Altra holds a special place in my heart because one of the first shoes I reviewed after I was hired at Runner’s World was the brand’s now-discontinued Instinct/Intuition 4.5. Altra was founded in 2009 by high school running buddies Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead. Turns out the Instinct/Intuition was pivotal to Altra establishing itself in the running industry. It was the first model Altra launched in 2011.
Since my introduction to Altra, I’ve witnessed its evolution; the brand formerly known for strictly selling zero-drop shoes (when forefoot and heel cushioning are equal) has added models with a 4mm drop. This move has drawn the zero-drop-curious to the Altra way.
Best Altra Running Shoes Preview
- Best Overall: Altra Torin 9 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Value: Altra Experience Flow 3 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Value Trail: Altra Experience Wild 3 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Max-Cushioned: Altra Fwd Via 2 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Stability: Altra Experience Form (Men’s/Women’s)
What to Consider
How We Selected
Since my introduction to Altra as a new-hire at Runner’s World in 2018, I have tested several models by the brand, appreciating the shoes’ generous toe room on my wide feet. I have tested all of the shoes in this buying guide and delved into the feedback of our 350-plus shoe testers. These local runners present an inclusive testing pool, ranging in gait patterns, arch heights, and experience levels.
Full Reviews
Pros
- New plusher midsole
- New Vibram outsole
- Non-gusseted tongue
Cons
- Standard fit may feel tight around wide feet
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M9), 8.1 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
The Torin has undergone a revamp with its ninth iteration—but rest assured, all these changes are welcomed upgrades.
The shoe has a new Vibram outsole, which inspired our testers to take the shoe off the road and onto the trail. “I felt that the shoe performed best on a packed dirt/trail surface where it felt like it had a great traction and springy push off. Those trail runs were at a 7:00 to 7:30 pace,” said tester Steven Blasi.
On the road and off, the Torin 9 is bouncier and softer too. Altra’s P35X midsole makes for a more cushioned ride without silencing ground feel. The support makes the shoe a great entry into zero-drop for newbies.
Lastly, the fit is more accommodating. The non-gusseted tongue provides a roomier fit for those with high insteps.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Pros
- Lightweight
- Goldilocks cushioning; not too firm, not too soft
- Reliable traction on road, treadmill, groomed trail
Cons
- Wide-foot testers felt the midfoot was narrower compared to other Altra shoes
| Weight | 9 oz (M), 7.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 32 mm |
If switching to zero-drop still sounds like taking a major leap, you can opt for running in the Experience Flow 3 before you go for a spin in the Torin 8. The Experience Flow has a 4mm offset, which is approximately the same depth of two nickels stacked on top of each other. The heel lift is subtle, allowing you to ease into running in a low-drop shoe.
Testers loved the versatility of the shoe, appreciating its supportive Altra Ego midsole. For some, it hit that Goldilocks sweet spot of feeling not too firm, nor too soft.
“I loved that it was a not a minimalist shoe, but wasn’t the huge cloud cushion kind either,” said tester Chris Greg. “It was a happy medium between the two where I felt connected to the ground but was offered plenty of support to make my 5-mile runs smooth.”
Others described the cushioning as having just the right amount of “squishiness.”
“I really loved how much cushioning these shoes had,” said tester Mary Hartnett. “It made my runs feel so much easier and ‘squishier’ compared to other shoes I’ve used. This extra softness was a huge help during my training because I actually felt excited to put them on every morning, and my feet didn’t feel as tired afterward.”
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Altra Experience Wild 3
Pros
- Great traction over wet, loose surfaces
- Roomy midfoot and toebox
- More secure upper than previous version
Cons
- Outsole not as grippy as Vibram Megagrip
- Laces could be improved; kept bunching up
| Weight | 11.1 oz (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 32 mm |
We’ve loved the Experience Wild since its first iteration. The shoe is outfitted for technical trails, offering protection with a toe sweep, gaiter attachment points, and a grippy MaxTrac outsole that can handle loose, uneven terrain. It’s also a great option for those who run on bridle paths and groomed rail trails. The Experience Wild 3 is flexible, has an accommodating wide fit in the midfoot and toe area, and a padded tongue that makes the fit snug and enclosed, so pebbles and sand can be kept out.
The biggest update to the Experience Wild 3 is the mesh upper, which provides a more secure fit and more breathability.
