Gear Closet: Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Hiking Shoes

A couple of weeks back I took a look at the new Altra Superior 2.0 trail running shoes, and found them to be an excellent choice for runners. At the time I mentioned that I was testing another pair of shoes from the company as well, and was eager to put them through their paces. Last week while visiting Quebec I had the opportunity to do just that, and ended up coming away just as impressed.

This time out I was testing the new Altra Lone Peak 3.0 NeoShell Mid, a hybrid shoe of sorts that blends the best elements of a trail runner with a lightweight hiker. It features Altra's proprietary Foot Shape technology that allows for more room in the toe box for a more natural fit, and its Abound materials that allow energy to return to the foot when walking. They also have a zero-drop sole that allows both the forefoot and heel to strike the ground at the same time, which encourages better form throughout the length of your run or hike.

This being the "mid" version of the original Lone Peak shoe it comes with more ankle support built-in. This not only comes in handy when hiking demanding trails, it also gives the shoe a look that more resembles a hiking boot as well. Since I was using them more in that capacity rather than as trail runners, I appreciated the extra support, even on routes that weren't especially demanding.

When compared to other hiking shoes, the Lone Peak 3.0 Mid is extremely lightweight, tipping the scale at just 10 ounces (283 grams). That made them extremely easy to pack for my Canadian adventure, and helped to reduce fatigue when wearing them for extended periods of time, both on the trail and walking around town. In fact, I'd say that these shoes are more on par weight-wise with the trail running shoes I wear from other companies, rather than most hiking shoes. In other words, if you're in the market for a new pair of hikers and are looking to shave off some ounces, this just might be the shoe you've been looking for.


In terms of comfort, the Lone Peak feels more this a sneaker than a hiking shoe as well. They are very comfortable on your feet while still managing to provide a high level of support in all the areas you need it – most notably the arch, ankle, and footbed. I will say that my feet did get a bit warm at times thanks to the Polartech fabrics used in their construction, but not so much that they were actually uncomfortable. My feet tend to run warm most of the time anyway, so this wasn't completely surprising considering they were being worn on a summer hike.

The other important factor for a trail running or hiking shoe is traction on a variety of surfaces, and the Lone Peak doesn't disappoint here either. It uses Altra's new MaxTrac outsole and TrailClaw lugs to keep you sure footed even on rocks, mud, water, and fine dirt. I suspect they'd be fine on snow – and to a lesser extent ice – as well, although I haven't had the opportunity to test them in that environment just yet.

If there is one complaint I have about these shoes it is a minor one. They can be a bit tough to get on at first, as they have a narrow opening that can be difficult to slide your foot into without taking the laces out of the first few eyelets. The more I wore them however, the easier they were to get on my feet, in part because they started to loosen up some, and because I also learned the best way to get them into place. Still, I was put off by this at the beginning, so it is important to point out. Your first foray with these shoes may have similar results, so don't write them off based on that first impression.

That said, these are one of the more comfortable pairs of shoes that I've had the opportunity to try out in a long time. I really love the wide toe box that gives my feet plenty of room, and I appreciated the amount of cushioning and support that they provide too. On top of that, they are super versatile, transitioning from trail to town without missing a beat. I even wore them on a 35 mile bike ride and came away feeling great too. That makes them a nice set of footwear to have in your closet and a great choice for travelers too.

Priced at $160, these are the perfect shoes for fast packers, lightweight backpackers, trail runners looking for some extra ankle support, or hikers who just want a lightweight, yet durable option. Buy them now at CampSaver.

Gear Closet: Altra Superior 2.0 Trail Running Shoes

Find just the right pair of running shoes can be a bit like searching for the Holy Grail. Legends say that they exist, but actually finding it can be a challenge. As a daily runner, I tend to put a lot of wear and tear on my shoes, and since I am larger than most other runners I typically need footwear that is a bit more substantial than I'd sometimes like. This is especially true when it comes to trail shoes, where the lightweight models have tended to disappoint in the past. That isn't the case with Altra's Superior 2.0 however, as I have finally found a shoe that can provide plenty of comfort and support, while also leaning towards the more minimalist end of the spectrum.

