ALTRA LONE PEAK 2.5
I have always been a Salomon girl and I completed a thru-hike of the AT with several different pairs of them. Naturally, I began my PCT trek with old trusty! Unfortunately, my feet grew even more within the first 40 miles of the PCT than they had by the end of my entire AT thru-hike. Because my shoes were suddenly too small, I had to find a new pair in town quickly.
I was forced to try a new brand, but had heard wonderful things about the Altra brand of trail runners. In fact, I’d say about 80% of my fellow PCT hikers are wearing them. Altra designs their shoes with a ZeroDrop and intentionally mimics the shape of a foot. Although I was worried about trying this new brand, especially because of my plantar fasciitis, I didn’t have much of a choice.
I’m happy to report they were WONDERFUL! I never felt like I had to break them in and I loved how breathable they were, especially in the desert. If they did happen to get wet, the breathability allowed them to dry quickly. My foot still felt protected enough while walking through boulder fields and rockier terrains even though the shoes are softer to the touch. The wider toe box really gave me some room and my sore toes healed quickly!
I replace my trail runners about every 500-600 miles regardless of how they look due to my plantar fasciitis issues. I have to say the Altras didn’t have any holes in the toe area (like my Salomon’s often did) and the tread was still very prominent after 610 miles. For those of you who can wear shoes until they fall apart, Altras might be a good fit for you.
I just replaced my Lone Peak 2.5’s for some Lone Peak 3.0’s just to try out another style and see how it works. I’ll let y’all know in about another 500 miles!
To learn more about the men’s and women’s Altra Lone Peak 2.5 or 3.0 styles you can find them through the links below:
Altra Men’s Lone Peak 2.5: http://amzn.to/2roosxm
Altra Women’s Lone Peak 2.5: http://amzn.to/2rouxKz
Altra Men’s Lone Peak 3.0: http://amzn.to/2sHAHt7
Altra Women’s Lone Peak 3.0: http://amzn.to/2tvr4tZ
If y’all have any questions about my experience with these shoes, please feel free to ask in the comments below!
-Dixie
I will be posting a weekly gear-related item. It will always be something I have used or seen used enough that I would recommend. Hopefully, this helps initiate conversation about gear and assist beginning backpackers with gear selection.
Did your plantar fasciitis require you use special insoles?
I use some insoles from Walmart for plantar fasciitis. They seem to work, so I keep using them!
Love the insoles from New Balance… I too had Plantar Fasciitis “issues” last year and the NB insoles have a bump or rise in the middle of them which are a great support for the fascia and have helped me to “overcome” and get “back to happy!” Lovin’ your videos – (and kudos once again to Aaron!
If I don’t have plantar fasciitis would it be good to use the insoles anyway?
Good question! I’m not sure. I would ask a doctor. Everyone’s feet are different.
Love’n the shoes Dixie! I look forward to watching your videos every Wednesday.
Your Videos are ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!
Dixie I’m curious to know what size in the Altras works for you, compared to your street shoe size. A half-size up, or a full size up? Thanks for the great videos!
My feet are so weird. I honestly can’t really tell you. I think I’m a 10 in women’s shoes now, but I wear men’s trail runners all the time. I’m in an 11 now. Just try them on if you can. If you’re ordering through Amazon, you can always return for a size adjustment!
With the wide toebox do you think you still need to go up one size from normal wear tennis shoes?
Yep! Still need it to be long enough for your toes not to hammer the front.
With the Altras Do you still need to buy one shoe size bigger even though it has the wider toebox?
I sure do!
Dixie, you are very cool and smart. I discovered your videos while researching for information for my first trail,walk in Spain ( El Camino De Santiago). I love my Altra shoes. I have been training by walking in our local trails and Altras feel so good on my ugly, wide feet.
Your information is so helpful that I will recommend it to my friends that ere going to El Camino.
Keep it up!
Victor
Awesome! So glad to hear you’re finding the videos helpful and loving your Altras. I think I’ll stick with them for a while, too. HAPPY TRAILS 🙂
Well……..Cos of you and stumbling across you on Youtube I now have just ordered a pair. I like the soul 🙂 I forgot what they were and looked up your website, got the name, ordered on Zappo’s and leaving this note.
Well done on your walking! You are nearing Echo Lake. Great shop there. Best of luck
Alex
Hope you love them as much as I did!
I am limited on what type of hiking shoe I can use because of my wide toe box. I’ve either used Keen or more lately Solomons (they are comfortable once I wear a hole where my pinky toe goes). I’ve never heard of the Altras before. They look plenty wide in the toe box. I am considering ordering a pair. Did you have a preference between the 2.5 and 3.0?
Hmmmm. That’s tough. The toe box was definitely wider in the 2.5’s but I think I like the 3.0’s for the style more. It’s harder to find 2.5’s sometimes since they are the older version–but you might find them discounted! Hope that helps.
Thank you! I ended up ordering the men’s Altra Lone Peak 3.0. They are a little more roomy than the women’s! I’m looking forward to putting them to the test!
Hi there,
I typically go up a 1/2 size in my running shoes (Brooks) and I wanted to ask if you did the same with the Altras? I have a wide, short foot so I wanted to give the Altras a try.
Thanks!
I honestly don’t even know what size is normal for me anymore. I wear men’s shoes. I’m like a 10 in women’s, I think? I don’t wear trail runners in women’s though. I’ve heard people tend to go up a full size in Altras.
I ended up getting a men’s size 10 (Altras Lone Peak 3.0). I’m usually a 10-10.5 in womens. I think the Altras run on the smaller side so you might need to go up a full size. I love the wide toe box!
How long have the uppers lasted on your shoes?
What type camera did you use to film you Appalachian Trail vlog? My husband and I are considering at least a partial trail hike for our 40th anniversary. Thks so much
I only used my iPhone for the AT! That’s awesome and would be a wonderful experience you’ll never forget 🙂