“V3 takes the shoe to the next level with a redesigned upper that fits more generously but doesn’t make you feel like you are swimming around, a more plush cushioning that absorbs firmer ground yet remaining stable, and a lug pattern on the MaxTrac outsole that I felt was superior to each of the previous models in terms of grip,” said tester John Mikovits.
The Experience Wild 3+ ($165) is also available and has a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Altra Experience Wild 3 Review
Pros
- Plush, cushioned ride perfect for long runs and those who need more support
- Soft upper with padded heel collar and tongue
- Lightweight despite max-cushioned midsole
Cons
- Midsole not as responsive, not a super trainer—but still delivers nice bounce
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 37 mm (Heel), 33 mm (Forefoot) |
As of updating this buying guide, I only just laced up in the Fwd Via 2 after meeting with Altra at the Runner’s World Shoe Summit before the NYC Marathon. The original Fwd Via was an instant favorite from first run. The shoe has a rocker profile and high cushioning, making the low heel-to-toe drop easier to get used to if you’re a zero-drop virgin. It’s great for long runs and recovery runs, and has a generous bed of foam for run/walkers.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Altra Experience Form
Pros
- Comfy fit with snug, padded in the heel area
- Guide rail stability for when you need it
Cons
- EVA midsole makes the Form not as bouncy as other trainers
- Upper flex by the toe area created rubbing over toes for some, a crease that stuck for others
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 7.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 32 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) |
The Experience Form provides stability when you need it with Altra’s guide rail. Acting as a “bumper” on the medial side, the feature lends support to overpronators and neutral runners alike.
“I liked the overall stability and comfort of the shoe,” said Anthony Dentino, a heel-striker who runs with a neutral gait. “The shoe was firm but provided excellent cushioning throughout, especially in the heel. Because of its weight, this is not a shoe that I would suggest for speedwork or racing but it is an excellent training shoe.”
Another favorite feature was the shoe’s hardiness and trustworthiness in inclement weather.
“I wore them multiple times in the rain and on some snowy surfaces, but felt like they provided good traction every time,” said overpronator Alyssa Dever. “Not only that, they did not soak through easily in the rain, and kept my feet warm in cold temperatures (some sub-20-degree runs).”
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Altra Experience Form Video Review
Altra Escalante 5
Pros
- New strobel and sockliner offer even more comfort on a low-profile trainer
- Ground feel, responsive ride
- Wide toebox
Cons
- Laces tend to untie
- Not bouncy like supercritical foam trainers
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 7.6 oz (W) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
It’s been two and a half years since the release of the Escalante 4—but the Escalante 5 makes that length of time worth the wait.
Nothing has dramatically changed with the Escalante 5: same roomy toebox, same breathable knit upper, same Ego midsole, and same 24 mm stack height. Instead of fully revamping the shoe, the Altra team refined it with a few tweaks.
The strobel and sockliner are made of TPEE for even more comfort. In this way, you still get plenty of ground feel in this minimalistic, lightweight trainer, but with added comfort and support. The outsole also has more rubber to enhance traction and durability.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Altra Lone Peak 9+
Pros
- Grippy new Vibram Megagrip outsole provides reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Ground feel with supportive cushioning
- Durable ripstop mesh upper protects feet from snags, debris, and mud splatter
Cons
- Less cushioning for long runs
- Testers with narrower feet wanted a more secure fit in the midfoot
| Weight | 10.6 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 0 mm |
| Stack Height | 25 mm |
The Lone Peak 9+ is the first iteration of the shoe with a Vibram Megagrip outsole. This makes the shoe have outstanding traction on wet or dry surfaces. RW Tester feedback confirms Vibram Megagrip’s traction on uneven, slippery terrain.
Said tester Shelby Brett, “I greatly appreciate that the lugs on the shoe are significant and that they go in multiple directions, again adding to my confidence underfoot.”
The shoe has a durable ripstop upper and an extra eyelet for a more locked-in fit. Testers loved the ground feel of the Lone Peak 9+, saying the shoe had the perfect balance of cushioning and protection. Another highlight was that spacious toebox.
A waterproof version, the Lone Peak 9+ GTX ($180), is also available.
Shop Men’s at altrarunning.com | Shop Women’s at altrarunning.com
Q&A
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
