Trends come and go, but certain brands outlive the wave they surfed to popularity. Altra is a zero drop running shoe brand that rode the wave of minimalist, natural foot-position shoes to mainstream prominence. The brand was acquired by VF corporation, the same company that owns North Face and Timberland, and continues to produce high-quality performance road running and trail running shoes. Here are the best running shoes from Altra today.
The Best Altra Running Shoes
Altra's overarching brand thesis is that feet benefit from being in a natural position when running and walking. All of Altra's shoes are zero drop, meaning the heel and forefoot height is the same. The brand also produces wider fitting shoes to accommodate natural foot position and allow the toes to spread out. Altra has made some changes to their fit and feel over the past few years, like offering two narrower width options and adding rockers to some models, that makes their shoes more approachable if you're used to running in other brands' shoes. Here are the best running shoes from Altra today.
1. Altra Torin 7 ($150): Best Daily Trainer from Altra
The Altra Torin 7 is a smooth-riding daily trainer with a moderate stack of cushioning and a comfortable, balanced feel. The Torin uses Altra's EGO Max foam, a soft, responsive and slightly bouncy compound. The Torin has a comfortable and breathable upper that's great for all-weather running. If you're looking for a versatile daily trainer to help you crush through high mileage weeks of marathon training, there's no better option from Altra than the Torin 7.
Altra Torin 7
2. Altra Vanish Tempo ($170): Best Uptempo Altra Running Shoe
The Altra Vanish Tempo is a fast-riding trainer with a soft and responsive underfoot feel. It's one of the best non-plated uptempo running shoes due to the EGO Pro foam in the midsole, which is bouncy and cushioned while also being responsive to pace changes. The Vanish Tempo weighs in at a spry 8.2 ounces and is the non-plated version of Altra's marathon racer, the Vanish Carbon. Without the plate, the foam can feel a tad soft for the fastest runners (think sub 3-hour marathon), but for most it will be a great option for both everyday running and faster workouts.
Altra Vanish Tempo
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3. Altra Vanish Carbon ($240): Best Road Racing Shoe from Altra
The Altra Vanish Carbon is the brand's carbon-plated marathon racing shoe, competing with the likes of the Nike Vaporfly Next% 3, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. Because of the zero drop platform, the Vanish Carbon uses a rockered forefoot to achieve the on-your-toes feel that others get through a higher drop. The midsole uses the same supercritical foam as the Vanish Tempo, which is soft, bouncy and highly responsive. Stiffened with the carbon plate, the ride is fast while still retaining a degree of comfort at slower paces due to the softer feel of the foam.
Altra Vanish Carbon
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4. Altra Paradigm 7 ($170): Best Stability Shoe from Altra
The Altra Paradigm 7 is a max cushioned cruiser with a comfortable and stable ride. The Paradigm has a 33mm stack of foam in the heel and forefoot and uses a rockered platform to help make transitions easier. The EGO Max foam is cushioned but on the firmer side, great for runners who want support. There's also guiderails on both sides of the shoe to provide extra stability and planted landings. This is also a good option for runners with high volume feet, as it comes in Altra's Standard footshape, which has a roomier fit than shoes like the Vanish Tempo.
Altra Paradigm 7
5. Altra Outroad 2 ($140): Best Road-Trail Hybrid from Altra
The Altra Outroad 2 is a versatile trainer designed to tackle both roads and trails. It has a lugged and grippy outsole for tackling gravel roads and mild to moderate off road terrain. The midsole is Altra's EVA-based EGO foam which has a slightly firmer but cushioned feel—with a 27mm stack height, it's high enough for the roads without being excessively tall for the trails. It's not the best option for highly technical trails, but it's a great option if you frequently run on varied terrain during training sessions.
6. Altra Lone Peak 7 ($150): Best Altra Trail Running Shoe
The Altra Lone Peak 7 is a zero drop trail shoe designed to tackle varied types of offroad trails. The Lone Peak has Altra's traditional foot-shaped fit, which is accommodating for high volume feet and those who prefer wider toe-boxes. The ride is smooth and stable over moderately technical trails, though the lugs aren't the most aggressive for serious technical efforts or muddy passes. If you'll be racing on highly technical terrain or through snow, you may want to consider the Mont Blanc, covered below. But for most runners, the Lone Peak 7 is versatile enough for every type of trail run you'll want to tackle.
7. Altra Mont Blanc BOA ($210): Best Trail Racing Shoe from Altra
The Altra Mont Blanc BOA is the brand's top-tier trail racing shoe. Designed for ultra marathons, the Mont Blanc has a grippy Vibram Litebase outsole and 30mm stack height. On the ride, it feels grippy, cushioned and light on the foot, while the BOA lacing system provides a secure lockdown. The upper is lightweight and breathable, though this version is not waterproof. The main downside is the price, as the Mont Blanc BOA comes in at $210, $60 more expensive than other popular trail shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
8. Altra Provision 7 ($140): Best Mild Stability Shoe from Altra
The Altra Provision 7 is a mild stability shoe with a balanced ride. The Provision provides light stabiltiy and support through guiderails around the heel area that aren't overly obtrusive. Similar to a shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Shift, the Provision is great for neutral runners who want a bit more support for those days where energy is low and legs are fatigued. The ride is smooth and controlled, with the EVA-based EGO foam skewing to the firmer side. The Provision isn't overly bouncy and energetic, but it's perfect for those runs where you're looking to take it easy.
9. Altra Escalante 3: Best Beginner Shoe & Run-Gym Hybrid from Altra
The Altra Escalante 3 is a running shoe that can pull double duty at the gym and around town. It has Altra's standard footshape, roomy toebox and a 24mm stack height. The Altra is best used as a low-mileage daily trainer and for cross training, walking or gym workouts. The stack height provides a cushioned platform for most activities, but runners with high mileage weeks in marathon training while likely prefer more cushion for runs longer than 6 to 8 miles. As a beginner running shoe or all-rounder sneaker, the Escalante is a great option.
10. Altra Rivera 3: Best Traditional Feeling Running Shoe from Altra
The Altra Rivera 3 is an everyday running shoe with a traditional feel. The Rivera uses Altra's narrow footshape platform, though the toe-box is still wide enough to allow toe-splay for most runners. Like the Saucony Ride and Nike Pegasus, the Rivera delivers a smooth and planted ride with a tough of ground feel. It's a neutral shoe without additional support for overpronators, so runners with stabiltiy needs should consider the Provision or Paradigm. For runners looking to try the zero drop experience who like a firmer, more traditional ride, the Rivera 3 is a great option.
FAQ on Altra Running Shoes
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we see around Altra running shoes.
Are Altra's running shoes zero drop?
Yes. All of Altra's running shoes have a zero drop platform where the forefoot stack is the same height as the heel stack. Some models like the Vanish Tempo and Paradigm 7 have a rockered platform to help make
Where are Altra shoes made?
Altra is a US-based brand and got its start producing shoes in its home state of Utah. Altra now uses international factories to produce its shoes.
Are Altra shoes good for walking?
There are a range of Altra models great for walking, running and hiking. Shoes like the Paradigm 7 and Rivera 3 are great for walks around town and on pavement, while the Lone Peak 7 and Outroad are great for hiking.
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