Although it’s zero-drop at heart and minimalist by design, the Lone Peak 1.5 from Altra Zero Drop doesn’t skimp on the features you need to tackle rough trails. Get ready to slide your foot inside this zero-drop trail runner and set your feet free on the trail.
Since the beginning, Altra has been in the business of advancing the idea of natural running through zero-drop footwear. Every Altra shoe design mimics the natural shape and heel-to-toe ratio of the foot thereby allowing the body to run more naturally, more efficiently.
To learn more about the theory behind Altra footwear you can check out our previous reviews on the Altra Instinct, Intuition and Delilah which delve into the concept and benefits of the Zero-Drop platform. Suffice it to say that the crew at Altra has rapidly established themselves as an innovative pioneer in the naturalist running movement.
On Design and Performance…
In the second generation of the Lone Peak, Altra covered all the basics of a trail-worthy shoe from the get-go: a breathable mesh upper handles the heat, a toothy outsole provides traction on loose trails, a toe cap at the front for additional protection, and even drainage ports for the moments water comes between you and your destination.
The real beauty of this shoe however, lies in the details, the little bits and pieces that prove that the Lone Peak 1.5 was made not just by designers, but runners who have cut their teeth on the ridgelines of the Wasatch Mountain Range.
To start, the Lone Peak 1.5 provides a slightly closer fit than the original which makes it easier to precisely plant your foot where you need it on the trail. The improved upper uses minimal seam construction which not only improves the overall flexibility of this mountain beast, but makes for a more comfortable ride over the course of longer miles.
A free-sliding webbing system keeps the laces in exactly the right place as you ascend or descend through tricky terrain. The midsole uses targeted cushioning to reduce ankle fatigue and create stability useful for conquering rocky, foot-twisting technical terrain. The Lone Peak 1.5 also features an innovative, sandwiched StoneGuard system that deflects rocks into the midsole for a smoother, more stable ride.
Remember that toothy outsole mentioned at the beginning? It’s more than an artistic rendering of the human foot. The Sticky Rubber TrailClaw™ pattern features bi-directional lugs that improve acceleration on the sprint and deceleration when you need to slow down quickly. More importantly, it gobbles up anything the trail has to offer.
Notes from the Trail…
Since the onset of the minimalist revolution, it seems as though there have been a variety of camps within the movement that reflect different preferences in terms of stack height and heel-to-toe ratio. Keep in mind that the heart of the Altra running experience has always been the Zero-Drop platform. While there are those who may bicker about the “minimalist” nature of the shoes, the zero-drop natural build lends itself to the minimalist moniker. In reality, we like to think of them more as “natural” shoes.
As always, when it comes to performance your choice of shoe depends in large part upon the type of run experience you desire. While our team appreciates the natural foot design and the grippy outsole of this second generation Lone Peak, the 23mm stack height and 10oz weight may be a bit much for those purists seeking the closest connection to the trail possible.
Bottom Line…
Altogether, the sum of these features add up to a tremendous trail shoe with just the right balance toughness, stability, and comfort so you can take control on the trail.
*Gumption Gear Review purchased the item featured in this review from Altra and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review.