The Lone Peak has been the cornerstone of the Altra brand since its inception. The Lone Peak 3.0 is a drastic change from the last two models. These improvements on the Lone Peak 3.0 return the Lone Peak to a significant contender in the trail shoe market. The Lone Peak 3.0 maintains all of the core elements of the Altra brand.  The LP 3.0 is, of course, zero drop, and has a foot shaped toe box. The midsole remains relatively plush in comparison to the original LPs, but beyond this, Altra has made many improvements.

Some previous complaints in the 2.0 and 2.5 models are intentionally addressed in the LP 3.0s. This speaks volumes for a brand who is specifically interested in listening to runner feedback. The Lone Peak 3.0 is much narrower in the mid foot and ankle, with additional structures also built in, the shoe is more laterally stable and therefore solid under foot. There is much less ‘sloshing around’ as many previously complained of.  With the same amount of cushion as previous models, it continues to offer a soft ride over the roughest terrain. Another big change is the outsole. With different lugs and a new rubber compound, it is much more durable and far better on tough terrain. The new outsole is great in wet conditions. Additionally, the uppers have been reinforced and include slightly more protection and durability then the last model. Lastly, SIZING!! This has been FIXED. Be aware that the shoes are more true to size and should be purchased accordingly. Some of our testers did feel they were snug initially, but comfortably adjusted, with no toe nail loss, after a few miles.

Several of our testers have put more then 200 miles on these shoes. We feel very comfortable discussing the pros and cons of these shoes from the field. These miles have range from rugged mountain races, to tempo runs on roads revealing some consistent themes. All of the testers loved the improvements in the Uppers. However, this has resulted in a shoe that is not as breathable as its predecessors, and therefore some users experienced some moisture management problems. Conversely, much of the sand does not sift through the upper like before. If you are not diligent in cleaning and drying your LP 3.0s, you may find a nice odor build up. Clean them shoes folks!!!  Additionally, the footbeds (an improvement from the previous models) do slide around in wet and nasty conditions. One of our testers simply glued them down and resolved this problem. Lastly, we wanted to discuss DURABILITY. In many of our tester shoes, not all, we encountered tears on the toe crease, see photos. This was our ONLY observed durability concern.

The biggest conversation among the TAUR Testers centered on aesthetics rather then pragmatics. Perhaps you can help us resolve this. Some of the testers were adamant about the graphics of the 3.0 being a little tacky. While others LOVED the mountain landscape and its resemblance to the original shoes. What are your thoughts?

“The Lone Peak 3.0 is a great balance of cushioning, rock protection, stability, ground feel in a shoe, while still remaining relatively lightweight.”

“On a single outing I wore the shoe for 70 miles and 23,000 vertical feet, in a time of just under 27 hours, on some of the most technical terrain you can find. Sharp rocks were everywhere. Where there weren’t rocks, roots and uneven trail was left. I walked away from that trip with healthy and happy feet and ready to continue to run farther.”

“I was really unhappy with the Lone Peak 2.0 and 2.5, these shoes have been a refreshing and impressive improvement.”

“This is the best Lone Peak to date.”

Altra Lone Peak 3.0

Suggested optimal use & distance: 100 miler, 50 miler, Training run, Adventure run, etc.

Price: $ 120

Weight: 9.7 oz

Heel to Toe Drop – 0mm

Ratings

(1 to 5)1 is horrible, 5 is Amazing 

Overall – 4.3