Review: Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Lows

With their wide toe box and unmatched comfort, Altras have been a favorite of mine for years, and the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Low hiking shoes are easily my best kicks to date. They are waterproof, highly grippy, and supportive, all while being impressively lightweight. Featuring a new 100% PFC-free waterproof upper and grippy MaxTrac outsole, they're a bit stiffer than my previous Altras, but it only took a couple of medium-length hikes to break them in. They've made creek crossings during the spring and early summer a stress-free experience. The Lone Peak 9s are versatile enough to take on day hikes, aggressive trail runs, or longer thru-hikes. One of my only complaints about Altras over the years is that you can sometimes feel the rocks and roots through the sole, but they seem to have addressed this issue with the StoneGuard underfoot protection in the Lone Peak 9s—so far, I haven't felt a thing. It's a great shoe for any season in Montana, especially the shoulder seasons when the temps are cooler and the trails retain more moisture.

Available at altrarunning.com; $160.