Shoes Hunt: Discovering the Differences Between the Altra Lone Peak 8 and Altra Lone Peak 7

First, let's introduce Altra for those who are new to the brand. You might be wondering, "What makes this brand special?" Briefly, Altra is an American brand known for its wide, comfortable toe box, making it ideal for people with wide feet. It is one of two brands selling uniquely shaped running shoes in Thailand (the other being TOPO, also an American brand). Another key feature is its zero-drop design, which Altra claims helps you run more naturally and reduces knee injuries by encouraging a midfoot and forefoot strike. International customers especially love this feature (based on feedback from customers who visit our store).

Now that we know the brand and its key features, let's take a closer look at the Altra Lone Peak 8. This model was designed to sit between the brand's maximum-support cushioned shoes and its minimalist models, which are no longer imported into Thailand, haha. Recently, it seems people prefer shoes with thicker cushioning. The Lone Peak 8 is neither overly bulky nor too thin. This is why many people looking to try Altra shoes initially chose the Lone Peak, as it isn't extreme in either direction. It offers a good balance, providing enough cushioning to prevent you from feeling every bump while still allowing for an agile run (you can feel the ground beneath your feet without it being jarring). Its price is also around 4,950 baht, which is still affordable and hasn't yet reached the 5,000-baht mark, making it more appealing to many runners.

Next, I'll share how I felt after wearing the Altra Lone Peak 8 for the first time.

It is a trail running shoe that feels comfortable and spacious around the toes without squeezing the feet. The next thing I noticed was its ideal thickness (I don't really like shoes that are too thick). This model has just the right thickness for me, around 25 mm. It is thin enough to let me feel the ground, while the bouncy EGO foam makes the shoes feel neither stiff nor firm. I didn't feel any jarring or harshness while running. All these elements together make the shoes feel highly agile and suitable for exploring Thailand's dense jungles (or for comfortable hiking).

What I wish had been different
1. I wish the outsole had Vibram. The original outsole offers good grip, but it might not be as durable as Vibram.
2. They removed the drainage holes that were on previous models. T T, I'm disappointed.
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P.S.One thing I am happy about is that Altra hasn't increased the price of this model. The Lone Peak 8 is still priced at 4,950 baht (many brands are seriously increasing their prices this year).

And now for the Shoes Hunt: Discovering the Differences Between the Altra Lone Peak 8 and Altra Lone Peak 7

Note: The brown pair is the Lone Peak 7 / the green pair is the Lone Peak 8

1. Upper material: The Lone Peak 8 uses durable ripstop mesh, while the Lone Peak 7 uses New Ripstop Mesh. Reading the specs left me a bit confused because they seemed similar, and they do look quite alike in person. However, the fabric and patterns feel different. The Lone Peak 8 is thinner and less soft, while the Lone Peak 7 is softer with a denser pattern. The change in fabric makes the Lone Peak 8 feel slightly roomier (only slightly).

2. Thinner tongue: You might not be able to tell the difference between the tongues just by looking at them, but when you touch and feel them, you can tell that the Lone Peak 8 tongue is slightly thinner (really, only slightly).

3. Tongue loop: The tongue loop has been adjusted to accommodate a wider tongue fabric that is thinner and smoother, with contour lines. It feels easier to grip and pull than the previous version, making it easier to insert your finger and pull the tongue up.

4. Heel: The padded heel area of the Lone Peak 8 is thinner than that of the previous model. This may slightly affect the shoe size, as the Lone Peak 8 feels a bit roomier than the Lone Peak 7 (if you usually leave a lot of room in the Lone Peak 7, you may need to reduce the size by 0.5 cm for the Lone Peak 8).

5. Gaiter attachment: The gaiter attachment at the back of the Lone Peak 8 is larger, which should provide a more secure fit for gaiters.

6. Heel pull tab: The heel pull tab has been changed like the tongue loop—it is larger and easier to grip than before, making the Lone Peak 8 easier to put on than the Lone Peak 7.

7. Slightly different logo design: The logo around the shoe differs slightly (it doesn't affect performance, but it does affect the soul, haha).

8. Weight: The new Lone Peak 8 is only slightly lighter by just over 1 gram.

Conclusion

Personally, I think that if you close your eyes and try them on, you probably won't be able to tell the difference between the Altra Lone Peak 8 and the Altra Lone Peak 7. The changes are only minor and do not affect the overall design, such as the foam or outsole. If you ask me whether you should switch to the Lone Peak 8 if you already have the Lone Peak 7, I would say that if your Lone Peak 7 is still in good condition, you can keep wearing it. But if your Lone Peak 7 is close to falling apart and you like this style, you should definitely get the Altra Lone Peak 8, as it will feel familiar.

P.S. You may still see the Lone Peak 7 available in some colors. If you don't need a new pair, I recommend choosing the Lone Peak 7 instead. The price is very reasonable right now.

Finally, and most importantly: Both are very similar, with the same features and a similar look. So, if you love new things, choose the Lone Peak 8. But if you prefer an affordable price, choose the Lone Peak 7 

Review by: Admin Chin