Bottom Line
The Altra Lone Peak 8 puts a pep in our step with its roomy fit and zero-drop design, making it a favorite for hiking and trail running. We appreciate the wide toe box, which gives our toes plenty of room to spread out and prevents blisters, especially during long hikes. The ripstop mesh upper dries quickly and stands up well to wear, even in wet conditions. However, we’ve found that the shoe’s durability might not hold up as well on very rugged terrain, and some may find getting used to the zero-drop design can take some time.
If you’re exploring other great options, look at our full guide to the best women’s hiking shoes, where we also cover fantastic long-distance worthy options.
Quick Specs
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8
Best Hiking Shoes for Long-Distance & Thru-Hikers
CleverHiker Rating: 80.3/100
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2.3 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0 mm
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Excellent traction
- More durable than previous Lone Peak models
- Ultralight
- Breathable
- No break-in needed
- Built-in gaiter attachment
- Wide sizes available
Cons
- Zero-drop takes some getting used to
- Not as cushioned as other trail runners
- Not as durable as some
- Not supportive enough for heavy loads
Comfort
The Lone Peak 8 is a comfortable shoe, but not a cushiony shoe. Its comfort comes from the roomy toe box, allowing our toes to spread out naturally. This is a huge advantage on long hikes, where a hot spot can really drag you down. With the Lone Peak 8, we’ve found fewer hot spots and better foot comfort. The shoes are also impressively lightweight and breathable, so our feet stay cooler and fresher even after a full day on the trail. However, if you’re new to zero-drop shoes, you might need to ease into them.
Zero-drop means your heel and toes sit at the same height in the shoe, as opposed to having a raised heel. Hikers new to zero-drop should ramp up mileage to build strength in muscles and tendons that aren’t used to working so hard before taking these on any big trips. We had no problem adjusting, but some say it takes them a week or so to adjust from a traditional shoe with a heel-to-toe drop, and it may help to phase out your heel-to-toe hiker slowly over time instead of switching to the Lone Peak 8 immediately. Despite this, the comfort of the wide toe box and breathable material make them a go-to for many of our hiking adventures.
Adding to that ergonomic feel is the foot-shaped toe box, which allows your toes to spread naturally as you step. Most other shoes are designed to direct your foot into a specific gait, but again, many hikers prefer to let their gait occur naturally instead of allowing the shoe to dictate their steps. Like most things, it’s a highly personal choice, and we recommend trying the Lone Peaks for yourself to see if they’re the right footwear for you.
Traction
The Lone Peak 8 provides solid traction on a variety of surfaces. On a recent trek through a muddy section of the Pacific Crest Trail, we felt confident navigating slippery sections thanks to the grippy MaxTrac rubber. The lug pattern grips well on loose gravel and dirt. However, you may want to be extra cautious on a tricky section of wet rocks because the shoe’s grip wasn’t the most secure we tested. If you’re trekking through areas with many slick, icy patches, you might consider shoes with a more aggressive tread. Still, the traction is sufficient for most typical trail conditions.
Weight
The ultralight nature of the Lone Peak 8 is one of its standout features. On a long-distance hike, every ounce counts, and these shoes helped us keep our weight manageable. They feel almost weightless on the feet, which reduces fatigue over long stretches. However, the Lone Peak 8 might provide less support than heavier, more robust options if you carry a heavy pack or tackle rugged terrain. They’re hard to beat for a balance of lightweight and toe comfort.
Durability
In terms of durability, the Lone Peak 8 shows some improvement over its predecessors. The new ripstop nylon upper held up well during a tough stint on a slippery rocky trail, where previous models might have worn out faster. That said, if you’re hard on your gear, you might still need to replace them more frequently than other trail shoes. For those who regularly push their gear to the limit, the Lone Peak 8 strikes a good balance, but it’s not the most indestructible shoe out there.
Weather Resistance
The Lone Peak 8 manages moisture reasonably well, drying quickly even after river crossings. We appreciate how fast they dry after a splashy stream crossing, keeping our feet from feeling damp all day. However, they tend to sponge water rather quickly, so if you’re out in very wet conditions, you might have wet feet sooner than you’d like. If you’re frequently in wet environments, these shoes might not be the best choice for staying dry, but the upside is they dry very quickly.
Should You Buy the Altra Lone Peak 8?
The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a great choice if you’re a lightweight hiker or trail runner who values a roomy toe box and prefers a zero-drop design for more natural foot movement. These shoes thrive on moderate trails with varied conditions, offering long-distance comfort and breathability. If you’ve had issues with blisters or cramped toes, the Lone Peak 8’s wide fit will likely be a game-changer. However, these might not be ideal if you frequently tackle rugged terrain with heavy loads or need maximum durability and support. The traction on wet, icy surfaces can be hit or miss, and the lightweight design means they might wear out faster than some other options. For a versatile trail shoe for a light mission or long thru-hike, the Lone Peak 8 is worth considering when it comes to comfort and weight—just keep in mind it might require some adjustment if you’re new to zero-drop footwear.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you’re eyeing the Altra Lone Peak 8, check out these alternatives.
Merrell MQM 3: The Merrell MQM 3 is a great choice if you’re looking for a shoe that handles scrambling easily but is still light and quick. Its snug fit and wide toe box are ideal for those who need more space for their toes, though the simpler lug pattern might not be as versatile on mixed terrain.
Topo Ultraventure 3: If you want something for a long hike, the Topo Ultraventure 3 offers exceptional cushioning and a roomy fit. However, it might not provide the best stability on technical terrain.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review: The HOKA Speedgoat 6’s plush support, combined with lightness and durability, make it a solid option for hikers who need extra cushioning on rugged trails. However, the shoes’ bulkiness could be a drawback if you’re going to hike technical routes with a lot of descending and scrambling.
