Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Altra Lone Peak 9 vs Saucony Peregrine 14

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 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about trail runners and hikers who want zero-drop, a roomy toe box, and natural ground feel — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #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 #5 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 14

4.4

$140

The Peregrine 14 is the best-value trail shoe: a lightweight, versatile all-rounder with deep PWRTRAC lugs and a comfortable ride, priced closer to $100 than $200. RunRepeat called it an excellent pick for value, comfort, and versatility, iRunFar recommended it as a do-it-all shoe at a great price, and Running Shoes Guru scored it 10/10.

Strengths

— Excellent value — strong all-around trail performance well under premium pricing
— Deep, chevron-shaped PWRTRAC lugs grip well in dry conditions and handle moderate mud
— Lightweight and versatile from trail newbies to experienced dirt-baggers

Watch-outs

— Grip slides on wet wood, moss, and slick organic matter
— Lower stack offers less cushioning than max-stack rivals on long rocky runs
— Firmer outsole rubber trades some wet-surface tackiness for durability

$140 · 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.

Saucony Peregrine 14

A cheaper, lighter all-rounder than the premium Hoka Speedgoat 7, with deeper lugs than the Brooks Cascadia 19 but less mud grip than the Salomon Speedcross 6. More cushioned and higher-stacked than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9, and the best-value pick of this group.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Altra Lone Peak 9	Saucony Peregrine 14
Weight	10.9 oz (M)	9.4 oz (M)
Drop	0mm	4mm (2.2mm measured)
Stack height	23.3mm heel / 23.3mm forefoot	27.3mm heel / 25.1mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral (zero-drop)	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (Altra EGO)	Moderate (PWRRUN)
Outsole	MaxTrac	PWRTRAC
Lug depth	3.8mm	4.7mm
Width options	Standard (foot-shaped), Wide	Standard, Wide

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