Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9 vs Hoka Speedgoat 7

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Hoka Speedgoat 7 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about trail runners who want one highly cushioned, grippy shoe for varied terrain and long miles — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9

4.5

$144.95as of Jun 7

The Lone Peak 9 is the zero-drop pick: Altra's classic trail shoe carries forward true zero-drop geometry and the famously roomy, foot-shaped toe box, now slightly wider in the forefoot. RunRepeat scored it 91/100, and reviewers praise its natural ground feel and dual trail-and-hiking versatility — though the zero-drop, low-stack design demands a transition.

Strengths

— True zero-drop geometry and signature foot-shaped wide toe box for natural toe splay
— Extra-roomy fit — slightly wider in the forefoot than the Lone Peak 8
— RunRepeat measured a strong 91/100 CoreScore

Watch-outs

— Zero-drop and low stack require a transition for heel strikers and high-drop runners
— Gained weight versus earlier versions at about 10.9 oz
— Modest cushioning — less protective than max-stack shoes on rocky terrain

$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

4.7

$39.99as of Jun 7

The Speedgoat 7 is the best-overall trail shoe: Hoka's flagship pairs a new supercritical midsole with the gold-standard Vibram Megagrip outsole for a cushioned, grippy, genuinely do-everything ride. RoadTrailRun's testers scored it around 9.7/10, iRunFar named it a top pick, and Believe in the Run praised its refined, versatile feel.

Strengths

— New supercritical midsole adds noticeable pop and responsiveness, especially uphill
— Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs grips confidently in nearly any condition
— Genuinely versatile across short, long, technical, and door-to-trail running

Watch-outs

— Tall, max-cushion stack isn't for minimalist or low-to-the-ground runners
— Ride firmed up slightly versus earlier Speedgoats
— Premium $160 price

$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Altra Lone Peak 9

The only zero-drop, wide-toe-box shoe in this group — a completely different platform from the high-drop Salomon Speedcross 6 and the cushioned Hoka Speedgoat 7. Lower-stacked and more minimalist than the Speedgoat and Brooks Cascadia 19, and less aggressively lugged than the mud-focused Speedcross or the Saucony Peregrine 14.

Hoka Speedgoat 7

More cushioned and versatile than the mud-specialist Salomon Speedcross 6 and the value-focused Saucony Peregrine 14, with a grippier Vibram outsole than the Brooks Cascadia 19. Far more cushioned and higher-drop than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Altra Lone Peak 9	Hoka Speedgoat 7
Weight	10.9 oz (M)	9.7 oz (M)
Drop	0mm	4mm
Stack height	23.3mm heel / 23.3mm forefoot	37mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral (zero-drop)	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (Altra EGO)	Max (supercritical EVA)
Outsole	MaxTrac	Vibram Megagrip
Lug depth	3.8mm	5mm
Width options	Standard (foot-shaped), Wide	Standard, Wide

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