If you’re into trail running or hiking, chances are you’ve heard of the Altra Lone Peak series. Known for their zero-drop design and roomy toe box, they’ve been a favorite for years. Recently, Altra launched the Lone Peak 9+ alongside the Lone Peak 9 (which is only available in the US). Naturally, folks are wondering: is the Lone Peak 9+ with its Vibram outsole worth the upgrade? Let’s break down the differences to help you decide!
What’s the Big Deal Between These Two?
The main difference lies in the outsole:
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Lone Peak 9: Comes with Altra’s own MaxTrac outsole.
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Lone Peak 9+: Upgraded to a Vibram outsole, which is a trusted name for grip and durability.
Other than that, both shoes share a lot in common: fit, cushioning, weight, and overall feel.
Fit & Comfort — Almost Twins
Both models fit true to size, with a wide but not overly roomy toe box and a spacious heel cup. The 9+ has a slightly roomier toe box, especially around the big toe, and a more flexible upper thanks to fewer overlays.
Both shoes have a shallower depth than previous versions, giving a snugger feel but still plenty of room for toe splay.
If you’re used to Lone Peaks, you’ll feel right at home with either model—no surprises here!
Feel & Flexibility — Very Close
The stack height stays the same on both shoes (25mm), balancing cushioning and ground feel nicely.
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The Lone Peak 9 feels a bit more flexible.
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The 9+ is marginally stiffer due to the Vibram outsole but remains quite flexible.
Weight-wise, the 9+ is only about 10 grams heavier—so you probably won’t notice on the trail.
Traction & Performance — Vibram vs MaxTrac
This is where opinions might differ.
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MaxTrac (Lone Peak 9): Grips well on dry trails and does okay on wet surfaces. Durability might be a bit lower on abrasive terrain.
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Vibram (Lone Peak 9+): Known for reliability and a slight edge in durability and grip. However, side-by-side tests show the difference in traction is minimal for most trail conditions.
If you’re tackling super muddy or aggressive terrain, neither outsole is perfect, but Vibram may give you a tiny confidence boost.
Durability — Small Edge to Vibram
Upper materials are the same in both shoes, so creasing and wear patterns are similar.
The Vibram outsole might last longer over time, but early wear tests show both outsoles hold up well enough for average trail use.
Price — Is It Worth It?
The Lone Peak 9+ costs around $20 more than the Lone Peak 9.
If budget matters and you don’t need the “Vibram name,” the Lone Peak 9 offers fantastic value with nearly the same performance.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Lone Peak 9 | Lone Peak 9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole | Altra MaxTrac | Vibram |
| Weight (Men’s 9) | ~295g | ~305g |
| Flexibility | Slightly more flexible | Slightly stiffer |
| Traction | Good dry, okay wet | Slightly better, minor gain |
| Durability | Good, outsole may wear faster | Slightly better outsole longevity |
| Fit | True to size, snug midfoot | True to size, roomier toe box |
| Price | ~$20 cheaper | ~$20 more expensive |
Which One Should You Pick?
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Go for the Lone Peak 9 if:
You want a solid, flexible trail shoe at a great price that works well on most surfaces. -
Choose the Lone Peak 9+ if:
You want that trusted Vibram outsole, a slightly firmer feel, and a bit more toe room—and don’t mind paying extra for it.
Final Thoughts
Both the Lone Peak 9 and 9+ keep the Lone Peak spirit alive: zero drop, roomy toe box, and comfy trail-ready cushioning. The upgrade to Vibram in the 9+ is nice, but not a game-changer for most runners.
If you want the best value and feel, the Lone Peak 9 is a winner. But if you’re after a little more outsole confidence and can swing the extra cost, the 9+ is a fine choice too.
No matter which you pick, your feet are in for a comfortable, natural trail experience. Happy trails! 🏞️👟
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