Head to head Topo Ultrafly 6 vs Altra Lone Peak 9+
My two absolute favourites, side by side. Not really rivals: one owns the road, the other the trail.
Rating
5 / 5
5 / 5
By
Topo Athletic
Altra
Category
Gear
Gear
Love it
- Anatomical toe box gives your toes room to spread
- Light stability from a medial post that now wraps the heel
- Low 5 mm drop on a multi-density ZipFoam midsole
- Extra outsole rubber for durability and grip
- True zero drop with Altra's roomiest toe box
- Vibram Megagrip outsole grips on wet and dry ground
- Tough recycled ripstop upper with no-sew overlays
- GaiterTrap tab makes strapless gaiters easy
Fair warning
- ZipFoam rides fairly firm and flat, with little bounce
- Only modest shock absorption for a high-cushion shoe
- Toe-box mesh scored low in lab durability tests
- Zero drop asks more of your calves and Achilles, so ease into it
- Heavier than its low profile suggests
- Fairly firm, mid-level cushioning can feel thin on very long days
- The sturdy upper doesn't breathe much
My take
“My absolute favourite road shoe: room for your toes, a low drop and just enough support.”
“My absolute favourite trail shoe: zero drop, a roomy toe box and Vibram grip for the muddy bits.”
My verdict
Pick by terrain, not by brand. The Topo Ultrafly 6 is for road miles: a roomy toe box, a low 5 mm drop and a little stability underfoot. The Altra Lone Peak 9+ is for trails: true zero drop, Altra’s roomiest toe box and Vibram Megagrip for wet and muddy ground. Both give your toes room to spread, which is exactly why they’re my two favourites. New to zero drop? Start with the Topo and ease into the Altra.