In a world of shoes sitting on an inch of cushioning, Altra has found a way to make great shoes that allow you to feel the trail. The premier brand when it comes to zero drop trail running shoes, Altra has developed a devoted group of fans that love their products. But with so many models to choose from which one is the best choice for you? Today we’ll start by looking at and comparing two of their most popular shoes, the Altra Lone Peak vs Superior. Both feature Altra’s well known foot shaped toe box and yet have completely different feels on the trail. So let’s get to it comparing the latest models.
Altra Lone Peak vs Superior
- Altra Superiors are almost 2 ounces lighter than the Lone Peak. The Superiors come in at 8.8oz and the Loan Peaks come in at 10.6oz.
- Both shoes feature a 0 drop. If you have never run in a 0 drop shoe they can feel low to the grown. And a zero drop isn’t for everyone.
- The Altra Loan Peak has a higher stack height of 25mm. Compared to a 21mm stack height on the Superiors.
- Altra lists the Loan Peak as a “moderate” cushioned shoe. And lists the Superior “minimal” cushioned trail running shoe.
- The Superior is considered a minimalist running shoe. Meaning you will feel the trail are not going to get a lot of cushion or toe protection. This is what some people love about this shoe.
- The Altra Lone Peak had added cushioning and support. This is going to make a big difference if you are going to be wearing them for a lot of miles, or a multi day hike.
- The shoes feature a different upper design. With the Loan Peak featuring a Quick-Dry Air Mesh upper shoe. While the Superior has a “Sandwich mesh vamp with durable quarter panel overlay”.
- The Loan Peak is more breathable in hot weather. Thanks to the quick dry upper mesh.
Altra Lone Peak
MSRP Price: $140
Amazon Link: Click Here
Men’s Weight: 10.6 oz / 300 g
Women’s Weight: 8.7 oz / 248 g
Heel Stack: 25 mm
Cushion: Moderate
Drop: 0 (this is a zero drop shoe)
Midsole: Altra EGO
Outsole: MaxTrac™ Rubber with TrailClaw™
Upper: Durable Quick-Dry Air Mesh
Altra Superior
MSRP Price: $130
Amazon Link: Click Here
Men’s Weight: 8.8 oz / 251 g
Women’s Weight: 7.5 oz / 215 g
Heal Stack: 21 mm
Cushion: Low
Drop: 0 (this is a zero drop shoe)
Midsole: Quantic™ with InnerFlex™
Outsole: MaxTrac™ Rubber with TrailClaw™
Upper: Sandwich mesh vamp with durable quarter panel overlay
Performance Summary
When looking at the Altra Lone Peak vs Superior they have a lot of similarities, but in the end feel like two very different shoes. The Lone Peak is labeled a trail runner, but to me they feel more like a great hiking shoe. I could walk in them all day but they just don’t feel as fast as the Superior or other options I’ve tried. What they lack in speed they make up for in mild cushioning and toe protection while still giving you a feel of the trail. For me I would wear these for day hikes up to long weekends. Any longer than that and I might get tired of “feeling” the trail.
The Superiors feel fast. When you put them on they are incredibly minimalistic for a trail runner. And if that is what you are looking for, these may be the perfect shoe for you. I enjoyed my shorter runs (3-7 miles) in the Superiors but any longer than that I want more cushion. Especially when logging a bunch of training miles. But for shorter distances these things fly. I’ve read a few reviews mentioning issues with the traction but they seem to do well in most of the simple trail tests I put them through.
Loan Peak Right
Superior Right
Loan Peak Top View
Superior Top View
Loan Peak Sole
Superior Right Sole
Conclusion
So in review, if I’m looking for a true trail runner I’m probably going with the Loan Peak. The combination of zero drop, medium cushion, and breathable upper build is a real winner for me. On the other hand if you’re looking for a true minimalist shoe with a zero drop and low stack height. There is a lot to like about the Superior.
