Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9 vs Salomon Speedcross 6

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

Altra Lone Peak 9 and Salomon Speedcross 6 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

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 →

Ranked #2 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6

4.5

$130.04as of Jun 7

The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.

Strengths

— Deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs deliver outstanding grip on mud and soft ground
— Wide, self-clearing lug gaps shed mud effectively
— Secure, foot-hugging fit and protective closed upper for technical terrain

Watch-outs

— Specialist shoe — not an all-around or door-to-trail option
— Aggressive lugs feel awkward on hard-packed trail and pavement
— Lower stack and firmer ride than max-cushion rivals

$130.04 · 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.

Salomon Speedcross 6

Grippier in mud and soft ground than the all-around Hoka Speedgoat 7, Brooks Cascadia 19, and Saucony Peregrine 14, thanks to its deeper, self-clearing lugs. Lower-stacked and firmer than the max-cushion Speedgoat, and a far more aggressive, structured shoe than the zero-drop, roomy Altra Lone Peak 9.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Altra Lone Peak 9	Salomon Speedcross 6
Weight	10.9 oz (M)	10.4 oz (M)
Drop	0mm	10mm (14.1mm measured)
Stack height	23.3mm heel / 23.3mm forefoot	36.5mm heel / 22.4mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral (zero-drop)	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (Altra EGO)	Moderate (EnergyCell)
Outsole	MaxTrac	Mud Contagrip
Lug depth	3.8mm	5.8mm
Width options	Standard (foot-shaped), Wide	Standard, Wide

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