Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    ROUTES LOGIN HERE

    Register

    Backcountry Skiing Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
        • Callaghan Valley
        • Coquihalla Highway
        • Cypress Provincial Park
        • Duffey Lake
        • Elfin Lakes Squamish
        • Howson Range
        • Shames Mountain
        • Smithers
        • Vancouver Island
        • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • Interior Mountains
        • Bonningtons Traverse
          • Copper Hut Routes
          • Grassy Hut Routes
          • Huckleberry Hut Routes
          • Steed Hut Routes
        • Goat Range
        • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
        • Kokanee Glacier Park
        • Kootenay Pass
        • Red Mountain Resort
        • Revelstoke
        • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
        • Rossland Range
        • Rogers Pass
        • Trout Lake
        • Whitewater Ski Resort
      • Rocky Mountains
        • Banff National Park
        • Bow Yoho Traverse
        • Fernie
        • Jasper National Park
        • Kananaskis Country
        • Kootenay National Park
        • Lake Louise Ski Resort
        • Sunshine Village Ski Resort
        • Wapta Traverse
          • Balfour Hut Routes
          • Bow Hut Routes
          • Peyto Hut Routes
          • Scott Duncan Hut Routes
        • Yoho National Park
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Gregory Targhee 32 Pieps Micro Transceiver Scott Freeguide Boots ZAG SLAP 104 Skis

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Marker Duke PT Bindings Salomon Shift Pro Boots Black Crows 2020 Skis Dalbello Quantum Boots Atomic Shift MNC Binding Scarpa F1 LT Boots New G3 2020 Poles

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • REVIEWS
    • »
    • Off-Season Gear
    • »
    • Running
    • »
    • Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    The Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM is billed as an AWS or All-Weather Shoe ready for RSM or Rain, Snow or Mud. It’s a mid-weight trail shoe with an aggressive, mud-shedding tread pattern and features a 100% waterproof/breathable upper which is a rarity in trail shoes until just recently. They can also be worn for hiking and are the little brother of the Altra Lone Peak Mid which we reviewed previously here. 

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    Altra's Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes are waterproof yet breathable and ready for anything.

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Altra’s approach to running shoes is based on the theory that stacked cushioned heels on classic running shoes lead to common runners’ injuries in-part due to encouraging a heel-strike gait. The “zero-drop” approach that Altra uses creates a natural stride that doesn’t tip the runner forward with a higher heel and lower toe which encourages a more natural mid-foot strike.

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes
    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    Altra's Fit4Her technology caters to the specific form of the female foot, which has a narrower heel and midfoot, a higher instep, a longer arch and unique metatarsal spacing. Altra’s Fit4Her takes all of this into account and creates a better fitting shoe for women instead of putting all runners in essentially men’s shoes. 

    Altra’s FootShape toe box shape allows runner’s toes and metatarsals the space they need to spread out naturally and provide a gait which flows with much less restriction of natural movement. This enhances stability and creates a powerful toe-off form to maximize running performance. Traditional running shoes usual have tapering toe boxes which compress the toes and metatarsals or long foot bones that are critical to normal foot movement. This unnatural compression squeezes the toes out of their natural position which increases the risk of blisters and plantar fasciitis in the short term and over time, more serious foot complications of bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis. These long-term problems can require prolonged recovery and even surgery to correct. 

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    The Lone Peak series is a well-established trail shoe with an aggressive tread pattern and flexible midsole. They are on the less-cushioned side compared to the Altra Olympus, but offer more than adequate cushion for even larger runners on medium runs. Runners who desire a less-cushioned shoe will find them appropriate for longer outings.  

    The upper is made of eVent, a 100% waterproof and breathable fabric, which is a welcomed feature in the Pacific Northwest where I tested these shoes. The Lone Peak 4 RSM features a reinforced toe cap, modernized mountain design (logo) on the upper and 4-Point GaiterTrap technology which allows the Lone Peak to work seamlessly with a pair of gaiters to help keep the mud and debris out of them. 

