Altra Lone Peak 5.0 Review
Total Protection With Do-It-All Versatility
Likes
- Cushioned feel
- Protective and durable
- Road-to-trail capability
- Stylish colourways
Dislikes
- Slightly heavy
- Wide fit doesn't work for everyone
What's New
The Lone Peak receives a few major updates with the release of version 5.0. The most exciting is the introduction of an AltraEGO Foam midsole. Used in other models including the Escalante and Rivera, AltraEGO foam is proving to be a high-performance compound that brings new vigour to the Lone Peak series. A new StoneGuard also offers improved protection without being intrusive. Finally, laser-cut drainage holes have been strategically placed throughout the upper to provide fast and easy drying when trail conditions are wet.
The Bottom Line
The Lone Peak 5.0 is a classic utility shoe that has developed into a reliable go-to favourite. While it may not be a superstar in any specific performance category, it executes surprisingly well across the board. This do-it-all workhorse is now updated with an AltraEGO foam midsole that feels lighter, softer, and more responsive than the EVA foam design that Altra has previously used. A reconstructed StoneGuard further enhances the protective qualities of the Lone Peak 5.0, defending runners against stone bruising and sharp rocks underfoot. Furthermore, the anatomically designed MaxTrack outsole can claw into the trails with excellent traction when navigating through the hills. In terms of the fit, the Lone Peak is spacious — possibly too spacious for some runners, but Altra lovers will feel right at home in the signature FootShape toe-box. Given its overall strong performance and accessible price, the Lone Peak 5.0 is a consistent and trustworthy shoe to have in your weekly rotation.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Wide | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.5 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 28 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) - includes removeable sock liner | |
| Terrain | Trail | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Altra struck a wonderful balance in the Lone Peak 5 by managing to retain a close-to-the-ground feel that is also comfortably soft underfoot. The new AltraEGO foam midsole offers a plush and highly protective ride that is a fan favourite among trail runners.
Cortney: "The Lone Peak 5.0 has enough cushioning to be protective, but it still allows some ground feel. It has the right amount of cushion without weighing the shoe down and allows the 5.0 to be reasonably flexible."
Cory: "The Lone Peak 5 is designed for runners to feel the ground on every step. Bringing the AltraEGO midsole over from the Escalante Racer line was a great choice, as it is much softer than the Lone Peak 4.5. You'll get some nice cushioning while still feeling responsive underfoot."
Ride/Energy Return i
Altra has updated the Lone Peak 5.0 with an all-new AltraEGO foam midsole, which delivers a softer and more protective ride than it's predecessors. Unfortunately, the ride does lack a bit of the snappy energy return found in other new Altra shoes sporting AltraEGO foam, such as the Escalante and Rivera.
Cortney: "The Lone Peak 5.0 is not built for speeding through trails, but it does add a solid little bounce to each stride. This shoe is close enough to the ground to allow for a connected feel that enables a great push-off."
Cory: "You are going to need to do most of the work in the Lone Peak 5. With only 25 mm of foam between my foot and the ground, there's not enough return to really bounce down a trail, but the shoe feels light on foot, so I'm not losing any power either."
Underfoot Protection i
With a new StoneGuard and the previously mentioned AltraEGO foam midsole, the Lone Peak offers runners protection from the trail's rough terrain. Our testers had no problem feeling fresh throughout their runs, but they would keep the Lone Peak for runs under half-marathon distances. The MaxTrack outsole also offers grippy traction that instills confidence as you navigate through your trail runs.
Cortney: "The Lone Peak is surprisingly protective underfoot. It is evenly cushioned from heel to toe and allows me to run long kilometres without experiencing hot spots or joint pain."
Cory: "I really noticed the combination of protection and cushioning of the Lone Peak 5 as I was going further in my runs on technical trails. However, I feel it has an upper limit of around a half marathon before my feet start to feel the effects of constantly running over rocks and gravel."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Lone Peak 5.0 is an extremely flexible shoe that adapts to the natural movement of the foot. This flexibility allows runners to adjust quickly to any obstacle that they may face on the trail. Ultimately, the flexibility contributes to the overall responsiveness of the Lone Peak 5.0 by giving runners an extra pop of energy at toe-off.
Cortney: "The Lone Peak 5.0 can fold in half. It is a shoe with high flexibility both heel-to-toe and side-to-side (torsion/twisting) as well. This flexibility allows me to feel the ground underfoot and respond to whatever the trail throws at me."
Cory: "The Lone Peak 5.0 felt incredibly flexible, especially on the most technical of terrain. I felt I was getting the most out of the Lone Peak 5's flexibility on steep downhills where quick feet are necessary. This shoe adapted beautifully to a variety of trails and handled them all with ease."
Upper Feel i
The FootShape toe-box delivers a spacious sock-like feel that is similar to previous versions and offers the classic roomy fit that Altra fans are accustomed to. However, if you are new to Altra shoes, you may consider selecting a half size smaller to get the fit you are looking for. Our testers also noted that the updated heel design offers an improved lockdown that gives runners excellent security without any heel slippage.
Cortney: "The Lone Peak 5 offers a good wrap of the foot while staying true to Altra's trademark natural foot shape. The Lone Peak 4.5 and 5.0 feel very similar in the upper and overall fit. The 5.0 did seem to hold my heel a bit better than previous models."
Cory: "With the wide toe-box, I was able to go a half size down in the Lone Peak 5.0. These shoes offered me a sock-like fit that I haven't experienced in other trail shoes. The restructured heel was noticeable compared to the Lone Peak 4.5 and kept my foot comfortably stuck in place for the duration of my runs. I wish I had this fit in every shoe."
Men's Altra Lone Peak Running Shoes
Women's Altra Lone Peak Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
I love the Altra Lone Peak series. This shoe has gained a cult-like following throughout its lifespan, and although it has evolved since its genesis, it has stayed true to its Altra roots with only minor updates in the previous three iterations. I have completed a bunch of runs in the 5.0, and I have had zero issues with it so far. I found the Lone Peak 5.0 to be versatile, adaptive, and highly protective while out on the trails. The outsole also offers top-notch durability that will withstand the test of time. The Lone Peak 5.0 is very comfortable and can be worn for long easy kilometres on the trail regardless of your pace. If I were to suggest a shoe to a new trail runner, I would recommend the Altra Lone Peak 5.0.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptableThe Lone Peak 5.0 is a shoe I grab nearly every time I hit the trails. It has a snug fit, making it perfect for stability and flexibility on more technical trails. The Lone Peak is also soft and responsive enough that it can easily handle a couple of kilometers on the road before getting to the trails. While designed for water drainage, the laser-cut holes in the front and sides of the upper bring much-needed breathability for when your feet heat up. The Lone Peak 5.0 is light enough for race day on the trails, but I would not wear it for distances farther than 21 km. For longer distances, runners will probably want the Altra Olympus 4 or Timp 3 for extra cushioning. The Maxtrack outsole and TrailClaw lug pattern ensure a solid grip on any surface, from snowy roads to muddy climbs to rocky descents. Altra's zero-drop platform may take some getting used to, but this is a great shoe for making the transition. I've already recommended the Lone Peak 5.0 to friends and will continue to do so as my go-to trail shoe.