Our verdict
Altra running shoes Altra is the non-plated version of the race-ready Altra Vanish Tempo. It's loaded with lots of rebound and comfort; you don't need to ease yourself into it because it's fun and comfy from the get-go. So much so, it's your reliable and enjoyable choice for daily runs, tempo sessions, and high-mileage efforts.
Pros
- Literal springs underfoot
- Cushy for long miles
- Stable on uneven surfaces
- Grippy on wet and dry areas
- Welcomes wide feet
- Secure fit
- Lockdown couldn't be more awesome
- Highly breathable
- is your friend
Cons
- Lacks that forefoot pop
- Crazy expensive
Who should buy the Altra Vanish Tempo
The Altra Vanish Tempo is a surefire killer if you're looking for a:
- daily trainer and speed training shoe advertised in one
- bouncy and cushy shoe for long distances
- zero-drop shoe that's not too demanding for those new to it
Who should NOT buy it
There are two things that hold back the Vanish Tempo from being a superstar speedster, and these are: (1) the lack of forefoot pop and (2) its insanely expensive price.
For the first issue, as long as you don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks, you might want to stick to the Altra Vanish Tempo for that snappy toe-off that's ready for both training and competition.
For the second issue, which is price, if you want something less heavy on your pocket, the Altra Rivera 2 The Vanish Tempo is a sweat-free zone.
It literally bounces you to the next step
The midsole in the Altra Vanish Tempo is very energetic and has lots of bounce. Overall, "Altra's EGO Pro foam is fantastic, hands down!!!" shares one very satisfied and excited Altra fan. Another adds the shoe "disappears on [their] foot with such a fast response, fast turn over and fast toe-off."
This said, the shoe "lives up to my expectations to the point where there is nothing missing," expresses another happy tester.
A little too soft
Although it can pick up the pace, the shoe "would not be my first choice for speed intervals," remarks one critic. In the forefoot, the midsole softens a little too much; it lacks that speed-day pop.
Despite it being a very fun shoe, it "could use some modifications to help it really earn it's 'Tempo' name," explains one road runner.
You don't have to break the Altra Vanish Tempo in
To give you a clear picture of how comfortable this tempo trainer is, here are some comments from multiple reviewers:
- "Stable on uneven surfaces"
- "soft, bouncy (bordering on squishy)"
- "The shoe provides a lot of comfort underfoot."
Because of these, a running shoe reviewer says that "you can go easy and then crank up the pace in this shoe."
Won't let you slip
That's because the midsole is a touch dense (save for the forefoot area), making your strides planted and sure. The shoe even "felt very stable on uneven grass," claims one veteran runner.
Rockered design that keeps you going
"The rocker felt like it did not want to let you run slow in it" is a comment from one of the road runners who is downright amazed with the shoe's uber seamless transitions.
Apart from this, the smooth heel-to-toe transitions also makes the Vanish Tempo not feel like a zero-drop shoe at all, which is particularly good if you are transitioning to a zero-drop running shoe.
Who should NOT buy it!
The Vanish Tempo corrects the upper issues of its plated sibling—the Altra Vanish Tempo. The toe box has the perfect room (even wide-footed runners enjoy it!), the midfoot hold is uh-mazing, and there's more structure in the rearfoot for that solid hold.
What's more is the lockdown is just as awesome. "There is no tongue gusset and none is needed," lauds one commenter. It stays in place and locks the foot in. Not to mention, the laces also never come undone even with just a single knot.
The Vanish Tempo is a sweat-free zone
That's because it's very breathable. "I had no issues with breathability" states one running expert who has done test runs in the shoe in the very hot and humid country of Mexico.
Same brand only
Whether it's on road surfaces, compacted dirt trails and paths, and wet roads, there's no stopping the Altra Vanish's clingy outsole. On these surfaces, the shoe feels really stable and surefooted. What's more is it still has no wear after 50 miles of a series wear testing on gravel (mostly).
It's overpriced
"The $190 price tag might scare away those who already hesitate to run in zero drop" and "I would not change anything about this shoe...except the cost" are some of the reviews left by disappointed testers.
On average, a pair of tempo running shoes cost $132. Meanwhile, the Vanish Tempo from Altra costs $190 a pair, which is a world of difference!
