If you want to stand out in your runs, whether in competitions or simply for fitness, one of the things you must get right is the running shoes. To identify the perfect pair of shoes for running, you should make sure to buy from a renowned brand like Altra.
The company has stood out because of its commitment to quality and using advanced technology in its shoes to enhance comfort and performance. Because Altra also has a long list of running shoes under its belt, you might still find it challenging to identify the best one.
Luckily, we are here to help. Keep reading our Altra running shoe review to understand more about their shoes and pick the perfect one for your runs.
Our Top Altra Running Shoes Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ALTRA Men's ALM1948G Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Altra 2.5 Womens Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. Altra Torin 3.0 Men’s Running Shoes |  |
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| 4. Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men's Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 5. Altra Kayenta Running Shoes |  |
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| 6. Altra Impulse Running Shoes |  |
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| 7. ALTRA Men's ALM1933G Escalante 2 Road Running Shoe |  |
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1. ALTRA Men’s ALM1948G Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe – First Choice
Coming top on the list is this ALTRA Men’s ALM1948G Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe, a premium shoe that is designed to help you enjoy top performance. It was developed from years of research and comes with advanced features that can help you to enjoy better performance.
The shoe is designed with EGO midsole foam that provides extra cushioning to help keep your foot comfortable. We liked the way the insole molds around the foot, providing soft support to the arch and making you feel natural when running. It feels like a soft massage on the foot that urges you to run faster for longer.
Most people who want to run for longer sessions, whether during competitions or for fitness purposes, prefer low impact shoes. This is why Altra designed this shoe with the heel and forefoot at the same distance (zero drop). The outsole also helps to enhance the shoe’s responsiveness, giving it a springy feel so that you can run and cross the finishing line in record time.
Specs
- Weight: 11.32 oz
- Drop: 0mm
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- A large toe box to allow your toes to relax ad spread naturally
- Designed with a guide rail for enhanced stability
- Uses soft and super-responsive Altra Ego midsole
- Comes in four different colors
- Durable construction
- Sold affordably
Cons
- The lugs are not strong for trail running
2. Altra 2.5 Womens Running Shoes – Runner UP
Coming in the second position is this Altra 2.5 running shoe, which is a carefully designed model to help you run faster. The shoe comes with excellent cushioning and stability that help you maintain top speed from the beginning to the finishing line. After testing this shoe, we agreed with most athletes that this shoe is a great piece to help you cross the finishing line.
The shoe uses a responsive cushioning midsole that contours to your foot’s natural shape so that every stride feels natural and comfortable. Furthermore, the midsole is designed with an A-Bound top layer that provides a powerful toe-off and a spring to every step, meaning that you will be able to run faster and enjoy every moment.
The shoe comes with a foot-shaped toe-box that accommodates your entire foot without adding undue pressure that can result in deformation. To make the shoe even more comfortable, the shoe is light, and the lining of the upper part is soft to give you a push feeling when running out there.
Specs
- Weight: 147.4 grams
- Drop: Zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed with a responsive midsole to help you run faster
- Top-notch cushioning for extra comfort
- Lightweight design for low fatigue
- Meshed top offers improved breathability
- Large cogs make it a great piece for both trail and street running
- Durable
Cons
- Poor breathability
3. Altra Torin 3.0 Men’s Running Shoes
Are you new to running or looking for a shoe to help you achieve your running goals easily? The answer might be the Torin 3.0 running shoe that comes with advanced features to help make running easy and fun. Because of this design, the shoe has become very popular with people in competitive athletics, walking, and fitness training.
The Torin 3.0 was designed to provide runners with great cushioning for maximum support and comfort when running on pavements or streets. The shoe comes with an EVA midsole that takes to your shoe’s shape so that every step feels natural. The midsole works with the rubber outsole to provide fast recovery time that allows you to run faster.
