We are thrilled to announce that Runner's World has honored our Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoe in the magazine's Runner's World 2025 Shoe Awards. This model is one of just three named in the Trail Running Shoes category, and is also the first one on this list.

100+ Shoes Tested, Only a Few Chosen

Over the past year, Runner's World (RW) writers and editors, along with readers who test products for the publication, tried out over 100 running shoes, logging hundreds of miles along the way. They then narrowed the list down to 26, and gave out awards to their top choices for Racing, Trail Running, and Training Shoes.

A Tester's Favorite for Comfort, Performance, and Style

When it comes to trail running, the magazine says they tested the Altra Lone Peak 9+ model and others "everywhere from the soft and muddy canal paths… to twisty singletrack courses." In fact, Altra’s new trail running shoe for men and women excelled under all of these conditions.

In his Altra Lone Peak 9+ review for the awards, RW tester John Parks gives high praise, calling it "a fantastic trail shoe that blends comfort, performance, and style."

Parks says he is "really impressed with the performance of the Lone Peak 9+" The avid runner appreciates many things about this trail running shoe, including its "roomy and comfortable" toebox and cushioning. His review also praises the latest updates to the Lone Peak model, especially the Vibram® Megagrip outsole, something that longtime Altra fans had previously requested. He says the outsole gave him only "fantastic traction", but also confidence on even the toughest trail twists and turns.

The magazine's Altra Lone Peak 9+ review also touts the "durable and long-lasting" quality of the shoe's materials and describes its design as "sleek and stylish" Parks says the model is suitable for trail running across different types of terrain, from grass to snow.

A Legacy of Awards for Altra Running

This isn't the first time Runner's World has sung the praises of this shoe. In an April 2025 Lone Peak 9+ review, tester Ory Frazier wrote that "the wide toebox felt good uphill and downhill" and was "very grippy on trail and rocks" And tester Rip Cantelmi said that "fit and comfort is something that the Lone Peak 9+ has dialed in". Over the years, the magazine has also honored Altra Running with other awards. Last summer, the Altra Timp 5 was one of their Runner's World 2024 Shoe Awards winners, also in the trail running category. The previous year, both the Altra VIA Olympus and the Altra Lone Peak 7 were honored in the Runner's World 2023 Shoe Awards.

Why the Altra Lone Peak 9+ Is Among the Best Running Shoes of 2025

It’s no surprise that the Lone Peak 9+ stands out among Runner’s World recommended running shoes. Whether you're looking for better running shoes to take on trails or seeking the best running trainers for men and best women’s running trainers, this model delivers on all fronts. Recognized across multiple editions of Runner World Shoes awards, the Altra Lone Peak line continues to set the standard for trail performance, comfort, and reliability. Not sure if it’s the right model for you? Use our Shoe Finder tool to discover the perfect Altra shoe for your running style and terrain preferences.