Tipping the scales at just under 9 ounces, these shoes save weight by using a light upper while still maintaining a solid heel and sole. A lot of minimalist shoes cut corners in the amount of cushioning and support that they offer, but that isn't the case here. In fact, I've found that these shoes provide enough protection to my feet that I can use them on both the trail and the road, although they are definitely better suited to the former.

Durability doesn't seem to be an issue either, as after putting a decent amount of mileage on them, the Superior 2.0's look and feel like new. Then again, most of my running shoes tend to look nearly new, even after they've lost their ability to cushion my feet on a run. Still, having used these shoes for more than a month, the only indication that they've been run is the bits of dirt and grime they've picked up from the trail.

Altra has included some interesting design options into the Superior 2.0 that makes them well suited for my feet and running style. For instance, they have a wide toe box that actually gives your toes plenty of room inside to spread out when necessary. The result isn't just increased comfort, but also better stability on uneven terrain too. The difference is noticeable almost immediately, and since I started wearing them I've come to appreciate this approach to the shoe's design.


Underneath the shoe, the custom sole has canted lugs that grip a variety of surfaces – both wet and dry – very nicely. This helps to bring an added level of stability to the shoe as well, and I've found that they work just as well in mud and rain as they do on smooth surfaces and even dry pavement. The lugs aren't overly aggressive either, which I appreciate when transitioning from road to trail and back again.

Running in the excessive heat and humidity of summer my shoes tend to get soaked with sweat on a long run. Worse yet, they don't always dry as quickly as I'd like. But the Superior 2.0 is made with lightweight, breathable, and quick drying materials, which have allowed them to avoid getting too damp in the muggy conditions and dry out much more quickly too. As a result, I'm not putting my foot into a wet shoe and they aren't building up awful odors either.

Altra ships the Superior 2.0 with removable StoneGuard inserts that help protect your feet on sharp, rocky surfaces. Most of the time I didn't feel the need to use them, but they definitely come in handy when running a trail that features a lot of potential rock hazards. I like that the rock plate can be removed however, as much of the time it isn't needed at all.

As I've already mentioned, shoes that lean towards the minimalist realm don't always work the best for me. But the Superior 2.0 has been fantastic in every way. I've run 10+ miles in these shoes on more than one occasion, and they have taken everything I've thrown at them and performed well at every turn. In fact, I've been very impressed and surprised with how easy it has been to run in shoes that weigh so little. Typically in the past, anything more than about 3 miles in lightweight shoes leaves me longing for something with more support. Happily, that isn't the case here, and I look forward to even longer runs once the heat of the summer starts to subside.

If you're in the market for a new pair of trail shoes, and haven't given Altra a look yet, you really owe it to yourself to do so. They're doing some innovative things with their footwear, and I've really enjoyed getting to know the brand a lot better. I have another pair of their shoes in the wings waiting to be tested, and if they perform anywhere close to the level of the Superior 2.0, I'm going to be a happy guy.

Priced at $110 the Altra Superior 2.0 is a relative bargain in my mind. You'll be hard pressed to find a shoe that is this comfortable, durable, and easy to run for that price. Throw in the fact that they are also lightweight, quick drying, and highly breathable, and you have all the makings of a perfect running shoe. Check them out right here.

Gear Closet: Lowa Innox EVO Lo and Renegade GTX Mid Boots

Finding the right footwear to see you through your outdoor adventures is essential to enjoying your time outside. After all, if you're feet aren't happy, the rest of you probably isn't going to have a good time either. Fortunately, we live in a time when there are many good choices when it comes to shoes for our outdoor pursuits, with Lowa making some of the best options for a wide variety of activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, travel, or just kicking it around town. Recently, I had the chance to test two very different shoes from the company, coming away very impressed with both. Here are my thoughts on these two boots.

Lowa Innox EVO Lo Light Hiking Shoes
Lightweight and comfortable is the best way to describe these fantastic shoes, which have the soul of a trail runner and the sole of a hiking boot.