In order to keep your feet feeling fresh, the shoe is designed with a quick-dry air mesh. What we liked more about the air mesh is that it helps to keep the shoe light and wraps on your foot like socks for a soft feel when running out there.
Specs
- Weight: 184 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed to help improve the natural foot positioning
- Well-cushioned midsole helps to make the shoe very comfortable
- Large toe box helps to make the shoe extra comfortable
- A thick rubber outsole and firm top makes the shoe durable
- Good for running, walking and fitness training
Cons
- Not so good for trail running
4. Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men’s Trail Running Shoe
If you are preparing for a run in tough terrain, be it the Little Cottonwood Canyon or the Rocky Mountain trails, you need a shoe that can help you conquer the gnarliest terrain. One of the shoes that can help you can turn to is the Altra Lone Peak 3.5 shoe. From its design to features, this shoe is geared to provide extra stability and protection so that you can finish the run faster.
The show is designed with strong cushioning that not only takes the form of your foot but further helps to promote its stability. The dual-layer EVA with A-Bound is also responsive and will provide you with a springy feeling so that you can run faster.
Another thing that makes this shoe a great piece for trail running is the rubber outsole. Altra used cogs of different shapes and sizes to ensure that you get a firm grip even if your trail is wet or full of loose grit. Furthermore, the shoe comes with drainage holes to help keep your foot dry and a 4-point gaiter system to lock dirt out.
Specs
- Weight: 295 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Midsole: Dual layer EVA
Pros
- The shoe is designed to help with natural foot positioning
- A meshed upper part helps to reduce weight and keep the food aerated
- Remarkable cushioning to keep you comfortable when running in rough trails
- Uses a 4-Point GatierTrap to protect feet from debris
- Durable
Cons
- Not recommended for running in the pavements
5. Altra Kayenta Running Shoes
Kayente running shoe is some of the latest models from Altra, and it stands out because of its awesome cushioning. Using Max LT midsole and FootPod technology in the outsole, this shoe is light and very comfortable. This shoe is a great piece, and you should also consider trying it for your runs.
The shoe’s outsole is designed with FootPod technology that helps to map the bones and tendons of the foot. Further, it features strategically rubber pods that help to increase grip and durability. We liked the technology because it also makes the shoe light, and you will love the lightweight ride and better performance.
Like most running shoes from Altra, the Kayenta also comes with a large toe box to allow your toes to relax and spread naturally. The large toe box and cushioned insole help to provide you with greater comfort and stability when running. Even when running up or downhill, we found this shoe pretty stable.
If you run for long distances, such as road or trail marathons, the impact you get with every step is very important, and that is why Altra designed this shoe with zero drop. With the heel and the forefoot at the same distance from the ground, you can enjoy low impact form throughout the run.
Specs
- Weight: 167 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Lovely cushioning and support
- Large toe box
Cons
- The outsole is not long-lasting
6. Altra Impulse Running Shoes
If you love running both on the pavement and trails and do not want to use separate shoes, consider going for the Altra Impulse running shoes. The shoe is designed to provide runners with a natural and supported feel so that they can enjoy running in the woods with confidence.
Whether you are running on the road or on the trails, this shoe will come in handy to help make you stable. Altra used StabiliPod technology that adjusts depending on the terrain. For example, if you are on uneven trails, the outsole firmly grips the surface and works in conjunction with the insole to keep you stable. No matter the terrain, you can count on this shoe for better performance.
If you are running in wet areas, moisture can be a challenge, but you do not have to worry if you got this shoe. Altra used H2Flo midsole drain/vent holes that help to release any moisture that might get its way into the shoe. With this shoe, you can get out running with the confidence of better performance even if the trail is wet.
Specs
- Weight: 243 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Features a hex-mesh top for better support and strength
- Large toe box
- H2Flo midsole drain/vent holes help to keep the feet dry
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
- Stabilizing sole technology
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor breathability
7. ALTRA Men’s ALM1933G Escalante 2 Road Running Shoe
Our last Altra shoe in the list is this ALM1933G Escalante 2 running shoe, which has won massive following since its first release in 2017. Now, the latest version is even better and comes with advanced features that will make you look forward to the next road running competitions.
