Altra Experience Flow 3 vs Lone Peak 9
Experience Flow 3 or Lone Peak 9? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a foot-shaped toebox with a little drop? Get the Experience Flow 3.
Want zero drop and room for your toes on the trail? Get the Lone Peak 9.
Get the Experience Flow 3 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (7mm more at the heel)
- It’s mostly for easy days
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 2.7 oz
Get the Lone Peak 9 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You’re heading off-road
- You want a zero-drop shoe
- You need a wide width
On the run
Experience Flow 3: Altra’s easygoing, foot-shaped trainer. Very comfortable, light and super flexible, with an easy, natural ride. There’s little energy return.
Lone Peak 9: Zero drop, room for your toes. Low, firm and zero drop, so you feel the trail. A rock plate takes the edge off sharp stuff, but it isn’t a cushioned shoe.
Specs side by side
| Experience Flow 3 | Lone Peak 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $145 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 32 / 28mm | 25 / 25mm |
| Drop | 4mm | 0mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8.5 oz* | 11.15 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.5 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Walking & all-day wear, Long runs | Trails, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 350–450 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Experience Flow 3. True to size with Altra’s foot-shaped toebox, so your toes can spread.
Lone Peak 9. Altra’s foot-shaped toebox lets your toes spread out. The midfoot is roomy too, so narrow feet may need to size down or lace snugly.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Experience Flow 3 · Shop the Lone Peak 9 · Compare other running shoes