Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low- Weatherproof, Supportive Running Shoes

Kyle Juszczyk

The Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR shoes offer a water-resistant upgrade to the venerable Lone Peak series.

I found out recently that there is an entire group of masochistic individuals that run on days that aren’t sunny and dry. As it turns out, there’s enough of these animals that Altra has designed a collection of shoes to support their adverse weather adventures.

The prospect of wet, soggy feet has kept me from running in all but dry conditions, but I’ve realized that I’ve been missing out on fitness opportunities. Having wanted to try out a pair of Altras for some time now, I decided testing the ALL-WTHR series would be a cool way to motivate myself to run in the cold and wet.

I picked up a pair of the Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Lows and started putting them to the test. I’ve put a hundred miles on them so far and am psyched with how they’ve performed. 

Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low Review

 

Altra’s Flagship Features

Altra has taken extra care to address the anatomy of feet and design features to support function and longevity. The result are shoes that work with the mechanics of the human body to make running more efficient, less strenuous on joints, and ultimately more enjoyable. They have cool marketing words to describe some of the considerations they take with their designs. I’m going to break down a few of my favorites.

 


Men's Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low: Trail Running Shoes | Altra Running

 

FootShape™ is the name Altra coined for their signature wide toe box that mirrors the shape of a foot. This novel idea is genius. I’m not sure why all footwear isn’t this way. The obvious benefit is the increase in comfort created by allowing your foot to take its natural shape. Altra also states that the wide toe box allows the big toe to straighten out and increase power output. 

BALANCED CUSHIONING™ is Altra’s way of saying zero-drop and awesome cushioning. I’m drawn towards zero-drop shoes because I’m a toe strike runner. Altra is suggesting that keeping the heel and forefoot the same distance off the ground promotes better form and encourages a low-impact landing.

This leads me to believe that zero-drop may benefit heel strike runners as well. The cushioning in Altra’s shoes absorbs shock and transfers energy super well. They’ve struck an awesome balance between mitigating the shock of foot strike without ending up with a gooey, squishy sole. 

Traction

An essential element of an all-terrain/all-weather running shoe is traction on variable surfaces. Knowing that I made it a point to test these shoes out on as many surface conditions as I could. My first run was a warm February day with a variety of challenging surfaces present on the roads.

I warmed up for a bit on dry ground before venturing onto slippery surfaces. With my ACL’s tingling and tuck and roll plan in place, I started taking strides on snow and ice. I began on snow and was pleased to find they held well. I then ventured out to shinier and shinier patches of slicker-looking ice.

I found that I could keep a running stride on textured ice I could gingerly cross the slickest patches without falling. Overall I’m stoked with the performance of the ALL-WTHR’s traction. They provided running speed stability on anything I could find besides ice skating rink ice.

Warm and Dry

On my winter runs my feet never got cold, and I also noted that the eVent™ fabric breathed well and prevented sweaty feet.

I put the waterproofing to the test in Washington this spring. I went out on many damp days and stomped through a lot of mud. Once again, the eVent™ bootie construction proved effective in keeping my comfy and dry. 

Sizing and Comfort

I’m usually a size 9.5 in most footwear. I ordered a 9.5 for the ALL-WTHR Low and it fit perfectly. My heel and midsole were snug and secure and the toe box allowed my toes to spread out naturally.

I’ve never run with a cushioned running shoe before and wasn’t sure how I’d like it. It turns out it’s rad! I would describe the feel of this shoe as “springy.” It almost feels like the shoe absorbs impact and then uses that energy to propel you forward. My body didn’t ache after the first run of the year like it usually does, and my knees have had less issues this spring. I will definitely stick to cushioned shoes in the future.  

  

Conclusion

The health and performance of my feet are directly related to my happiness and ability to work. I’m less and less willing to put unnecessary wear and tear on them. The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low addresses a major hurdle to training by keeping feet warm and dry when the weather is less than stellar. Their cushion and traction are superb and make rough trails much more enjoyable. I’m very happy with these shoes and will be looking to the Lone Peak collection for my running shoes in the future. 

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Kyle Juszczyk

Kyle grew up in Iowa and after high school ditched the midwest to begin college at Western State Colorado University and start guiding in the summers. 

Kyle says he spent his time at Western climbing, snowboarding, volunteering on the rescue team, and instructing for the outdoor program. He claims if he had spent any less time actually in class he certainly would not have graduated. Kyle’s time with the Western Mountain Rescue Team was extremely formative and revealed his passion for wilderness search and rescue (SAR). He made it his goal to make a career out of SAR. Kyle is well on his way to achieving his goal and currently works as a Ski Patroller in Colorado and a Climbing Ranger in the Pacific NorthWest.

Kyle’s certifications include WEMT-IV, Avalanche Pro 1, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Kyle is a certified AIARE instructor and teaches Recreational Level 1, Level 2, and Partner Rescue courses. He is also an Apprentice Rock and Ski Guide through the AMGA

 

When Kyle has free time he climbs and skis. He’s taken the hard way to the top of El Capitan and the steep way down peaks in Colorado and Washington.

Kyle’s jobs allow or force him (depending on the weather) to work 200 days a year outside. He’s constantly testing gear in all conditions and refining his setups to make work and play easier, faster, and more fun.