A few years back I wrote about my switch from hiking boots to trail runners and back again, at least for backpacking or seriously challenging day hikes. I think it’s worth reading that article and the comments, to really dig into the various points of view regarding shoe choice, but the tl;dr version is this: I always wore boots because I thought you were supposed to; switched to trail runners and was blown away by lightness and immediate comfort; missed the ruggedness, security, and long-term comfort and bonding of boots, so I went back to ’em.
But I had never worn the Altra Lone Peaks, the king of trail runners among backpackers, especially thru-hikers. So last year I picked up a pair of the newest model, the Lone Peak 6, to see if they could sway me to carry heavy loads all day with nothing but low-rise foam cushioning my tootsies.
First, a primer. The Lone Peaks are a zero-drop, wide-toe-box shoe meant to mimic the shape of your foot. They’re as close as you can get to being barefoot, short of those strange toe-shoes. Your toes are allowed to splay out widely, which, if you’ve never worn shoes like this before, will likely cause you to make deep, satisfied sighs of comfort the first time you walk in them.
The no-drop and wide toe box are the real technical differentiators for these shoes. I’m sure Altra has proprietary foams and lacing systems here, but it’s the shape and the fit you’ll be noticing.
These are, without question, the most comfortable closed-toe shoes I’ve ever walked in. I have big, long feet, not particularly wide, so, as always with shoes, YMMV, but these are my go-tos for walking around town and for light hiking.
But yes, light hiking only.
I’ve put a little over 100 miles of hiking and trail running on my pair, according to my Garmin. Probably 70 miles were free and unencumbered with a heavy pack and on trails that aren’t particularly technical and definitely didn’t require any scrambling. The rest were hiked with an overnight pack, no more than 35 pounds, my standard, non-ultralight load.
The shoes perform flawlessly when the going is flat. They’re ideal sandy trail hikers. But once the trail gets tough, whether running or vigorous hiking, I had issues. The wide toe box can create a feeling of “swimming” in the shoe. When running and approaching a rocky section, I’d be constantly aware my forefoot was moving in the shoe, or at least it felt that way.
While carrying a heavy pack, the same unstable feeling was present. Unlike shoes with a narrower, standard tow box, there’s nothing keeping your forefoot in place. That’s what creates that fabulous comfort, but it also can make for a nerve-wracking hiking experience with weight on your back. I feel more secure backpacking in my Bedrock sandals than I do in the Lone Peaks as my feet don’t move. Even when your foot doesn’t move, the softness of the soles flex and twist and I still just never felt stable.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, these shoes are beloved by thru-hikers. And I completely understand why. If one of your chief concerns is being as nice to your feet as possible, and carrying as little weight on your feet as possible, these are your dream shoes. Or if you’re an ultralight enthusiast and your pack for 5 nights weighs like 15 pounds, well I can see how these would work.
But not for me. Any significant load and I need shoes with more security. Again though, that’s why I prefer boots.
Day hikes though? As long as you’re not scrambling, you can’t beat these things. I swear they’re more comfortable than some of my slippers.
210 comments
Hello my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include approximately all vital infos. I?d like to see more posts like this .
Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today..
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any approach you can take away me from that service? Thanks!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i?m happy to exhibit that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much indisputably will make certain to do not omit this site and provides it a glance regularly.
Howdy I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb job.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I?ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
One important thing is that when you find yourself searching for a education loan you may find that you’ll need a cosigner. There are many situations where this is correct because you may find that you do not have a past credit score so the loan company will require you have someone cosign the borrowed funds for you. Interesting post.
Thanks for your beneficial post. Through the years, I have come to understand that the actual symptoms of mesothelioma are caused by this build up of fluid between your lining of the lung and the torso cavity. The infection may start within the chest spot and multiply to other limbs. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include losing weight, severe deep breathing trouble, throwing up, difficulty ingesting, and bloating of the face and neck areas. It ought to be noted that some people having the disease will not experience any kind of serious symptoms at all.
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome website!
Wonderful site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your effort!
Thanks for the suggestions you discuss through this website. In addition, several young women who become pregnant never even aim to get health insurance coverage because they dread they couldn’t qualify. Although many states right now require that insurers present coverage despite the pre-existing conditions. Rates on these guaranteed options are usually higher, but when thinking about the high cost of medical care bills it may be your safer strategy to use to protect a person’s financial future.
We are offering Concrete Parking Lot Contractor, Concrete Installation Contractor Service, warehouse flooring, commercial, and industrial concrete roadways.
One more thing. It’s my opinion that there are numerous travel insurance internet sites of respectable companies that let you enter a trip details and acquire you the prices. You can also purchase the international travel insurance policy on the internet by using your own credit card. All you need to do is always to enter the travel particulars and you can start to see the plans side-by-side. Simply find the package that suits your budget and needs and use your credit card to buy that. Travel insurance on the web is a good way to do investigation for a respected company for international travel cover. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Thanks for the thoughts you share through this web site. In addition, quite a few young women who become pregnant don’t even try and get medical care insurance because they are full of fearfulness they couldn’t qualify. Although a few states currently require that insurers offer coverage irrespective of the pre-existing conditions. Fees on all these guaranteed options are usually bigger, but when considering the high cost of medical care bills it may be the safer strategy to use to protect your own financial potential.
I have noticed that credit score improvement activity really needs to be conducted with tactics. If not, it’s possible you’ll find yourself damaging your rating. In order to succeed in fixing your credit ranking you have to be careful that from this moment in time you pay your monthly dues promptly prior to their timetabled date. It is significant for the reason that by definitely not accomplishing so, all other steps that you will choose to adopt to improve your credit position will not be efficient. Thanks for sharing your strategies.
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice day!
hi!,I like your writing so a lot! proportion we communicate extra about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
I believe that avoiding processed foods may be the first step to help lose weight. They will often taste excellent, but packaged foods include very little vitamins and minerals, making you consume more simply to have enough strength to get with the day. If you’re constantly taking in these foods, converting to grain and other complex carbohydrates will help you to have more electricity while feeding on less. Good blog post.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Regards!
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I must spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.