Review: Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Lows

Due to their wide toe box and unmatched comfort out of the box, I’ve been a big fan of Altras for years, and the Lone Peak 9 Waterproof Low hiking shoes are easily my favorite kicks to date. They are waterproof, highly grippy, and supportive yet still 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 medium-sized hikes to break them in. And 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 though 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.