Altra Running has updated its award-winning Lone Peak trail shoe with a new “better than waterproof” version, introduced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Like all Altra shoes, the new shoe still features the brand’s signature FootShape toe box and Zero Drop platform, but the new Lone Peak is distinctive in that it marks the first use of Polartec Neoshell in a shoe.
Unlike most traditional waterproof trail shoes, which utilize an inner-membrane, the Lone Peak Neoshell’s use of Polartec’s relatively new performance fabric means water resistance starts from the outside, effectively eliminating the need for the traditional booty construction for waterproof shoes. The Neoshell fabric also is air permeable, offering best-in-class breathable protection from the elements. The result, says Altra, is a waterproof shoe with better dryness, breathability, flexibility, comfort and toe room than traditional waterproof trail shoes on the market.
“Runners justifiably complain that certified waterproof trail shoes make their feet feel crowded, hot and wet,” explained Brian Beckstead, Altra co-founder and vice president of sales. “That’s because most waterproof shoes use a built-in booty, which creates two problems. First, the booty reduces foot volume in the shoe, so your feet are cramped. Second, that booty literally creates a ‘sweat sock’ inside the shoes due to lack of breathability. Altra took a different approach to creating a trail shoe for wet, damp or snowy conditions.”
Indeed, the partnership with Polartec allowed Altra co-founder Golden Harper to realize his vision of a trail shoe with a waterproof exoskeleton, versus an interior booty, to keep the foot dry.
“A traditional waterproof trail shoe has it backward to our way of thinking,” Harper said. “The exterior of the shoe isn’t waterproof, so the shoe can gain significant water weight, and you run with ‘heavy feet.’ Then, because the inner booty is waterproof, it gets hot, wet and sweaty in there, which are perfect conditions for a long list of foot problems.”
Harper and Beckstead – both ultra-marathoners – agreed they designed this shoe to address a void in their own shoe arsenal.
“We’re psyched about this addition to our Lone Peak shoe line. We added the important wet conditions feature, yet stayed true to our Altra DNA, which includes a roomy, foot-shaped toe box,” Beckstead said. “Our mission is to offer shoes to help runners go further, faster and healthier – no matter the weather – which was definitely limited by current technologies in the market.
“Once again, the Altra team challenged industry standards – this time for waterproof footwear – creating a shoe to benefit runners who run in all conditions, like us,” he said.
