7 Best Altra Running Shoes in 2024

Outroad 2 offers comfort, support, and performance while retaining Altra’s authentic zero-drop experience. This hybrid shoe is our top pick of all the Altra running shoes we lab-tested and ran with. It delivers the agility, stability, and grip we need on our road-to-trail adventures.

Each stride feels natural with Outroad as its low-to-the-ground and flexible profile boosts our surface sensitivity. Our calliper measures a 1.4 mm heel drop that practically feels levelled when running. In terms of midsole adaptiveness, our bend test confirms it’s 16.8% more flexible than average — confirming it’s a comfortable and versatile pair.

Overall the ride feels firm and stable underfoot. Outroad uses Ego foam that registered a balanced 25.5 HA in our durometer. This is complemented with prominent midfoot sidewalls for extra support for mild pronators.

We found the MaxTrac outsole officine all types of roads and light trails with ease. Its 86.5 HC durometer measurement is around the average, hitting the sweet spot between traction and longevity. Outroad has 2.2 mm lugs, which is the perfect depth for a hybrid shoe — grippy for easy trails and not too chunky for roads.

Because of its low drop, thin heel cushion, and narrow heel width, we find Outroad 2 to be ideal for mid-to-forefoot strikers.

Like most Altras, Paradigm 7 is a zero-drop shoe. It's accommodating even to new Altra users with its balance of flexibility, comfort, and a hint of stability — all in a lightweight package. Our actual runs and lab results validate it’s the best daily trainer among Altra running shoes.

This heel-to-toe drop is at a microscopic 0.1 mm (basically zero). Its 27.6/27.5 mm stack makes it ideal for mid-to-forefoot strikers with its cushioned front. Its Innerflex technology utilises grid-like cuts in the midsole to allow the foot to flex naturally. Allowing free-flowing movements, it's 28.9% more adaptive than average in our flex test.

The Ego Max cushioning blends comfort and support. Our durometer shows it’s 18.8% softer than average, but it doesn’t feel like we’re sinking. This enhances stability since it prevents lateral wobbles.

As a minimalist shoe, it weighs lighter than average (9.3 oz/264g vs. 9.5 oz/268g average). The upper is designed with large holes, allowing the breeze to come in. Its perfect score on our lab breathability test confirms we don’t need to worry about hotspots or sweaty feet.

At £180, Paradigm 7 is on the higher end of the spectrum vs. the £150 average of other Altra daily trainers. We recommend checking other options if budget is a priority.

The Escalante Racer 2 lives up to its name, embodying speed in every stride. With its fast and fluid feel in our runs, this nimble shoe swiftly won us over, securing its spot as the top Altra tempo/race shoe. Our lab agrees it blends speed and flexibility effortlessly with its minimalist and grounded design. 

Weighing a mere 7.9 oz (224g), the Escalante Racer 2 seamlessly integrates with our stride, offering a featherweight feel on the pavement. Its sleek midsole amplifies ground feel and manoeuvrability, elevating our agility.

Embracing a low drop and minimal cushioning, this speedster trains our leg muscles to do the work. With a stack height of 22.5/21.4 mm, it gives enhanced surface sensitivity. The resulting 1.1 mm drop is hardly noticeable, fully embodying Altra’s zero-drop trademark. 

Engineered with FootPod technology in the outsole and InnerFlex technology in the foam, the shoe is intently designed to mimic our foot anatomy. Its flexibility shines through in our lab tests, boasting a remarkable 48.5% higher malleability than average and earning the lowest 1/5 score for torsional rigidity. We find it perfect for building speed without relying on overly stiff elements.

However, its minimal cushioning may lack the plush comfort needed for prolonged use and extensive mileage. Those who prefer more impact protection should look elsewhere.

We felt like running and moving was as easy as breathing with Altra’s Escalante 4. It proved to be a champion of free movement both in our actual tests and in the lab. Plus, its grounded and minimalist build keeps the whole experience effortless, making it a good option for walking and gym workouts. Add a durable outsole to the equation and we have our most versatile pick from the brand.

The shoe barely resisted any of our foot motions. From twisting to bending, it surrendered to our demands. The lab tells the same story when it scored the lowest 1/5 torsional rigidity score in our manual assessment and when it emerged 45.0% more flexible than the average.

