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Altra Lone Peak 7: Trail Running Shoe for Wide Feet Reviewed by Travel + Leisure
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 5:54 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Altra Lone Peak 7 – The Trail‑Running Shoe for Wide Feet, Reviewed by Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure’s in‑depth look at the Altra Lone Peak 7 takes the brand’s long‑standing reputation for roomy, zero‑drop footwear and tests it under a variety of trail conditions. The article serves as a “shopping guide” for runners who need a wide, comfortable fit and want a shoe that can handle both rugged terrain and long‑distance pounding. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points the piece covers, along with some context that might help you decide if the Lone Peak 7 is right for you.
1. Why the Lone Peak 7 Matters
Altra’s Lone Peak line is synonymous with trail running shoes that give you a “natural” feel. The company’s core philosophy is “zero‑drop” – the heel and forefoot are at the same height – which the article explains can help reduce the load on the knees and lower back. For wide‑footed runners, the brand’s “FootShape” toe box is a major selling point: it offers a 2‑inch stretch beyond the toe, giving you plenty of breathing room on long runs or when you’re hauling a heavy pack.
The review notes that the Lone Peak 7 is the most recent iteration in the line. It is built around an “improved outsole geometry, increased breathability, and a lighter overall weight” that the authors credit as the key upgrades over its predecessor (the Lone Peak 6).
2. Design & Construction
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Upper | Dual‑layer mesh with a water‑resistant coating; the top half uses a tighter weave for added protection while the lower half remains highly breathable. |
| Midsole | EVA foam infused with Altra’s “Altra Flex” technology, designed to be slightly more flexible in the forefoot for a “walk‑like” feel. |
| Outsole | Vibram® Megagrip® rubber with a “split‑rubber” pattern: a wider, more aggressive tread on the outside for turning and a tighter, faster‑gripping pattern on the inside. |
| Heel | Low‑profile, 1‑inch high‑top for extra ankle support on steep descents. |
| Weight | 9.8 oz (men’s 9 S), 10.3 oz (women’s 9 S); a 15‑gram weight savings compared to the previous model. |
| Drop | Zero‑drop throughout the shoe. |
| Available Sizes | Men’s 7–12 S, Women’s 5–10 S, plus a wide‑size “W” option for each. |
The article highlights how the wide‑size models keep the same overall shape but provide a slightly larger toe box and a more generous mid‑foot width, making the shoe an excellent fit for runners with broader feet or mild flat feet.
3. Performance on the Trail
Travel + Leisure’s reviewers spent roughly 60 km on a range of trails – from technical, rocky descents in the Rocky Mountains to soft, root‑laden paths in the Pacific Northwest. The key findings:
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Downhill traction | The Megagrip outsole delivered excellent bite, especially on wet rock. Reviewers noted a “no‑slip” confidence that’s rare even in premium downhill shoes. |
| Uphill stability | The zero‑drop platform combined with the wide, supportive heel helped the authors maintain a steady cadence even on steep ascents. |
| Comfort over distance | Because of the roomy toe box and flexible midsole, the shoe “felt” less restrictive after 30 km, and there were no hot spots in the arch or toes. |
| Heat management | The mesh upper’s ventilation was effective on hot summer trails; reviewers reported staying cool even after a full day of running. |
| Durability | A single shoe survived a 45‑km downhill run in alpine conditions with only a few signs of wear on the outsole. |
The reviewers also compared the Lone Peak 7 to the older Lone Peak 6 and to other wide‑foot trail shoes like the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4. They concluded that the 7’s lighter weight and improved traction give it a slight edge for runners who need a “fast‑track” feel without sacrificing stability.
4. Pros & Cons
Pros
- Roomy, wide toe box that is great for wide‑footed runners and reduces blisters.
- Zero‑drop platform that promotes a natural gait and reduces joint strain.
- Lightweight relative to its class (≈15 g lighter than the previous model).
- Excellent downhill traction thanks to the split‑rubber outsole.
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool in hot conditions.
Cons
- Minimal arch support may not suit runners who need a firm roll‑over for severe flat feet.
- Slightly less durable outsole than some of the more premium competitors (though still more than most running shoes).
- Price point ($150–170 USD) is higher than entry‑level trail shoes.
5. Pricing & Availability
- U.S. retail: $149.95 for men, $149.95 for women, and $159.95 for the wide version.
- Retailers: The article links to several outlets, including the Altra website, REI, and Zappos. A note cautions that the wide sizes often sell out quickly, especially in the fall/winter season.
The article also highlights an “Altra loyalty program” that offers a 10 % discount on a second pair, which is a nice perk for runners who plan to buy multiple sizes.
6. Alternative Wide‑Foot Trail Shoes (Suggested Links)
To help readers find the best shoe for their needs, Travel + Leisure includes a “You May Also Like” section with links to seven other trail running shoes that accommodate wide feet:
- Altra Escalante 5 – a road‑run‑friendly shoe with the same wide toe box.
- Salomon Sense Ride 8 – a lightweight, versatile trail shoe that comes in a “wide” size.
- Brooks Cascadia 15 – a popular all‑terrain option with a “wide” variant.
- Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 – a plush, highly cushioned shoe that is available in a wide version.
- New Balance 890v4 – a stable trail shoe with a “wide” size.
- Skechers Equalizer Trail 2.0 – an affordable, supportive option in a wide fit.
- Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 – a lighter, more “speedy” trail shoe that offers a “wide” size.
These links provide direct purchasing options and include short descriptions, allowing you to compare each shoe’s key attributes quickly.
7. Final Verdict
The Altra Lone Peak 7 excels at delivering a natural, comfortable fit for runners with wider feet, without sacrificing performance on challenging trails. Its zero‑drop platform, breathable mesh, and split‑rubber outsole give you confidence in both downhill descents and uphill climbs. While the shoe’s minimal arch support and higher price point may turn some reviewers away, the overall consensus in the article is that the Lone Peak 7 is a top‑tier choice for any wide‑footed trail runner looking to combine speed, stability, and comfort.
Whether you’re a weekend hiker or a serious trail racer, the Lone Peak 7 stands out as a dependable option that won’t constrain your feet. If you’re still on the fence, use the “You May Also Like” links to compare the alternative wide‑foot options, and you’ll have a clear sense of which shoe fits your running style best.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/altra-lone-peak-7-trail-running-shoes-for-wide-feet-11848499 ]