    The updated gnarly MaxTrac, multi-directional outsole features accentuated TrailClaw for optimum grip and traction where you need it most. The price of $150US, while not cheap, for a waterproof trail shoe, is within the range of its competition. If you are looking for a slightly less expensive trail running shoe then consider Altra's Superior 4 Shoes which we reviewed over here.

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    Materials

    Midsole: Dual Layer EVA / A-Bound with StoneGuard
    Outsole: MaxTrac Rubber with TrailClaw
    Upper: eVent Fabrics, Waterproof and breathable.

    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes
    Altra Lone Peak 4 Low RSM Shoes

    Features:

    • 5 mm insole Contour Footbed
    • FootShape Toe box
    • Fully Cushioned Zero Drop Platform
    • Stack Height of 25 mm

    Verdict:

    I’ve been a trail runner for 15 years and prefer the maximalist shoes like the Altra Olympus 3 and Hoka Stinson ATR.  Additionally, I recently tweaked my back so was a little nervous about testing these more minimalist trail shoes (at least more minimalist compared to my normal max cushioned shoes).  The Lone Peaks were tested over several weeks in the Seattle area at Cougar and Tiger mountains for up to 3 hour runs as well as in the Spokane area on the multitude of drier, rockier terrain this area offers.

    95% of the trails I ran were single track and included standing water, mud, sand,  and dry rocky terrain.  I am bigger-framed than most runners, so again was concerned these shoes wouldn’t provide me enough cushion, especially over the longer runs.  Additionally I stand at my job, sometimes for 3-4 hours at a go and tested these shoes for comfort in this realm as well.  As usual, I wore the shoes to the farmer’s market and for general day to day walking.  This may not be an issue for you, so choose wisely.  If you are looking for a max-cushioned trail ride, look to Altra’s Olympus series or Hoka’s wide variety of super-cushioned shoes. 

    The Lone Peaks were exceptionally comfortable from the moment I put them on.  Usually it takes a few runs to get used to a new shoe, not so with these.  As a fan and avid user of the Altra Olympus, I was already used to the wider toe box, but I often found later in runs when muscle fatigue was more of an issue, I would occasionally catch the toe on rocks or branches,  I never experienced this with the Lone Peaks.  Additionally they feel extremely nimble, almost like and extension of one’s feet.  Sprinting through a rocky section of trail or zipping around roots and obstacles was no match, the Lone Peaks are confidence instilling and stable.  A common complaint with minimalist shoes are rock bruises and lack of protection.  These shoes solve for these issues and are a great combination of tread, cushion and protection.  Add the waterproofing and this is a very versatile trail running shoe.  If one were to add a pair of gaiters, this would be a fantastic combination for wet weather trail running.  Altra puts GaiterTrap velcro on the back of their shoes allowing simple easy addition of gaiters. 

    As for cushioning, I found the Lone Peaks to be adequate for 3-6 mile or 5-10 kilometer runs, especially on softer trails.  The tread pattern is quite possibly the best I’ve ever tested for shedding mud and debris.  Having run several ultras in shoes that struggle to shed mud, this is a very key ingredient for a trail shoe, especially one billed as all-weather.

    Running in water and mud, my feet were never wet and this is key if you suffer from cold feet.  Personally I run hot, so this wasn’t an issue for me.  However, once a running shoe is soaked, the universally become heavy and increased risk of blisters and hot spots.  The Lone Peaks offer a great solution to this common issue of running trails in rain and snow.  Again, using a pair of low shoe gaiters would definitely add to the “waterproofness”.  Altra offers several men’s and women’s options for running specific gaiters.

    PROS:

    • Lightweight
    • Excellent mud-shedding tread with great traction
    • Waterproof uppers
    • Nimble feeling without sacrificing rock bruise protection
    • Toe protection    

    CONS:

    • For prolonged runs they may be a little on the less cushioned side. 
    • Expensive
    • Ankles support is not huge

    SPECS:

    See above in review.

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Innovation:      1.5/2
    Function:         2/2
    Aesthetics/Fit: 1.5/2
    Features:          2/2
    Quality/Price:   1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    Leave a Comment:

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this web site and value the content we create for you, then please support Backountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021-22 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved. 

    Website by: FROLIX DESIGN