When striving for your running goals, finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a game-changer. It’s not just about style; it’s about comfort, fit, performance, and most importantly, reducing the risk of injury. In recent years, Altra running shoes have gained a dedicated following among runners of all levels.
What makes Altra special? The brand offers a multitude of features, including the brand’s natural Zero Drop design, spacious toe box, balanced cushioning, gender-specific design, and more.
There’s an Altra running shoe to help you achieve your next marathon PR or daily neighborhood walks. Whatever your running or walking goals may be, Altra offers a shoe to help you achieve them.
Our reviewers set out to find the best Altra running shoes for 2024. Keep reading to learn more about what we found and which Altra running shoe might be the perfect choice for you.
Our Review Process
Our running shoe review process involves several steps. We researched the top Altra running shoes for 2024, selected the ones we wanted to review, laced them up, and put them to the test.
Our expert reviewers, team members, and avid runners considered a variety of criteria when testing each shoe, including:
- Comfort: Assessing how comfortable the shoes are over various distances
- Fit: Determining if the shoes fit properly and accommodate any specific foot issues
- Cushioning: Evaluating the level of cushioning and shock absorption on landings
- Support: Testing the shoes’ stability and support features (if any)
- Durability: Assessing the shoes’ wear and tear over multiple runs
- Traction: Evaluating how well the shoes grip different surfaces, including trails or tracks in some cases
- Breathability: Considering how well the shoes ventilate to prevent overheating on long runs or hot days
- Weight: Noting the shoes’ weight and its impact on running performance
After analyzing all these factors, our team members nailed down the 10 best Altra running shoes for 2024.
The Best Altra Running Shoes of 2024
- Altra Escalante 4
- Altra Torin 7
- Altra Olympus 6
- Altra Paradigm 7
- Altra Rivera 3
- Altra Vanish Carbon 2
- Altra Timp 5
- Altra Lone Peak 8
- Altra Experience Flow
Altra Escalante 4
The Altra Escalante 4 is one of the best neutral running shoes and one of the most comfortable running shoes on our list. It offers ample cushioning, air circulation, and flexibility for an unrivaled ride. It’s a daily trainer that you’ll want to purchase time and time again.
Cushioning is provided via the EGO™ midsole, while the Original FootShape™ Fit allows room for toes to move and breathe. The 24 mm of foam absorbs impact while still allowing you to connect with the ground with every step. The midsole Innerflex grooves also add even more flexibility to this minimalist, lightweight shoe.
Several of our team members wear the Escalante as their daily trainer outside of testing, which speaks volumes for its quality and comfort.
Altra Torin 7
The Altra Torin 7 stands out as the perfect pick for runners seeking a daily trainer that not only improves their running form but also provides unmatched comfort. This latest model is renowned for its ultra-comfortable design, featuring an Altra EGO Max foam midsole that’s been enhanced with extra stack height, further amplifying its comfort.
It’s a cushioned running shoe that’s also remarkably lightweight, offering plenty of impact protection without feeling bulky. The shoe’s engineered mesh upper allows plenty of circulation and flexibility for a comfortable fit that’s not too loose or tight.
Our reviewers did comment that the new Torin’s toebox felt slightly slimmer than previous versions and other Altra running shoes.
Altra Olympus 6
The Olympus 6 is a well-cushioned trail running shoe designed for optimal comfort and protection while running off-road. It features Altra’s Original FootShape™ Fit, allowing feet the space they need to breathe and dry quickly in mucky trail conditions.
A standout feature of the Olympus 6 is the Vibram® Megagrip™ outsole, providing an ultra-sticky grip for uneven or rugged terrain. The updated lug pattern is strategically placed throughout the outsole for even more traction and durability.
The rugged outsole also makes this trail running shoe more durable for superior longevity, making this trail shoe beneficial to the environment and your wallet. And with a new Achillis pillow, you’ll enjoy a plush and luxurious feel from the minute you step into these trail shoes.
Altra Paradigm 7
The Paradigm is one of Altra’s best cushioned running shoes for daily training, long-distance running, or walking. It also offers excellent support for a natural gait. It’s a cushioned shoe that doubles as a high-performance stability running shoe, providing the best of both worlds for overpronators.
The Paradigm 7 features Altra’s Guiderail™ technology for guidance and an engineered upper that feels more like a breathable sock than a shoe. Our reviewers praised the Paradigm 7 for its multiple comfort features in addition to stability but commented that it has a slightly higher weight than other Altra shoes.
