Our verdict
Pros
- True to size
- Super light
- Fast
- Excellent traction
- Gusseted tongue
- Wide toebox
- Extremely responsive
- Water-resistant sidewalls
Cons
- Not for long-distance runs
- Not for technical terrain
Altra Superior 5 review
The Altra Superior 5 is a light and responsive trail running shoe. Built for speed on the trail, the Superior 5 is ready to move fast. Priced affordably, the Superior 5 is an obvious choice for race day, or anyone who simply wants to feel fast and light on the trails.
Who should buy the Superior 5
The Altra Superior 5 is a shoe best suited for runners who want a fast and light shoe that offers great traction and a strong sense of connection with the trail.
Who should NOT buy the Superior 5
Look away if you need a trail shoe that is
- able to tackle rough terrain (in this case, consider the Altra Olympus 4.0)
- built for long-distance runs (the Altra Lone Peak 5.0 is worth checking out)
The Superior 5 is built for moving fast
The Superior 5 is agile and responsive. Its sweet spot is in tempo runs and races. Lightweight build and excellent traction make it a great choice for shorter and medium-distance trail events.
Sizing is spot on
The Altra Superior 5 fits true to size. I wear a medium size 9.5 (US Men´s).
I love the lockdown of the Superior 5
The dynamic lace stays and super fat laces work well to cinch down the foot nicely. The tongue is integrated on one side and gusseted on the other providing a superlatively secure lace cage.
Most responsive trail runners that I've ever run in
The shoe's light weight, well-thought lug pattern, and secure lockdown all conspire to make the Altra SUperior 5 one of the most responsive trail runners that I´ve ever run in. The Superior 5 corners are like a dream and the energy return is spectacular.
Water-resistant sidewalls
The sidewalls are made out of a flexible material that provides some water resistance. I liked that I could race through smaller puddles and dewy grass without getting super drenched. The sidewalls also did not compromise the ventilation of the shoe, which was nice.
The Superior 5 is a crazy light shoe
For a trail running shoe, it is exceptionally light (8.8 oz/249g). Most trail shoes have an average weight of 10.4oz/296g.
The feel of this lightweight trail racer is beyond comparison. I found my first few runs with the shoe to be similar to the childlike fun of sprinting through the forest.
The tongue of the Superior 5 is fairly unique
The tongue is solidly attached to one side of the upper and gusseted on the other. The combination results in a tongue that stays put the whole run. Well done Altra!
Traction on the go
The muti-directional lugs of the sole provide ample traction. On dirt trails, rocky climbs, and winding rooted single track the Superior 5 did not let me down. Traction on an agilility-oriented shoe has to be dialed in, and the Superior 5 definitely is. The MaxTrac sole is grippy and tough.
