Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoe Review

With underfoot conditions being so variable there may be some differences in the type of grip runners want, but one thing that they all agree on is that they want a pair which is comfortable. Step into the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoe which has comfort in abundance.

Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoe

While Altra may not be the household name or have the longevity that Adidas or Nike have in sports goods, they have certainly made a huge impact within the running shoe market around the world in the few years that they have been in existence, including winning many awards.Their Lone Peak running shoe, which was their first trail running shoe, has helped towards building that reputation, with it having many innovative and unique features that will help trail runners.This version is the 3.5 which is an updated version of the running shoe that was first on sale in 2014. Other variations have included the original 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 versions.

Who is this product for?

As there are also women’s versions of the Altra Lone Peak 3.5, this men’s version is primarily for male trail runners whose running takes them to locations where a normal, everyday running shoe is not going to be able to cope.When we say cope, this is in relation to rough terrain and steep surfaces that need to be negotiated, and possibly wet conditions where underfoot conditions can be treacherous. If you are someone who loves running in these and other less favorable conditions, then you will love these Altra trail running shoes.One group who will especially benefit from wearing these when trail running, is those who like plenty of room around their toes, thanks to the extra-wide toe box these have. Those of you with wider feet may also find this to be beneficial.

What’s included?

This won’t take long to explain as basically what you receive is a pair of Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoes. When ordering you do have a choice of four different colors, and obviously, you’ll want to select the appropriate size too.

Overview of features

We’ll start with one of the most popular elements of these trail running shoes from Altra, and that is the larger than usual toe box, which allows all runner extra room and thus they should be more comfortable.This is not the only feature which enhances the comfort level, because the upper’s mesh material will ensure that air circulates around your feet and keep them cool and dry. EVA foam which forms the insole keeps your foot stable and allows plenty of flexibility when you’re are running.As you run, you’ll want each pace you take to land securely, and this is where Altra’s excellent ‘Max Trac’ sole comes into play. Its rubber material and multi-shaped lugs are a match for even the softest and slipperiest of surfaces and provide you with as secure a grip as possible.

How to use them

The Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoes are relatively soft, even when brand new, so it is unlikely that you will need to break them in in the same way you might other sports footwear. Having said that, it does no harm to wear them casually for a few hours, just to make sure they fit comfortably before you go trail running in them.One great feature they have is their compatibility with gaiters, which many trail runners wear to protect their feet from both moisture and debris as they are running. There is a hook and loop tab so that you can attach gaiters to each running shoe, and as Altra manufacture their own branded version, it stands to reason that you might want to consider theirs first.

What We Like

• Excellent grip on wet surfaces
• Good heel support
• Molds well to foot shape

What We Don’t Like

• Toe box area is small
• Tongue is too short

Alternative

If two of the reasons you are considering the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoes are the wide fit, and compatibility with gaiters, then you’ll obviously only look at an alternative which does likewise. That being said, let’s look at Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Wide Trail Running Shoes.As the name suggests they have a wide fit, and many people who run in them also wear gaiters. Other notable features include the Contragrip rubber sole, which is especially good for wet conditions, and lots of cushioning around, above and underneath the foot.You will also love, the one-pull lace tightening system, which saves a lot of time, and frustration, plus there’s a choice of colors to choose from.If you’d like to learn more about the Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Wide Trail Running Shoes, click here.

Conclusion

It is rare that we come across a pair of running shoes, whether for trail running or not, that have so many innovative features as the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoes. We have already mentioned them in the features section, but there is one, worth mentioning again.The wide fit will be a godsend to many runners who struggle to find running shoes which accommodate their wider feet. Sadly, many footwear manufacturers ignore this need, but Altra hasn’t and they deserve a lot of credit for that.