Altra Rivera 3
The Altra Rivera 3 is a neutral running shoe rivaling the Escalante as one of the favorite daily trainers on our list. The shoe’s Slim FootShape™ Fit makes it preferable for runners with regular or slightly slimmer feet. Those with wide feet may want to consider the Escalante.
However, the Rivera 3 is packed with features guaranteed to impress, including an Altra EGO™ midsole with a stack height of 28mm. That’s a ton of cushioning for a responsive, energetic, and comfortable ride. The Rivera 3 also features a new, breathable tongue and layered mesh for extra air circulation on training and race days.
The Rivera 3 is another versatile shoe from Altra. Our reviewers recommend it for runners or walkers who like a lot of cushioning and want a shoe that can go everywhere, from work to the gym and long-distance runs.
Altra Vanish Carbon 2
Many of our Marathon Sports customers are looking for zero drop road racing shoes to hit their next PR. Our reviewers think the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 is the running shoe to help them do it.
This long-distance running shoe features a full-length carbon-fiber plate for ultimate speed, comfort, and responsiveness. The Altra EGO™ PRO cushioning ensures landings are soft and take-offs are energetic.
The Altra Vanish Carbon 2 also features the brand’s Slim FootShape™ fit for a tighter, more custom-like feel. It provides the support necessary to reach higher speeds. Don’t sleep on the Vanish Carbon 2 if you’re seeking one of the top training and race day shoes from Altra.
Altra Timp 5
An all-new shoe from Altra for 2024 is the Timp 5. It’s a favorite on our list for its innovative features, attractive look, and incredible versatility. This is a trail running shoe that can cross rivers, traverse mud, and tackle long distances on any terrain. It can be your trail runner and daily trainer, providing comfort, durability, and performance day in and day out.
The Timp 5 features an upgraded Altra EGO™ MAX midsole and a new quick-dry air mesh upper for extra ventilation and breathability. The Vibram outsole is aggressive and protective, with lugs that grip even the most uneven terrain. It can climb mountains and master flats.
Our reviewers praised the Timp 5 as one of the best trail runners on the list for 2024; Between the bouncy updated cushioning, the enhanced upper, and durable and lightweight design, the Timp has become a go-to for those who prefer taking their running off-road. If you’re looking for a good-looking shoe that can do it all, consider the new Altra Timp 5.
Altra Lone Peak 8
Altra’s Lone Peak 8 is a great shoe for adventures on the trail. It’s built to withstand more miles in the great outdoors than its predecessors. The shoes have canted lugs on the outsoles that give you extra traction for managing dirt and gravel surfaces at an incline. The MaxTrac™ system provides better grip all around, no matter what type of terrain you’re trying to tackle.
The Lone Peak 8’s EGO™ midsole foam provides responsive cushioning and comfort. The cushioning is balanced so that the heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground. This helps provide better form and allows your body to move the way it was designed to. The wide-lacing system was also created to allow more natural movement of the foot.
Altra Running has always been known for shaking up the way we think about running shoes. The Lone Peak 8 continues this tradition. The large toe box allows the feet to sit more naturally within the shoe. The FootShape™ system was designed to accommodate biological differences in men’s and women’s feet, making this a top trail running shoe for anyone.
Altra Experience Flow
While Altra may be famous for its zero-drop designs, the Altra Experience Flow provides one of the company’s first models with an offset. Combined with the rocker shape, the Experience Flow encourages efficient movement and gives you the feeling of being propelled forward.
While the drop is just 4 millimeters, it’s still a noteworthy alternative for those who love the high quality and comfort of Altra but need a bit more cushioning on the heel. This moderate drop also makes it a perfect option for those transitioning from larger offsets to Altra’s many zero-drop models.
Other comfort-focused features include the Standard FootShape Fit, which offers an extra roomy toe box, and a midsole made from compression-molded EVA foam. At just 8.4 ounces for men and 7.2 ounces for women, it’s perfect for runners who want to cut every ounce possible from their gear. This lightweight design is enabled in part by the stylish but sleek and breathable engineered mesh upper.
Shop Altra Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
All the Altra running shoes listed above are available here at Marathon Sports. We also sell all the industry’s best running shoe brands, so you can find the shoe that’s most ideal for your wants and needs.
Our in-store and online experts, huge inventory, community engagement, and unrivaled Right Fit™ process set us apart as the best running and sports store in the industry. We’re dedicated to helping you find the best running shoes and gear to lead you toward your goals.
