Latest news with #AltraLonePeak9
CNN
30-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
The 18 best running shoes for men in 2025, according to podiatrists and runners
Running shoes quick picks For flat-footed athletes: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Everyday trainers that'll last: Nike Pegasus 41 Plush shoes for runners with arthritis: Hoka Bondi 9 Trail runners with a cult following: Altra Lone Peak 9 When it comes to men's running shoes, there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all. The same gear a trail runner uses to race up a mountain won't do much for a new runner sprinting on a treadmill. Throw in different body types, running gaits, training goals and budgets, and it's clear: Finding the right pair of running shoes takes more than just a flashy design. To give you an idea of which shoes are best suited for your specific needs, I turned to four seasoned running experts to help build a standout lineup. Whether you're lacing up for your first lope or chasing a new personal best, there's something here for everyone. The experts also shared practical, no-nonsense tips on how to choose the right shoes. Here's what they recommend. Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 24 Using Brooks' cushy DNA Loft v3 foam and GuideRails technology (like training wheels on a bike), the Adrenaline GTS 24 offers extra stability on the road. They're a prime recommendation of Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare, for overpronators and patients with flat to Coast Men's P1 Though Mount to Coast doesn't have mainstream brand recognition, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatric surgeon and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, reaches for the brand's P1 stability shoes, which she said are superb for pronators who run long distances. Like many of the shoes on this list, they also come stamped with the American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Men's Addiction GTS 15 Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a multiboard-certified podiatrist and running shop owner, recommends this responsive, extra-supportive model for overpronators with knee, hip or other lower extremity problems. They're so good that you shouldn't need insoles or orthotics, he said. Plus, they come in four widths, from narrow to extra Men's Wave Inspire 21 For 2025, Mizuno updated the Wave Inspire with a wider forefoot and extra cushioning, and Mendeszoon likes them because they are a solid buy for responsive stability. But what makes the Wave Inspire really stand apart is their 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which he said offers 'tremendous heel shock absorption,' to mitigate aggressive heel striking. Hoka Men's Arahi 7 The beefy midsoles on the Hoka Arahi 7 will keep excess pronation in check, Mendeszoon said. Combine that with the stellar shock absorption, outstanding breathability and roomy toe boxes, and you can see why these are another of his favorites. Brooks Men's Beast GTS 24 Whether you've got severely flat feet, have had surgery or suffer from other foot problems, try Brooks' Beast model, Mendeszoon said. They offer some of the most support and cushioning out of Brooks' line and also make excellent walking shoes. The newest model features softer, more breathable uppers without sacrificing their roomy fit. Nike Men's Pegasus 41 The versatile, durable Nike Pegasus 41, one of Cunha's favorites, epitomize what everyday trainers should aspire to. Upgrades in 2025 include an increase in the shoe's cushioning, more breathable uppers and an improved lacing system for a dialed fit. Saucony Men's Ride 18 Like the Pegasus 41, the Saucony Ride 18 are like the Swiss Army knife of the road running world, offering something for long-distance runners, casual joggers and men who just want a comfy pair of walking shoes. Cunha added that they also accommodate most foot types and running Men's Glycerin 22 If you're the kind of guy who likes to wear running shoes to the office and the gym, then the Glycerin 22 are the do-it-all model you're looking for. Parthasarathy said they're one of her top picks for everyday wear and running, thanks to the well-cushioned midsoles and wide toe boxes. You can also snag the Glycerin GTS 22, which offer more support for Men's Bondi 9 With their 'bouncy, cushioned feel,' Parthasarathy said she points patients to the Bondi 9 if they have fat pad atrophy or arthritis. The newest version has a higher stack height for an ultra-plush experience on the road. Asics Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 'The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 remains one of my top choices for neutral runners looking for extra cushioning and long-distance comfort,' Cunha said. For this year's model, expect an even higher, squishier midsole. Hoka Men's Clifton 10 'For patients seeking all-around performance, the Hoka Clifton 10s offer superior cushioning and a smooth ride — ideal for heel strikers and long-distance runners,' Cunha said. The newest iteration also comes with more cushioning, a roomier forefoot and toe Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080v14 Men with wide feet should test drive New Balance's 1080v14, Cunha said. The brand has equipped the cushioned, everyday running shoes with new, more breathable uppers and extra rubber for more durability. Brooks Men's Ghost 17 Despite being hot off the assembly line, Parthasarathy is already recommending Ghost's newest model for its 'very responsive' design that will suit neutral or supinated gaits. At time of publication, they're available for preorder at Brooks. Altra Men's Lone Peak 9 Contributing writer Cassandra Brooklyn called the Altra Lone Peak some of the best hiking shoes you can buy. They have a cult-like following among trail runners too, and received plaudits from Cunha for their wide toe boxes and zero-drop platforms, 'which promote natural foot movement.'Read our review La Sportiva Men's Bushido 3 After runners on staff logged more than 100 miles in 13 popular trail running shoes, the Bushido 3 emerged as our