Altra Provision 7 review

We think that the Provision 7 from Altra is a solid pick, especially for:

• Altra enthusiasts seeking a multi-functional shoe with added stability features like GuideRails.
• Those in need of a lightweight, low-drop daily runner that provides a stable, firm ride.
• Midfoot and forefoot strikers looking for a summer-friendly shoe offering top-notch breathability and great durability.

We've proved that the Altra Provision 7 doesn't quite hit the mark for true zero-drop enthusiasts, as our lab tests revealed a heel-to-toe drop of 4.8 mm. This deviation might actually be a plus for some, but for the purists, we recommend the Altra Torin 7 for a more authentic zero-drop experience. 

Furthermore, we found that the midsole might feel somewhat firm for those who prefer a softer, more plush underfoot sensation.

In our experience, if you're on the lookout for shoes that blend softness with some stability, the ASICS Kayano 30 and the Saucony Tempus are outstanding alternatives. Both of these options provide the luxurious, cushioned feel you may find lacking in the Provision 7.

The shoe didn't feel like a maximal or a low-stack model when we ran in it, but rather something in between.

It offers ample cushioning, especially for heel strikers, with a stack height of 32.6 mm.

We expected the forefoot to be 32.6 mm, as this shoe is marketed as a zero-drop model. However, our multiple measurements consistently showed a different number: 27.8 mm.

Based on our measurements, the Provision 7 misses the zero-drop mark with a 4.8-mm heel-to-toe drop. It doesn't align at least with the World Athletics official guidelines for measuring the drop, which we strictly adhere to.

Despite that, the shoe does feel like it has a really low drop, almost similar to true zero-drop shoes. For example, the Altra Paradigm 7, which we also tested some weeks ago in the lab, showed an actual 0.1-mm heel-to-toe drop, and feels really close to this one when running.

Moving to the midsole, we think Altra's Ego foam aims to strike a perfect balance, offering ample comfort and cushioning while ensuring a stable ride.

From our perspective, it's slightly firmer than what runners usually prefer, measuring at 26.0 HA. However, Altra is known for crafting such midsoles, and we believe most fans of the brand will appreciate this formulation.

After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, the Ego foam became only 11.5% firmer, a remarkable result that guarantees consistent performance in any weather condition.

The insole, made of EVA, has an average thickness of 5.0 mm, so it feels pretty similar to most other shoes on the market.

While Altra is known for making roomy uppers, that's not the case here. We measured it at just 95.4 mm at the widest point.

But this makes sense to us, because this shoe focuses on stability without intrusive methods like medial posts. And one of the best ways to achieve this is by pairing a narrow-fitted upper with a wide midsole.

As usual, we took another measurement in the big toe area. Here we found it to be 88.3 mm, which is incredibly wide.

This highlights Altra's use of their FootShape design, ensuring there's enough room for the toes.

Altra positions the Provision lineup as a mild-stability trainer. This means it's more stable than the average daily running shoe but not as rigid as a pure stability shoe.

In our assessment, we found that it provides a level of stabilization ideal for neutral runners. Yet, for those requiring a bit of extra support, it's absolutely perfect.

This is largely due to the GuideRail technology, which offers support only when necessary, without ever feeling intrusive.

One of the simplest methods to add extra support to a shoe without making it too intrusive or affecting the ride is by enhancing its torsional rigidity.

The Provision 7 scored a solid 4 out of 5 in our test, which is reasonable. We think a 5/5 score would be more suitable for a maximum stability shoe, not for this one.

We were pleasantly surprised to discover a flexible heel counter (2/5) in our testing. This is excellent news for those seeking a stable shoe without a stiff heel counter—a rare find!

When we measured the shoe's dimensions, we found that the widest part of the forefoot was 116.9 mm.

This measurement fits perfectly with the ideal design for a mild-stability shoe—just slightly wider than the average daily trainer, but not as wide as a max-stability shoe like the Hoka Gaviota 5.

We were surprised to find the heel quite narrow at 87.7 mm. It seems Altra is confident in the stability offered by the firm midsole, GuideRails, and the low-drop configuration, all of which boost stability. This design choice makes sense—why go wider and add more weight if it's not necessary?