The INNERFLEX technology in the outsole mirrors our foot anatomy, staying in sync with our movements. Despite numerous grooves, the rubber showed minimal wear during testing. Lab analysis revealed the 86.2 HC component withstood just a 0.3 mm dent, far below the 0.9 mm average, highlighting its exceptional durability.

We proved Escalante 4’s low profile with measurements of 23.8/22.4 mm, leading to a minimal 1.4 mm drop. Other than strong ground connection, this enhances a more natural feel and a stable ride.

However, we find that it lacks ventilation for warmer weather. Scoring 3/5 in our breathability test, we recommend another pair for those who prioritise ventilation.

Amidst our extensive testing of Altra running shoes, the VIA Olympus 2 emerges as the optimal choice for long-distance endeavours. It offers unparalleled comfort and energy return for enjoyably accomplishing gruelling miles. Crafted with purpose, it mirrors our natural foot shape, enhancing comfort throughout our runs and withstanding multiple marathon distances with its robust outsole.

With the EGO MAX foam providing a cushioned and lively ride, we eagerly pursued extra miles. The plush 14.5 HA foam adds a delightful bounce, effortlessly propelling us forward. It features Altra’s hallmark zero-drop design, with our precise measurements revealing a -0.2 mm drop due to the stacked 34.8/35.0 mm heel and forefoot, the latter being one of the highest we’ve encountered in the lab.

The FootShape design mimics our foot shape so that it’s comfortable for most runners. With a generous 104.4 mm toebox tapering to 91.1 mm at the big toe, it gives room for our feet to swell during prolonged runs. Even the outsole, featuring FootPod technology, aligns with our foot anatomy to flow with our movements. While its 73.3 HC rubber measures below average, it proves its resilience by showing 33.3% less wear than average in our Dremel test.

However, a red flag is its lack of ventilation, potentially leading to discomfort such as blisters and hotspots. We recommend using this pair during the cooler seasons.

Our intensive lab tests and run sessions reveal Altra’s best stability shoe—Provision 7. It delivers subtle support that doesn’t interfere with our strides, yet we know it’s there when we need it. This trainer feels light and low, with extra features that enhance stability, such as a firm ride and the GuideRails technology.

We feel surefooted throughout our runs since we have maximum surface sensitivity due to Provision 7’s balanced platform and low-drop convention. Our lab tests confirmed our sensations, revealing the foam is 10.2% harder than average while the heel drop is 4.8 mm.

An added stability boost is the GuideRails, which are midsole sidewalls that prevent our feet from collapsing in. Provision 7 adds some flexibility in terms of longitudinal movement to counter the rigidity. Our bend test confirms a 26.4N measurement, which feels comfortable enough for daily walks and other activities.

Surprisingly, the shoe feels light as a mid-stability trainer. Compared to the 10.4 oz (296g) average of supportive shoes, Provision 7 is only 9.1 oz (259g). It’s even lighter than many neutral pairs.

Some runners may find the cushion too firm for long runs. We recommend exploring other options if comfort is a priority.

In our outdoor explorations with the Lone Peak 8, we felt very agile as we could easily manoeuvre unpredictable grounds with its fluid, balanced, and grounded ride. Our lab confirms its versatility, shining as the ultimate trail shoe among Altra running shoes.

The shoe's 3.0 mm lugs provided excellent grip on dry surfaces during our tests. They are strategically patterned along our foot structure, allowing for natural bending and movement. The lower resistance gives us more control and confidence to run faster in the wild as we can easily adapt to unpredictable obstacles. Our bend test confirms it’s 27.1% more adaptive than the average trail shoe.

We could keep going all day with LP8’s supportive fit. Its cushion remains low to the ground to enhance ground feedback and has a firm composition to protect us from rocks and debris underfoot. In true Altra fashion, our calliper reveals a mere 1.4 mm drop, which feels essentially zero and boosts a natural feel. Our durometer confirms the foam is 11.4% denser than average, promoting stable strides as it won’t compress unevenly.

However, we recommend avoiding wet and muddy tracks as we felt less surefooted along these paths. For those prioritising unparalleled grip, we suggest exploring alternative options.