Consider coming into a store and doing a video gait analysis. Gait analysis monitors your body’s movement and your feet (sports biomechanics) whilst running. It’s commonly used to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify movement related problems for people with injuries who are seeking new running shoes. Comfort is a subjective thing that has a lot to do with fit, body type, and the specific types of hiking you do. The Lone Peak's roomy toe box, moderate cushioning, and minimal support works for many hikers. When it works for you, the Lone Peak can feel like your favorite slipper with trail traction. For others, though, that big toe box may be uncomfortable or feel sloppy on technial terrain. Personally, I found the Lone Peak pretty comfortable on easier trails but not on steeper, tougher trails. That being said, plenty of people absolutely love that comparatively loose fit and max toe room. It’s very important to know your running gait so that we can advise and fit the correct shoes according to your own individual requirements. Can’t get into store? Try a wet foot test After wearing the Lone Peak for years, the newest iteration offers a similar level of stability as previous models. The upper features a new TPU overlay that fits better in the arch area, with well-placed upper lacing eyelets that allow you to optimize your fit. Additionally, because of the wide, foot-shaped toe spread achieved in the forefoot, you can easily stabilize your landing position on the forefoot. Even though the midsole is well-cushioned (with 25mm of Altra Ego), it's also dense, which still gives a low-to-the-ground feel. I’d never run in Altras before, so the zero drop felt a little strange at first, but I did get used to it,” she added. “I’ll wear them for longer distances (upwards of 50K) or have them in a drop bag for later in an ultra race.” Dry Surface Traction

If you have never run in a zero drop shoe before, it's essential to note that using them causes more muscular strain on the calves. This process means training in the shoe for short runs and additional cross-training to prepare your body for the switch. Before buying, be sure to read up about this to ensure this type of design is what's best for your body. No doubt, that limited support can be a springboard for some hikers to develop their lower bodies and show off their ripped calves. But not me. That light-duty build took its toll on mt (flat) feet, (genetically) weak ankles, and skinny calves. On easier trails tha I normally hike, I had trouble with rolled ankles, cramping feet, shin splints, and calf strains. Just as it is important with running shorts and tops, the fit of a shoe is paramount to comfort. If you are a fan of spreading your toes with ample amounts of cushioning underfoot, we can't help but boast about the comfort and fit of this contender, and it scored above average in this metric. It offers a 0mm drop, meaning that there is no additional cushioning in the heel compared to the forefoot. This design is said to promote a more "balanced and healthier" landing for the body. That said, it does take practice, especially if you are a heel striker, to switch to striking the ground with your forefoot instead. This shoe is best for those that like a little cushion underfoot and are, or intend to become, a mid or forefoot striker. As a midfoot striker, Kelly said she especially enjoyed the Lone Peak’s ride. “On smooth trails, I felt like I was gliding—almost floating—downhill. It was easy run fast without feeling like the shoes worked against me.”The cushioning was a little on the softer side, but it wasn’t a marshmallow. While I wouldn’t choose the Lone Peaks for speedwork or short, speedy racing, I could still get a good, responsive push-off from them,” said tester Kelly A., who has a neutral gait and a wider foot with an average arch height. I'm all about those roomy toe boxes, but not all about the zero drop. (For what it's worth, the podiatrist who trained me in hiking footwear had the same take on Altra trail running shoes.) Sadly, I quit hiking in my Lone Peaks after my second calf strain in fifty miles—after zero calf strains in my previous 10,000 miles in other brands (and none in 3000 Altra-free miles since). Some of my customers, co-workers, and friends have had more serious issues in the Altra Lone Peak, including injuries such as stress fractures, broken ankles, and ruptures Achilles tendons. Key features: Full-length stone guard, Velcro gaiter tabs, FootShape fit, MaxTrac rubber outsole, 5mm canted lugs

During gait analysis you will be asked to walk and run on our in-store treadmill whilst your movements are recorded using the latest Daftfish software. A slow-motion, detailed analysis will show and explain your biomechanics, specifically looking at pronation, the inward-turning movement that occurs when your foot touches the ground. During walking and running this acts as cushioning for the body. Newly formulated MaxTrac outsole rubber and longer outsole lugs improve the Lone Peak 7’s grip on loose dirt. The lugs now measure 5mm in length—that’s about half a millimeter longer than the teeth on the Lone Peak 6.

Performance Comparison

Everyone’s gait is slightly different, but there are four main types of running styles and pronation: