Lone Peak 8 vs Fast-Trac Nitro 3

The Lone Peak 8 is Altra at its most recognisable: a zero-drop, wide-fitting trail running shoe built for long days on mixed terrain rather than podium chasing. With a 0mm drop and a natural, foot-shaped platform, it asks your feet and calves to do the work, and rewards you with a low, grounded connection to the trail that few cushioned shoes match. At 298g it is not the lightest trail shoe out there, but it carries that weight well thanks to a balanced, moderate stack that soaks up rock and root without feeling boaty. This is a do-everything trail shoe for hikers, thru-hikers and ultra runners who value comfort, ground feel and a roomy toe box over pop and speed. If you want a stable, dependable companion for all-day miles and you are happy with a firm, honest ride, the Lone Peak 8 is one of the easiest trail shoes to recommend. The newer Lone Peak 9 refines the same recipe if you want the latest version.

The Puma Fast-Trac Nitro 3 is a lightweight, do-it-all trail running shoe built for runners who want one pair to cover most of what the UK throws at them. It is not an ultra cruiser and it is not a stripped-out racer. It sits in the sweet spot between the two: agile enough to feel fast on rolling singletrack, cushioned enough to hold up on a longer day out. At 290g with an 8mm drop, it is nicely balanced, and the nitrogen-infused Nitro foam gives you a lively, springy return that keeps tired legs turning over. The grippy outsole is the real story here, biting confidently into wet grass, mud and loose gravel where plenty of rivals slither. If you want a versatile, well-priced trail shoe for training, mixed terrain and the odd race, we rate it highly. The closest rival is the Saucony Peregrine 16, and the Puma holds its own.