favorite, impressing testers with their sticky rubber, cooling ventilation and aggressive lugs. Keep in mind, however, that these are truly specialist shoes that won't work well on the road or for casual exercise in the our review Brooks Men's Cascadia 18 Whereas the Bushido 3 would be overkill for road running, our testers found the Cascadia versatile enough to take on- and off-road. (We tested the 17, which are very similar.) They've got rock plates and overlays to protect you when the terrain is tough, and just enough cushioning for long walks, hikes and road our review Hoka Men's Speedgoat 6 Though our trail running experts at CNN Underscored haven't tried the newest model of the Speedgoat, an earlier iteration is our pick for long-distance trail runs and ultramarathons. Highlights include flexible uppers that expand as your feet swell and comfy cushioning. Read our review 'The right running shoes can make a big difference in preventing injuries, improving comfort and keeping the entire body in better alignment while running,' Cunha said. Know your gait pattern Cunha believes your gait, the way you move when you run, is a key factor when choosing the best pair of running shoes, and he noted three gait or stride patterns: Pronation: When your feet roll inward. Supination: When your feet roll outward. Neutral: When your feet distribute weight evenly. And though this may sound technical, figuring out your own gait doesn't have to be. 'Going to your local run shop and getting an in-person gait analysis is absolutely the best way to have veteran eyes tell you what shoe is best for you,' Sackett said. Or, if you're willing to do a little DIY investigation, Cunha suggests looking at the wear patterns on your old shoes to get a better idea of how your feet hit the ground when you run. Find shoes that fit Once you know your gait pattern and terrain, the last thing to consider is the right fit. 'A proper fit helps prevent pain, blisters and injuries like plantar fasciitis or toenail trauma,' Cunha said. 'If it feels off in the store, it'll feel worse on a run.' Look for running shoes that fit snug but not tight, with about a thumb's-width of space between your big toes and the ends of the shoes. 'The toe box should be wide enough to wiggle your toes, and the shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not through the arch,' he added. Another pro tip? Make sure you try on your shoes at the right time of day. Parthasarathy recommends shopping toward the end of the day, after a run, when your feet are most swollen. 'If they feel good then, they'll likely feel good during a run,' Cunha added. Still not sure what to buy? Lean on a podiatrist or a trusted staffer at a specialty running store for guidance. 'Running shoes are the best they've ever been, and nowadays you can really find something for every running style,' Sackett said. The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Miguel Cunha and Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, and product line manager at Brooks, Lee Sacket. What are the best running shoes for beginners? What are the best running shoes for beginners? 'For someone just getting into running, I always recommend starting with a balanced, 'perfect blend' type of shoe,' Sackett said, 'so you can start to unpack the features and feelings that you like and dislike on the run while still staying protected and comfortable.' In technical terms, he said to find a pair with a medium stack height (28 millimeters to 36 millimeters), a soft, responsive midsole, an upper that fits comfortably with the contours of your feet and enough stretch for your toes to spread out. How long do running shoes last? How long do running shoes last? Parthasarathy and Cunha said that it's important to replace shoes every 300 to 500 miles. 'Worn-out shoes can lead to heel pain, shin splints, knee pain or even back issues,' Cunha said. You can also try bending shoes to check wear, Parthasarathy said. If they bend in half, it's time for a new pair. Are there differences between men's and women's running shoes? Are there differences between men's and women's running shoes? 'At Gotham Footcare, I often explain to my patients that women's running shoes are typically designed with a narrower heel, softer cushioning and a different arch design to accommodate anatomical differences,' Cunha said. 'Men's shoes tend to be wider and built with slightly firmer midsoles to support greater body weight and wider foot structure.' That said, 'fit and function' matter most, regardless of gender, according to Cunha. If you're a guy who prefers a pair of women's running shoes, wear those instead. To ensure this guide features high-quality advice and recommendations, I spoke to four experts, including three podiatrists and a product line manager at Brooks. Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, multiboard-certified podiatrist at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties and owner of Achilles Running Shop, a specialty shop dedicated to runners, walkers and athletes Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, podiatric surgeon and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association Lee Sackett, product line manager at Brooks Running CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Here, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya interviewed running and health care experts. Whenever possible, Shukuya also included products we've tested and loved in other health and fitness guides.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: Reliable Traction Meets Roomy Bliss
