Lone peak heel issue

Had this happen to a pair of lone peak 2.5s, never could get the foam to sit properly again.

Had the same thing happen to a pair of 3.5 when slipping them on after shaking out some debris. I just returned them. I hope they fix this in the 4.0s which are rumored to have no structured heel cup like the Kings.

Same thing happened with my 3.5’s with only 75 miles on them – it’s a known issue, not sure if Altra will do anything for you, but given how widespread this failure is it might be worth contacting them.  I switched to Timps this year and am liking them.

From Andrew Skurka’s preview:

The heel counter is back-less, which should make the 4.0 friendlier to odd-shaped feet and to those with chronic Achilles problems. Unlike with a normal heel counter, the very rear of the shoe is not stiffened with plastic.

I contacted Altra and they recommended returning the shoes to REi. REI wanted to charge me $30 to exchange them for an exact match pair but I held my ground and insisted on a straight exchange, which they finally granted. This pair will get special treatment. I did look at other options, but the fit of these is as perfect as I’ve found yet so I’ll go with them and just make sure they’re stored carefully.

I have high heels that can take more abuse than these! But they rarely get worn any more…

I had that problem with the 2.5 and 3.0 and gave up on them.  In my opinion they were completely structureless, which was not a good combination with a shoe with a larger stack height.  I found them OK for trail walking but XC (especially sidehilling) in them for long periods was terrible, one of the sloppiest fits I’ve experienced in a shoe.  Maybe the new ones are better?

I have 3.5s, and other than the vulnerable heel, they seem fairly sound. At least they are incredibly comfortable. Lovely not to bang my little toes and still have a shoe that isn’t clown-shoe long. I’ve only had them since May, and put about 20 miles a week on them on fairly level ground, except for one overnight. The overnight consisted of rocky, slippery wet but fairly level trail, tussocks, and soft tundra. I haven’t tested them on talus or scree, or off trail much at all (except to camp). Of course, our “trails” are more routes anyway, not maintained. But I’m about to test them on the Chilkoot, so I’ll let you know how they hold up!

What a weird issue for a shoe to have. Why did REI want $30 for an exchange? I have the Lone Peak 3.5s and have squished them in my pack and flattened them in a suitcase, and they still look normal. They are so comfortable for easy or well-maintained trails, but possibly the most unstable shoe for off-camber terrain I’ve ever used. Even with the laces cinched up super tight, it feels like my foot wants to roll out of the shoe sometimes.

My heel area (3.0 LP) fell apart after 50kms. Put a new innersole in just so I could use them and got another 500kms before they completely fell apart. I was unable to return them. Unfortunately the heel issue is now well known. Were comfortable as long as I didn’t do anything other than walk in a straight line on non challenging terrain. More like slippers. Would never buy them again. Tread wore off way too quick. Gone straight back to INOV8s.

What I find odd is so many reports of terrible experiences (including my own)…and yet in the Sierra a week or two ago I hiked with and saw dozens of PCT hikers and easily 8/10 wore Lone Peaks.

Probably popular because they are so stinkin comfy! The toes are so happy! And they’re light. I was impressed that despite wearing them through wet tussocks, crossing snow fields, and being in the pouring rain, my feet didn’t get soaked, only damp. They aren’t Goretex or anything, but for some reason they seem to shed water well.

Maybe only some of the shoes have this heel problem? Or people are more careful with them and others – like me – lead lives of family chaos that inevitably destroy delicate things. In any case, I’ll keep them for day hikes, maybe for trail hikes that aren’t too rough, and stick to my Salomon mids for off trail and rocky areas. It’s only toenails after all, and I don’t need them all.

John – I don’t find them unstable at all. My feet are not rolling around in the shoes, they just fit perfectly. I do use a heel lock tie with them, as I do with most hiking shoes. REI wanted 30$ because I had originally bought the shoes on sale, and now there isn’t a sale, so they wanted the price difference from me. But they’re the exact same shoes, not a newer model or anything, so I insisted on the straight exchange, a manager finally approved it. Given how much merchandise I purchase from them, I was a bit surprised at the whole incident.

Have the exact same issue with a pair that I just bought for my teenage son. Heel area is bunched up into an uncomfortable mass of foam with no form or structure. Happened in less than 5 miles of wear. Planning on returning to the local outdoor store where we bought them.