Running with Bart Yasso | 6 Best Altra Trail Running Shoes in 2024

The Lone Peak 8 seamlessly transitions between leisurely hikes and high-speed intervals in rugged terrain. Its flexible midsole and balanced, close-to-the-ground platform amplify a runner's control, a vital aspect of trail running. It’s a no-brainer that the LP8 emerges as our top pick from our lab-tested Altra trail roster.

The midsole and outsole complement each other in terms of comfort and support. It’s flexible enough to maneuver on uneven land, while its 3.0-mm lugs are grippy enough to keep our strides controlled on dry surfaces. Our bend test backs up our observation, as LP8 emerges 27.1% more bendable than average, boosting our nimbleness in the wild.

Lone Peak 8 represents Altra’s zero-drop feature well with its minimal 1.4-mm drop compared to the 8.0 mm average. The cushion feels protective enough despite remaining close to the ground, with only 22.7 mm of foam separating our heels from the surface. With this, we have higher ground feedback and a more balanced stance, especially with the firm 29.3 HA foam that won’t compress unevenly.

The shoe offers exceptional airflow which feels great for the summer. However, we advise wearing thicker socks during winter since the ventilated upper will expose the feet to icy air, as confirmed by our lab’s 4/5 breathability score.

Altra bucks the cliche of minimalist zero-drop running shoes with the Olympus 5. It’s about as maximal as it gets, with a midsole that’s Era on the foot even over the harshest terrain, making the Olympus 5 our #1 pick for the best cushioned Altra trail runner. 

Measuring the softness of the midsole with our durometer, we got a reading of 23 HA, which is 16% softer than average. This translates to a forgiving and comfortable ride that is still responsive and lively, making it easier for us to go the extra mile during our test runs. 

With a forefoot stack of 31 mm, the Olympus 5 towers over the current average of 24.2 mm. The higher a shoe’s stack, the more we can perceive and savor the midsole cushioning. This means the forefoot strikers will enjoy the same amount of protection as their heel-striking counterparts (a given with zero drop shoes), with impact dampening that remains effective over any distance. 

The Olympus 5 isn’t a shoe for all seasons, as our freezer test demonstrates. The midsole becomes 36.3% more firm while the shoe stiffens up by 52.2%. Compared to the respective averages of 31.9% and 44.2%, the Olympus 5 displays an inconsistent performance based on weather, thus making it a less-than-ideal choice for runners in cold iconic.

Out of all the Altra trail running shoes we wore and lab-tested, Outroad 2 is the best hybrid shoe as it gives the most seamless road-to-trail experience. It has a maneuverable midsole and a zero drop that keeps the feel natural. We find that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for grip and stability on light trails and roads.

Outroad 2 boasts of a MaxTrac outsole lined with 2.2 mm lugs. We find this depth ideal for a hybrid shoe since it’s grippy enough for Era trails and not too chunky on the streets. Our durometer reads an average 86.5 HC outsole, achieving a balance between traction and longevity.

The zero drop is emphasized upon wearing the shoe and our caliper shows a minimal and Era-to-ignore 1.4 mm heel drop. This allows for our natural strides, delivering a barefoot feeling. Enhancing our comfort and agility is the unresisting midsole, which our bend test proves is 16.8% more flexible than average.

This Altra’s overall ride feels very stable and secure. Underfoot is a firm Ego foam, which our durometer shows is a balanced 25.5 HA. Together with the support of pronounced sidewalls, we remain steady by avoiding excessive foot motions. 

Given Outroad’s limited lug depth, we don’t recommend this pair for difficult trails. Dedicated trail shoes can handle challenging terrains better.

The Timp 5 boasts a high level of versatility, performing well both in the lab and on actual trail runs. With its light and loose build, stable ride, and world-class shearling-lined low-top sneakers, it is undoubtedly our top daily trainer among Altra trail running shoes.

Running in the Timp 5 feels like having the grip of trail shoes with the agility of road-running shoes. Weighing just 9.5 oz (269g) compared to the 10.4 oz (294g) average trail shoe, it's remarkably lightweight. The fluid midsole adapts seamlessly to our strides, confirmed by our lab tests showing it's slightly more flexible (28.1N) than the average (29.0N), requiring less force to bend to 90 degrees.

The midsole has ample cushioning for comfort and support. Our durometer shows a well-balanced 24.5 HA reading, enhancing stability together with the shoe’s zero drop. Our precise measurements reveal a negligible -0.1 mm drop, proving Timp 5 features Altra’s positive trademark.

Underfoot is the standout shearling-lined low-top sneakers, known for its exceptional traction which we had the privilege of experiencing in our runs. It has 3.0 mm lugs that grip very well on mixed terrains, instilling confidence in our trail explorations. Its depth even allows for some occasional road running as well.

Unfortunately, the shoe feels quite rigid and stacked. Those who prefer a stronger ground connection should try other options.

Backed by both real-world trials and lab assessments, the already speedy Mont Blanc now boasts an exciting enhancement: a revolutionary carbon plate that feels both fast and comfortable. This innovation propelled us to new heights, aided by its lightweight design and exceptional shearling-lined low-top sneakers, undeniably making it our top Altra trail racer.

 MBC feels exceptionally light on foot while cruising through the trails, and our scales confirm it’s 14.3% lighter than the average trail shoe at 8.9 oz (251g). In true Altra fashion, it delivers an authentic zero-drop experience with its unnoticeable 0.3 mm heel drop, enhancing agility on diverse terrains.

Remarkably a standout, its Monoflex carbon plate allows us to bend and move our feet naturally. Unlike the usual stiff and curved shape plates, MBC’s is flat to prioritize stability over top speed, crucial for trail running. Validated by our flex test, it’s 19.9% more flexible than average, including non-plated shoes!

As we run swiftly through unpredictable grounds, the shearling-lined low-top sneakers instills confidence in our strides. Our durometer reveals its protective nature with a tough 88.3 HC measurement, while its 3.5 mm lugs enhance our grip and control over soft and slippery trails.

However, we don’t recommend this pair to heel strikers and runners with lower leg issues as the zero drop may feel too harsh on the calves and Achilles areas.

The Superior 6 boasts its airy build, stability, and agility in our intensive runs and extensive lab tests. In true Altra nature, it offers a barefoot feel with its non-existent drop. It made us feel really nimble and connected to the trails—making it our best lightweight Altra trail runner. 

Lifting our feet and picking up the pace feels effortless with its superior lightness. Our scales reveal a mere 9.6 oz (272g), 7.2% below the average. This is attributed to its grounded 22.1/22.0 mm cushion, which has 31.6% less foam in the heel than average. Its almost-zero drop delivers surface feedback that allows us to adapt to various terrains.

The ride feels stable all the way. Other than its low profile, the firm cushion helps. Our durometer reveals 29.1 HA, 11.5% denser than average. Because of its inherent stability, it doesn’t need rigid features to keep us steady. Superior 6 increases its flexibility to boost comfort and agility on uneven terrains. 

Underfoot lies a very protective and durable MaxTrac rubber. Our durometer reveals a solid 91.0 HC, 6.9% harder than average. To ensure grip, it has 3.6 mm lugs that cling to loose gravel and moderate trails.

Unfortunately, due to the shoe’s lightweight and minimal nature, it does not have enough cushioning for longer trail runs.