For, there was no waiting as we hit the road immediately, and we loved every moment with the shoe. The shoe is designed with FootShape technology that ensures the toes relax well and spread out naturally. Furthermore, it uses the EGO midsole that takes to your foot’s shape for extra support and comfort.
Even when running on corners or downhill, these shoes feel pretty stable. To make the shoe more effective, the shoe is designed with a carefully meshed top that helps to keep your toes well aerated and light. The top also holds the foot firmly for better support and better step-in-feel when running.
Specs
- Weight: 249 grams
- Drop: Zero
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground
- Outsole technology that helps to map the tendons and bones of the feet
- Comes with excellent cushioning
- Remarkable breathability
- Available in seven different colors
- Secure fit
- Good for both trail and road running
Cons
- Not waterproof
About Altra
Now that we have looked at the best shoes that the company has to offer, the next question is, “How well do you know the brand?” Here is a closer look at the company to help you understand its history, technology, and answers to frequently asked questions.
A Brief History Of Altra
Altra’s history can be traced back to 1998 when its founders, Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper, met in high school. Notably, both Brian and Harper had a lot of interest in outdoor activities. While working in his family store back in 2009, Golden was always looking for ways to make things better for runners.
So, the idea of developing Zero Drop ran through his mind when doing research on shoes. At first, he used to heat the shoes in a toaster and nip the larger parts so that both the toes and heel had the same distance from the ground.
After thousands of positive reviews about the zero-drop idea, Golden and Brian were finally ready to put their ideas into practice. They shared their innovations and ushered a new option into the world of running in 2011.
Altra’s Technologies That Make The Brand Stand Out
One of the distinguishing things about Atra is its research that has yielded progressive technologies used in its shoes. Here are some of the technologies:
Foot Shape Toe Box
This technology was designed to ensure that all the Altra’s shoes allow the runner’s toes to relax and spread out naturally. With a spacious room for the toes, you are sure of a more powerful toe-off for a faster run. The technology also helps to reduce overpronation and enhance stability of the shoe for all-round comfort.
Zero Drop
Zero drop refers to height variation between the stack height of the sole under the heel and under the ball of the foot. Before the Altra brand joined the market, and even today, most of the shoes used to have a drop of 8-12 mm. This means that when standing, the heel would be raised 8-12 mm above the toes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Altra Running Shoes Reliable For Top Performance?
Yes, the shoes are good. Because the shoes combine premium cushioning and top technology, you can rely on them for top performance, both in training and competitions.
Do All Altra Shoes Feature Zero Drop?
Yes, every shoe designed by Altra has a zero drop, meaning that they place the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground. The natural balance helps to align the feet, back, and reduce the risk of developing joint problems. This design has also seen Altra’s shoes become a common recommendation for older runners and people who want to correct joint issues.
Should You Use Altra Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?
The answer is, yes. Plantar fasciitis is a problem of the inflammation of the fibrous tissues that are located at the bottom of the foot (the ones that connect your toes to the heel). It is mainly caused by repetitive strain injury to the ligaments of the sole of your food.
Final Thoughts
Altra came out as a brand with a strong reputation, and it does not relent when it comes to the quality of the shoes it makes. Our Altra running shoe review above has brought out the best that they have in the market, and you can rely on them for better comfort and better performance.
The shoes also use the best technologies by Altra to help users address joint issues. So, whether you want a shoe for running on pavements or trails, Altra has a great option to help you achieve your goals.
Although we stand with the best Altra running shoes in our review above (we liked them, really liked them), the ALTRA Men’s ALM1948G Paradigm 4.5 Road Running Shoe was the best of them all. The shoe uses Altra’s latest technology, and its advanced features make it one of the most revered brands by runners.
