds of miles to come!
