Hiking & Trail Shoes – Earth Gear Review

Altra Trail Shoes

Prior to our trip to Sedona we were approached by Altra Running and offered shoes to test on the desert trails of the Verde Valley. In doing a little research into Altra we discovered that they have a highly regarded reputation for making outstanding Ultra Marathon and Trail Running shoes. Intrigued by this we accepted their offer and the tested the men’s Altra Superior 2.0 and the ladies Lone Peak 2.5.

Men’s Superior 2.0

Altra Superior 2.0 Men's Shoe

The Superior 2.0 is designed as a light weight trail running shoe and has won awards as a result of it’s very unique design. The shoes are very light, weighing in at 8.7 ounces. They have reinforced heal and toe cups to guard against damage from scree and gravel. The extremely wide toe cup called FootShape™ allows for your toes to splay when running adding for a very comfortable fit. It has a removable rock guard that fits between the insole and the shoe. Without the rock guard, you feel like you’re running/hiking in your bare feet. However, in rockier terrain the guard provides the needed protection to avoid bruising your feet. As with most Altra shoes the Superior has Zero Drop™, meaning there is no difference in height from heal to toe. This gives the shoe a very natural feel whether you are running or hiking, and has been proven to prevent injures common to runners.

They have a very unique sole called the TrailClaw™. Under the midsole and each toe is a sticky rubber compound that gives the shoe incredible traction. We found it gave us great traction when scrambling on rocks, dead fall, and crossing wet areas. The upper part of the shoe is a quick dry air mesh. It isn’t water proof but it is very breathable and light.

The fit of the shoe is very good. It has a comfortable and snug heal cup, good support around the arch and that extra wide toe area fits my double E width feet just perfect. The only draw back to the Superior 2.0 was that sand founds its way into the shoe. However, Altra has figured that out by selling an optional Trail Gaiter that fits securely into the built in Gaiter Trap at the heal of all Altra shoes.

The Altra Superior 2.0 is a great shoe for trail running and hiking. While in Sedona, I put 15 miles on them fresh out of the box and had no issues whatsoever. The Superior does fit a half size small so go an extra half size up if you’re ordering online.

Pros

  • Light weight at 8.7 oz.
  • Very breathable
  • Extra wide toe area to accommodate toe splay
  • Great traction in the conditions tested
  • Very comfortable fit
  • Go with or with out the rock guard for a close to bare foot feel

Cons

  • Not water proof
  • Sand/dirt can get into the shoe
Hiking Trail Shoes, Men
Learn More About Altra

Ladies Lone Peak 2.5

Women's Lone Peak 2.5 Altra

The Altra Lone Peak 2.5 is the much improved version to the Lone Peak 2.0. However, from what we have read the Lone Peak 2.0 was a very good shoe – so it’s hard to imagine how they could improve upon it. They did, and increased the durability of the upper, firmed up the midsole, reduce the weight, and shored up the lacing system.

It has a number of the same features as the Superior 2.0 but it’s just a little beefier and better suited for hiking. The upper is made of a Quick Dry Trail Mesh with a much wider weave than the Superior 2.0. Unfortunately, it does let sand and dirt into the toe box of the shoe. There is extra protection in the mid sole area with A-Bound™ wrapped over the mesh from the outside of the midsole around the heal and into the arch. This provides extra lateral support and protects the midsole from rock damage. The sole is their unique TrailClaw™ sole found in all Altra shoes that provides incredible traction and stability on rocks, dead fall and wet areas.

This shoe came out of the box and fit like a glove. It’s true to fit so if you’re a lady’s size 7 then you would wear an Altra Lone Peak 2.5 size 7. A snug fit in the heal with a wide toe box (FootShape™) for toe splay makes for a comfortable fit.

 

Pros

  • Light weight at 9.2oz.
  • Very breathable
  • Great support in the arch
  • Great traction in the conditions tested
  • Extra wide toe area to accommodate toe splay
  • Comfort
  • Reinforced toe cup

Cons

  • Wide mesh allows sand and dirt into the shoe
  • Not waterproof
Women
Women
Women
Altra Trail Shoe
Learn More About Altra

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