Since 2011 I’ve spent most of my time in Hoka’s, but after a serious surgery on my left foot, I had to make a change. Altra Lone Peak 9 shoes and boots change the way I view footwear for the outdoors – especially hunting. While the rest of the industry was cramming toes into narrow toe boxes, zero-drop platform, and function. For hunters and hikers alike, the Lone Peaks may be the best family of footwear yet.
Let me start with this. I used to wear Hoka’s – exclusively. I made my way through the AT, Peru, New Mexican deserts and elk hunts in Northern New Mexico in everything from Cliftons to Tor Tech mids (best model they ever made) to Kaha’s. I used the Ora’s for recovery. I was a Hoka man when Hoka looked goofy, going back over a decade to the right after the original launch in 2011 and I tried the Tor Tech Mods when they first were in REI, I was all in on Hoka.
My Tor Techs went everywhere with me, from daily hikes to Sacsayhuamán.
Then, one day – I had a major surgery on my foot. It was correcting a surgery from when I was a child – the reason those Tor Tech’s worked so well was that they were basically Frankenstein boots – so much padding, I felt like a senior citizen. My entire foot had fused, the bones were completed fused – and the only way I could hike was the Tor Tech’s. Water-proof, no, but comfy – yes.
But, after the surgery on my foot, my doctor recommended I look at open toe-box, zero-drop…most people weren’t designed for all that cushion. And I thought, ‘No way, I need cushion.’
I ignored him and kept up with the Hoka’s – but I noticed overtime that if it wasn’t Hoka’s, if I tried Salomons, if I tried Nike’s, I simply could not get comfortable. I had spent so much time in Hoka’s that my foot was beginning to shape to their narrow toe box. It wasn’t until I began wearing Dan Post boots with an open-toe box that I realized that the open toe box might actually be a good idea. It was time to take a hard look at open toe box, zero drop shoes.
I went over to REI and began searching, and found my first Altra’s were the Lone Peak 9 trail runners. The second best day of my life, this photo, that means so much to me – as I stare up at where destiny would happen…I’m in Altra’s.
For this review, I’m going to focus on the LP Mid-Boot and why, for hunters (and hikers will get a lot out of this) it is a great boot.
Lone Peak 9 Mid-Boot
Altra took their proven trail runner and built it into a legitimate hiking boot with the Altra Lone Peak 9, keeping zero-drop geometry while adding backcountry functionality.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Key Features:
- Mid-height ankle support without restriction
- Waterproof membrane with maintained breathability but still water proof.
- Zero-drop platform maintains natural alignment under load
- FootShape toe box prevents traditional boot pressure points
- Bomber construction built for serious backcountry abuse
The mid boot bridges into serious hiking territory while maintaining Altra’s biomechanical advantages. I’ve tested these on granite scrambles and multi-day approaches—they handle abuse that destroys lighter trail shoes while keeping your feet functioning naturally.
Below, I will focus on showing not only the features of the Altra Lone Peak 9, but also some comparisons to Kenetrek and to my previously beloved Hoka’s, specifically the Hoka Kaha GTX 2.
Form
The Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid looks like what happens when you cross a trail runner with a hiking boot—and that’s exactly the point. The recycled ripstop upper sheds weight while maintaining durability, and the rubber toe bumper handles rock impacts better than you’d expect from something this light. At 5 inches high, the ankle cuff provides support without the restrictive feel of traditional hunting boots.
This isn’t trying to be a bomber boot, and that’s its strength. I’ve put them through rough areas – they do just fine. The sleek profile moves quietly through brush and doesn’t telegraph your presence like clunky leather boots do.
Fit
Altra’s FootShape toe box is a revelation if you’ve spent years cramming your feet into narrow hunting boots. At 85.3mm wide at the big toe, your feet can actually function like feet instead of compressed appendages. You will immediately notice better balance and reduced hot spots – no breaking in, it’s like a second, hardcore, water proof, rubber gripped sock.
The Big Comparison
Here are some interesting features in comparison, number and color coded.
Midsole Design (Points 1 & 3)
The contrast is dramatic. The Altra’s thin midsole (1) maintains ground connection—you feel rocks, roots, and terrain changes that help with balance and stealth. Like I said, no more taking off your boot on a close stalk. The Hoka’s massive cushioned midsole (1) isolates you from the ground, prioritizing comfort over feedback.
For hunters, this translates to different capabilities. The Altra lets you sense what you’re stepping on, making you more surefooted on technical terrain. The Hoka cushions impact but sacrifices that crucial terrain awareness.