At first glance, the Innox EVO Lo resembles an athletic shoe more than a hiking boot, and since they weigh just 22 ounces for a pair, it would be easy to think they wouldn't offer all of the support you would need. But this hiking shoe has a stiff midsole that helps to protect the foot from jarring impacts, while still managing to maintain a level of flexibility that makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of outdoor activities.


Lowa has packed quite a few features into these fairly simple looking shoes. For instance, the Innox EVO comes equipped with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner that helps keep moisture at bay. This makes them a great choice for use in damp environments, as the quick-drying and highly breathable fabrics that make up the shoe keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. That's a great combination of performance features to have in any athletic shoe, let a lone a light hiker.

For me, these shoes have a bit of a snug fit, which is something that I happen to like. When it comes to athletic shoes I like to have a good feel for the surface benefits my feet, and these shoes provide that experience nicely. This helps to provide good footing in changing conditions, and gives a nice sense of agility and balance. And since the Innox EVO has a nice, aggressive sole, it feels like you could wear them just about anywhere without fear.

Perhaps my favorite thing about these shoes is there level of versatility. They are great for day hikes of course, but they could also be used for trail running in a pinch. But, they also make a great shoe for travel since they can be used both on the trail or walking around town. If you're someone who likes to travel light, this is an excellent option, as they just might be the only pair of shoes you need to take with you on you travels.

The Lowa Innox EVO Lo hiking shoes are priced at $175, which probably seems a bit pricey when compared to similar shoes from the competition. But because they are so comfortable, durable, and versatile, it actually feels like a true bargain. A pair of these shoes will definitely last you a long time, and see you through a wide variety of adventures. The fact that they look good too is just icing on the cake.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Switching gears from the low-profile, light hikers of the Innox EVO, the Renegate GTX which is a completely different boot with a completely different purpose in mind. This is Lowa's best selling shoe of all time, and after wearing them on the trail it is easy to understand why. The combination of support, protection, and comfort they provide to your feet is exceptional, making them one of my favorite pairs of boots I've ever worn.

Whereas the Innox EVOs are great for day hiking and travel, the Renegade GTX is specifically built with trekking and backpacking in mind. These boots are made from Nubuck leather and feature a Vibram Evo outsole that provide great traction on mud, snow, ice, and other wet surfaces. A Gore-Tex liner does an excellent job of keeping water out, while a climate control footbed helps to keep your feet warm and dry. All of this really helps to keep your feet comfortable on longer hikes, making it much easier to trek for miles over a number of days as well.

One of the key elements you look for out of a good pair of backpacking boots is durability, and Renegade excels in that category too. I've worn these boots on a number of hikes, putting some decent mileage on them in the process. Other than getting a bit dirty and muddy, they actually still look brand new and fresh from the box. I've taken them on trails in Alaska, the Adirondacks, and closer to home, and so far there isn't a scratch, cut, or scuff on them anywhere. In fact, when I wash the mud and grime off of them upon returning home, you'd never know that they've ever hit a trail at all. This speaks well for the long-term life of these boots, which will likely serve you well for years of outdoor adventures.

The other thing that I really like about the Renegade GTX boots is that they are very comfortable, even after a long day on the trail. There are a lot of boots on the market that are durable and offer good traction, or can keep your feet protected and safe from the elements. But few boots can do all of that, plus are comfortable enough to wear all day long too. Lowa has made that boot, which is why it has been such a hit with their customers.

The Renegade GTX is a bit of overkill for short, local day hikes. But if you're an adventure traveler who treks mountain trails or goes backpacking through national parks, these are a great options for those more demanding outings. They are perfect for multi-day camping trips or even light mountaineering expeditions. Warm, comfortable, and very durable, these are boots that will see you safely through a wide variety of environments and challenges, with your feet completely protected the entire way. I fully endorse the Renegade boots for those types of experiences, as I know that they'll offer all of the support you'll need, and then some.

Lowa sells the Renegade GTX Mid for $230, which in mind is a very competitive price for this type of boot. When you consider the fact that a good pair of hiking boots is an investment in future adventures, I think you'll find these are a real bargain. This is a pair of shoes you'll have in your closet for years to come. There isn't much more to say than that, other than you can't go wrong with these boots.