Of course, this narrower heel might not be the best for extreme heel strikers. However, we think they might have already been ruled out due to the shoe's low-drop design.

We really appreciated how the Provision 7 effortlessly doubles as a walking or gym shoe. Its moderate flexibility and lack of stiffness make it well-suited for all-day wear and a variety of activities beyond running.

When we conducted our classic 90-degree bend test, the shoe displayed good flexibility, requiring just 26.4N of force.

We conducted the 20-minute freezer test again to gauge the shoe's stiffness in extreme cold, though given its amazing breathability, wearing it in freezing temperatures might not be the best idea.

After the test, it took 31.9N of force to bend the shoe, marking a 20.7% increase in stiffness.

We just mentioned that Altra could trim some weight off the Provision 7, but honestly, it's not a pressing issue. 

Weighing in at just 9.1 oz (259g), the shoe is surprisingly light, especially for the mild stability category!

The first time we laid eyes on the Provision 7, we loved the abundance of ventilation holes it boasts. The toebox holes are obvious—and frequent in many shoes—but we noticed the entire upper is full of them, leading us to expect superb airflow.

We put it to the test with our smoke-pumping machine to see if it lived up to our hype. Luckily, it did. After our evaluation, we gave the Provision 7 a stellar rating of 5 out of 5.

To highlight all these holes, we positioned the sliced Provision over a light. This made it much easier to spot every single hole we'd been talking about, right?

Next, we were keen to closely examine the main contributors to this excellent ventilation—the toebox holes. So, we switched to the microscope.

Altra has designed a high-quality engineered mesh that smartly incorporates openings every few millimeters, allowing air to flow freely and providing the fantastic ventilation we mentioned.

Lastly, we conducted a hands-on assessment of the upper.

We found the back half to be exceptionally padded for comfort, while the front half is thin and remarkably stretchy for a mesh material. In this aspect, we think it almost behaves like a knit upper.

With its impressive breathability, we had some doubts about the shoe's durability. But let's see what happens when we crank up the Dremel to 5K RPM and apply 3.2N of force to the upper.

The results were great. While it's not the top score, earning a 3/5 in durability for a road running shoe is definitely something to celebrate. And in the case of the Provision 7, this durability is all thanks to its dual-layer mesh.

Next, we shifted our focus to the heel area. Right from the first try, this shoe gave us positive vibes, as it impressively prevented any heel slippage. 

After conducting our second Dremel test, we were thrilled to award a perfect 5/5 score to this area. The Provision 7 performance was simply awesome in this test!

Hoping to continue the success from our first two durability tests, we shifted our focus to the outsole—one of the most crucial areas for wear and tear in any shoe.

We measured the hardness at 82.3 HC, an average result that doesn't sacrifice grip. In fact, the Provision 7 proved to be really grippy on various terrains where we tested it.

To truly test durability, as you might already know, in the lab we rev up the Dremel and put the rubber to the test. For the outsole, we double the RPM and run it for a longer period, of course.

Our tests showed that the average hardness of the rubber resulted in average wear and tear, which was exactly what we expected in the lab. For us, that's fair!

We found that Altra overdid it with a massive 5.4-mm outsole on the Provision 7.

Sure, some pronators go through outsoles quickly, but this is overkill. By shedding 2 or even 3 millimeters of foam, Altra could offer a more grounded feel and lighter weight, while maintaining sufficient durability.

Every year, we see more brands skimping on reflective elements, but Altra really impressed us with the Provision 7—it's exceptionally visible at night. Amazing!

The tongue boasts a single slab of foam, providing a generous 6.5 mm of padding.

This design makes it almost impossible to experience lace bite, no matter how tightly we tie the laces.

The tongue isn't gusseted, which means it's not fixed to the sides.

Is this a letdown? Probably, but we have to remember this is a mid-tier shoe, priced at just $140. From a marketing standpoint, it makes sense that Altra reserves some premium features for its higher-priced shoes, right?

Altra opted out of a traditional heel tab, instead sewing a small strap with the brand name in its place.

The insole isn't glued, so we removed it without a hitch. But the FootShape toe box means that few third-party insoles will fit this Altra perfectly, so we think that you'll likely need to get a custom-made insole from a specialist.