Outsole Performance (Point 2)
Both show Vibram outsoles, but the lug patterns tell different stories. The Altra’s lugs are more aggressive for variable terrain, while the Hoka’s design focuses on durability and consistent contact.
Upper Construction (Points 4, 6, 7) – swelling after a long day
The Altra’s upper (4, 7) shows a lighter, more breathable construction with mixed materials—typical of trail runner DNA adapted for hiking. The mesh and synthetic blend prioritizes weight savings and ventilation.
It also means more flexibility for the dorsal (top) surface of the foot. This area of the upper construction sits directly over the top of your foot where the laces pull everything together. It’s a critical zone because this is where you get pressure points if the materials are too stiff or the design doesn’t accommodate foot swelling during long days.
The Hoka’s upper (6, 7) appears more substantial with heavier leather and synthetic construction. This means better protection and likely longer durability, but at the cost of weight and breathability. I won’t know for 2 years, but I think the synthetic will be just fine based upon months of testing now.
Ankle Support Philosophy (Point 5)
Both provide mid-height ankle coverage, but the Altra’s approach (5) is more flexible and less restrictive. The Hoka’s ankle construction appears more supportive but potentially less mobile. Going up and down rocky areas and hills, you will feel this. Recently, I wore one on each foot just to check – the answer is yes.
Here is the toe box compared to Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.
Now, if you are just starting, the zero-drop platform takes adjustment—your calves will notice the change initially. For me, it was a week. But once adapted, the natural alignment reduces fatigue during long days.
And, the Kentrek – well, it’s an obvious difference, but they are two different kinds of boots.
Function
The .98 inch stack height hits the sweet spot between protection and ground feel. You get enough cushioning for long days without losing connection to the terrain beneath you. The StoneGuard rock plate handles sharp rocks adequately. These are not Frankenboots with 2 inch thick soles, but you also won’t go crashing through the woods in these.
The eVent waterproof membrane works well for wet conditions while breathing better than many alternatives. The 5mm lugs provide solid traction on most terrain, though they struggle in deep mud compared to more aggressive outsoles.
What really matters: the flexible sole lets you feel what you’re stepping on, making you a more stable, quieter hunter.
Field Performance
I’ve logged serious miles in these across the Wasatch front in these, and will be elk hunting in them. 5 miles, 6 miles, 8 miles – lite pack, heavy pack, I’m fine. The comfort is immediate—no break-in period required. After 100 miles of tests, zero blisters or pressure points.
The lightweight design (1.7 lbs per pair) becomes obvious on long approaches. Your legs stay fresher longer, which matters when shot opportunities come late in the day. Traction handles wet rocks and moderate terrain confidently, though steep loose scree exposes the limitations of the lug pattern.
Where they excel: fast-moving hunting situations where agility trumps maximum protection. Think early-season archery hunts, spot-and-stalk scenarios, or any time you’re covering serious ground.
Financial Investment
At $150-180, these deliver solid value for hunters ready to modernize their footwear approach.
They won’t last as long as leather Kenetreks, but durability isn’t the only metric that matters.
Leather is going to last longer – it’s just a fact. $400 for a boot is a BIG investment that most people simply don’t need to make if they are in decent shape. If you are going to make the investment, good for you. I had leather boots for years, and leather Hoka’s. I’m not hating on you. But, the trade off for speed, weight, elements like that – to me, it’s enough. Especially if you really want to be an outdoorsman instead of a hunter, you want to hike and be out there more, you want something you can jump into and take off in and trust.
Compare this to spending $400+ on traditional hunting boots that fatigue your feet and fight natural mechanics. The LP9 Mid represents a smarter investment for most hunting applications.
Bottom Line
The Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid works because it stops fighting your feet and starts working with them. The spacious toe box, zero-drop platform, and lightweight construction make long hunting days more enjoyable and effective.
Traditional hunting boots still have their place in extreme conditions or when maximum protection trumps everything else. But for most hunting scenarios—especially those involving significant walking—this represents a massive upgrade over conventional thinking. Your feet will thank you, and your hunting performance might just improve.
Most importantly – hunters need to hike. Hiking will make you a better hunter. $400 boots you wear during the hunting season won’t make you a better hunter – being outside, all the time, that will.
Sure, the hikers don’t haul elk 5 miles up hill both ways in the snow. But, sometimes the best gear innovations come from outside the hunting industry, and this is one of those times.