Some running shoes have become so iconic over the years that they hardly need an introduction, and the Altra Lone Peak is one such shoe. Launched in 2011 during the height of the minimalist running shoe movement, the Lone Peak was built to serve as a trail running shoe. But it didn't take long for the design to win over backpackers, thru-hikers and just about anyone who ventures off the beaten path. For 2025, the Lone Peak 9 stays true to the qualities that made it a fan favorite: a roomy fit, dependable grip and a grounded feel. It doesn't reinvent the wheel—and that's exactly the point. I hit the trails in the Altra Lone Peak 9 to find out if it's still the go-to trail shoe for ... More runners, hikers and backpackers. The Lone Peak became my go-to trail running shoe about five years ago, and since then, it's replaced most of my other trail-ready footwear. So while I am reviewing the Lone Peak 9 primarily as a running shoe, a lot of what I have to say applies to hiking and backpacking, too. I took this shoe out to the trails of southwest Colorado where I encountered mud, rocks and ice, before additional testing on the snow-covered streets of Central Oregon in the dead of winter. Here's my quick take: The Lone Peak 9 is a capable, versatile shoe that's priced right alongside the competition. It's roomy, grippy, comfortable and it's the first shoe I reach for whether I'm trail running, day hiking or backpacking. For this version, Altra tweaked the outsole for better grip and durability, reinforced the upper and updated the midsole foam (though I didn't notice a huge difference there). It's still the same reliable Lone Peak—just with a few small but useful updates. Below, everything you need to know about the Lone Peak 9 to decide if it's the right shoe for your next outing. Altra Price: $140 | Weight: 9.3 ounces (women's), 11.15 ounces (men's) | Drop: 0 millimeters | Stack height: 25 millimeters | Upper: Recycled ripstop mesh | Midsole: Altra EGO foam | Outsole: MaxTrac rubber Best for: Skip if: The Lone Peak 9 stays true to its roots with the brand's original FootShape design, giving it the roomiest toe box in Altra's lineup. The extra space lets your toes move and splay naturally—a blessing over varied terrain, when balance and stability are key. Altra makes it clear that FootShape doesn't mean 'wide,' and after testing a standard-width pair of Lone Peak 9s, I'd agree—though the midfoot does feel a bit roomy. My flat feet had no problem filling the shoe up to the toe box, but if you have narrow feet, you'll probably need to tighten the laces for a snug midfoot fit or consider a different shoe altogether. If you wear standard-width shoes, the extra room shouldn't be an issue. The Altra EGO midsole is also new to improve comfort and ground feel, but I didn't notice much of a difference over the Lone Peak 8. It offers middling impact absorption and rebound, which makes the ride predictable. Because the Lone Peak is a zero-drop shoe, you'll need to account for an adjustment period if you've never worn flat shoes because your legs and feet need to engage muscles in ways they haven't before. The Lone Peak 9's midsole offers enough cushioning to help you conquer long distances. Trail shoes are subjected to extremes, from the terrain they navigate to the conditions they outlast, which explains Altra's decision to refresh the upper with 100% recycled ripstop mesh (previous versions of the upper didn't use recycled ripstop) that boosts durability. When comparing the 8 and 9 platforms side by side to inspect the uppers, I couldn't spot any visible differences, but the overlays around the toe box come up higher on the 9 for added durability, and they might be a tad bit thicker, too. While cold-weather running doesn't lend itself to proper breathability testing, my feet were never hot or uncomfortable on long runs. Given that thru-hikers spend months and thousands of miles wearing Lone Peaks in warm weather, it's unlikely that you'll ditch them because they're too hot. The Lone Peak 9 upper has been reengineered with recycled ripstop. Altra tweaked the outsole's MaxTrac rubber compound to improve grip and durability, and based on my testing, it's capable of handling most trail conditions. When paired with an aggressive tread pattern that wraps up and around the toes, I found it easy to navigate rocky, icy terrain in Colorado, and loose sand didn't pose a problem either. That said, I had trouble finding my footing on snow-packed streets in Oregon, so it has its limitations. If Altra's MaxTrac compound has stopped you from committing to the Lone Peak up to this point, there's good news: The Vibram-soled Lone Peak 9+ made its debut this year. I haven't tested the Megagrip outsole yet but initial reports suggest it's a big improvement. However, you'll have to fork over an additional $15 for the better rubber. Once again, Altra outfits the shoe with a StoneGuard insert to deliver additional protection against rocks and debris, and the GaiterTrap system makes it easy to attach gaiters. Multi-directional lugs help the Lone Peak 9 maintain its grip over most surfaces. The roomy fit that has come to define the Lone Peak isn't for everyone, and the same can be said for the 'zero-drop' design. Narrow feet will have trouble finding a secure fit, so you might have to go down a half size, and if most of your athletic shoes feature some amount of drop (8-10mm is about average), your legs will notice if it's suddenly absent. Even though it's lightweight, the shoe doesn't make use of responsive cushioning or a rocker profile. Instead, it's designed to absorb impact and boost stability, so don't reach for the Lone Peak if you're looking for speed or plush, cloud-like comfort. This is a neutral shoe that feels and performs better over longer distances. Altra separated the extended heel design into two pieces, and the gaiter attachment looks a bit ... More nrrower. Thanks to a few small updates, the Altra Lone Peak 9 is as versatile as ever. It's one of those rare shoes that works for runners, hikers and backpackers, so while it may not be the absolute best at any one thing, that's not such a bad thing. A lot of outdoor products claim to be 'quiver killers' nowadays, but the Lone Peak 9 is one of the few that actually delivers on that concept, even if Altra didn't design it with that in mind. With a roomy toe box, breathable upper and tough outsole, it's a solid pick if you're after stability and predictability on the trail. And if you're grabbing it for one specific activity—whether running or backpacking—don't be surprised if it slowly takes over as your go-to shoe for different activities.
