Mountain shoes
Product 2020
Woman, Man
These Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix are original in more ways than one. They stay loyal to the brand’s DNA. We were able to test the King MT 1.5 and the Lone Peak 2.0. These Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix therefore go against the tide of some current trends in terms of shape, cushioning, drop and manufacturing.
At a time when running brands in general, and trail running in particular, focus on foot envelopment to minute attention to detail, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix have an ultra-wide toe box where the toes (and moreover the entire forefoot) rule the roost. You lose foothold and positioning precision: the forefoot is huge. It is a matter of habit, but this volume gives a certain comfort as your forefoot is not compressed. The proprioception in this zone is preserved thanks to this width coupled with a certain torsional flexibility. Some testers didn’t like it while others liked the comfort. The instep is ok although it is a bit behind in terms of fit and precision compared to some models. The heel area could hold your heel better.
The second point concerns the recognizable Altra cushioning. We compared it to a thick plate of soft rubber: when you put your foot on it, the foot moves laterally slightly. The feeling is pleasant if you accept it, it’s “smooth”. You lose in precision what you gain in comfort. The forefoot area has well-balanced cushioning that allows you to run forefoot (reminder, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix is a zero drop). If you run midfoot then heel you do have more and more cushioning. There is a trendy protrusion in the heel, like others on the New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro V5 (https://www.test4outside.com/produit/new-balance-fresh -foam-hierro-v5 /) or the Hoka One One Clifton Edge road (https://www.test4outside.com/produit/hoka-one-one-clifton-edge/). Altra have been careful to reduce this overhang because it can cause you to lose your balance during trail running when the heel hits a stone.
The third particularity concerns the zero drop. You have to dare. But be careful if you aren’t used it, the risk of injury is high. It really pulls on your calf and Achilles tendon. Progression in the exits (short distances and low intensity) is absolutely necessary. This is the Altra philosophy, the brand’s aficionados expect this zero drop while others are more sceptical. These Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix are though, a great educational tool to go (gradually) to using zero drop but it requires a thoughtful and planned approach.
Altra also has a different manufacturing approach. While the general trend is towards the disappearance of all seams through collages, thermoforming and other one-piece materials that conform to the shape of the foot, Altra uses many seams. On the front of the shoe, the brand even doubles them. This gives a vintage style and highlights the reinforcements. The style is rather “chunky”: we are closer to a “Hummer” than a “Porsche”. No doubt, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix is made for adventure.
We were surprised by how long the laces were, really way too long, a double knot is compulsory. The additional gaiter attachment system is useful, but the ring area on the front of the foot raises the laces and grass or even twigs can slip between underneath. The flat laces need to be pulled from the forefoot upwards the first time, then it provides the same pressure in this area. Putting them on is very easy and fast. You immediately feel appreciable comfort in these Altra. The two well-sized straps at the heel and at the top of the tongue help, if needed, putting them on.
The Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Chamonix embraces its differences in terms of shape, cushioning, drop and build. With a zero drop, it requires a calculated approach so you don’t injure your calves or Achilles. Comfortable, very wide at the front, they have a good grip coupled with effective cushioning. An adventurer with an original character.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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