Merrell Trail Glove 8 vs Altra Lone Peak 9
Trail Glove 8 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 minimal, zero-drop trail shoe? Get the Trail Glove 8.
Want zero drop and room for your toes on the trail? Get the Lone Peak 9.
Get the Trail Glove 8 if
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 3.4 oz
- You’d rather spend $15 less
Get the Lone Peak 9 if
- You want more foam underfoot (11mm more at the heel)
- Long runs are your thing
- You need a wide width
On the run
Trail Glove 8: The barefoot trail shoe. Minimal and flexible with true zero drop and very little cushion or protection. Better grip from the new Vibram outsole.
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
| Trail Glove 8 | Lone Peak 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $145 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 14 / 14mm* | 25 / 25mm |
| Drop | 0mm | 0mm |
| Weight, men’s | 7.76 oz | 11.15 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 6.1 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Trails, Walking & all-day wear | Trails, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 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
Trail Glove 8. True to size with a roomy toebox. The insole isn’t removable.
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 Trail Glove 8 · Shop the Lone Peak 9 · Compare other running shoes