Nuestra conclusión

En nuestra experiencia, las Altra Experience Form te dan una bienvenida acogedora a la gama de Altra con su accesible drop de 4 mm, ideal para cualquiera que todavía no esté seguro de si probar con el drop cero. Nos gustó mucho su parte delantera espaciosa y su pisada estable, ya que hicieron que las zapatillas fuesen cómodas durante todo el día y, por lo tanto, una opción ideal para usarlas de forma casual. Eso sí, la falta de rebote de la espuma hace que la pisada se sienta plana en las distancias más largas, lo que puede ser un punto negativo para algunos. De todos modos, nos parecen una opción estable y fiable que se vende a un precio justo.

Pros

  • Ideales para viajar
  • Zona de los dedos espaciosa en forma de pie
  • Parte superior transpirable
  • Estabilidad excelente
  • Ideales para corredores de mediopié y de metatarsos
  • Buen precio
  • Ideales para las carreras diarias
  • Buena opción si son tus primeras Altra

Contras

  • Necesitan una espuma mejor
  • No son para carreras largas
  • La lengüeta debería estar reforzada
  • No son aptas para amantes del drop cero

Veredicto de los usuarios

91
¡Estupendas!

Who should buy

We found the Altra Experience Form to be a solid choice for:

  • Runners needing mild-to-moderate stability who want a straightforward, low-drop daily trainer.
  • Fans of Altra's spacious fit and generous toe splay looking for a supportive, all-day comfortable shoe.
  • Runners curious about this brand or those transitioning to zero-drop shoes, as this new line makes Altra more approachable than ever with its accessible 4-mm drop.

Altra Experience Form

Who should NOT buy

While the Experience Form has many positives, it falls short in some areas too. We found that the EVA foam lacks energy return during all of our runs, delivering a dull and uninspired ride, particularly over longer distances.

If that worries you, we recommend exploring options like the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 or ASICS GT 2000 13, which offer a bouncier FF Blast+ midsole for a more engaging experience. And if you prefer a zero-drop option, try the Altra Paradigm 7, featuring Ego Max foam for enhanced energy return.

Altra Experience Form parts

Additionally, we believe heel strikers may find this stability shoe lacking due to its low-drop design and moderate heel stack height. We think that for heel strikers, the Hoka Arahi 7 or Saucony Guide 17 may be better choices, as they still provide a moderate drop but with enhanced heel cushioning.

Transpirabilidad

This upper might not seem very breathable at first—no visible ventilation holes give that impression, and we felt the same initially. However, our lab tests quickly revealed a surprising twist. 

Using our smoke machine, we found the airflow to be above average. Then, with our LED flashlight, we uncovered some strategically placed areas throughout the toebox that subtly enhance ventilation. This smart setup earned the Experience Form a solid 4-out-of-5 breathability rating from us.

We also noted with our flashlight that Altra directed ventilation toward the sides of the shoe, a feature that shines during all-day wear.

Altra Experience Form microscope

Putting the upper under the microscope confirmed the absence of traditional ventilation holes. Instead, the mesh subtly opens at points, allowing air to escape and contributing to its high breathability score.

Altra Experience Form microscope 2

The upper is made from a non-stretchy mesh with ample cushioning around the heel. We found that Altra included two lateral foam pads near the ankle, enhancing both lockdown and comfort. This setup effectively absorbs lateral forces, but its unconventional feel may not suit everyone—we definitely noticed felt some pressure in the area during our runs.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 4
Media 3.8
En comparación con 279 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Transpirabilidad
5

Durabilidad

Durabilidad de la parte delantera

As we found earlier, the engineered mesh includes ventilated areas to boost breathability, which initially raised some durability concerns in our lab. So, we turned to the Dremel test to see how it would hold up.

The results left us pleased. Scoring a solid 3/5, the durability isn’t exceptional, but it comfortably meets expectations.

Altra Experience Form Toebox durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 3
Media 2.5
En comparación con 213 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad de la parte delantera
5

Durabilidad del acolchado del talón

We mentioned earlier that Altra has packed substantial, pillow-soft padding into the collar, especially around the Achilles tendon and ankle—a feature clearly visible in our photos.

Unfortunately, we discovered that this plush, cloud-like comfort comes with drawbacks. We found that the durability took a noticeable hit, as our Dremel test revealed. The padding scored a disappointing 2/5, showing wear that suggests limited resilience in the long term.

Altra Experience Form Heel padding durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 2
Media 3.2
En comparación con 209 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad del acolchado del talón
5

Dureza de la suela

We had mixed results in our initial tests, though overall, we’re fairly pleased. And of course, we’re optimistic that these positive outcomes will continue with the outsole—a crucial component in any stability-focused shoe.

Altra Experience Form outsole
Altra’s signature anatomical outsole mirrors the natural bone structure of the foot and provides solid grip, even on gravel roads.

Altra adjusted the usual pattern in their neutral trainers to address various wear areas commonly seen in runners with stability issues, particularly around the midfoot and heel. And we must also say that the rubber coverage is awesome, making it highly unlikely that the ground touches the midsole.

We used our Shore C durometer to measure the rubber hardness on the Experience Form outsole. We found it at 78.8 HC, which aligns with an average reading among Altra models, ensuring promising durability. However, we’re eager to explore its wear resistance further in our Dremel test.

Altra Experience Form Outsole hardness
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 80.0 HC
Media 80.0 HC
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 330 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
52.1 HC
Dureza de la suela
93.0 HC

Durabilidad de la suela

The final test for the outsole and our last go with the Dremel today is here.

Afterwards we used our tire tread gauge and measured a 1.2 mm dent in the rubber—an average result in our view. While this isn’t overly concerning, we believe that next-gen updates should aim for more durability.

Altra Experience Form Outsole durability
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 1.2 mm
Media 1.0 mm
En comparación con 191 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Desgaste de la suela
2.0 mm

Grosor de la suela

With a robust 3.0 mm of rubber thickness, we believe this outsole is well-prepared to handle the demands of every runner, even those with notable pronation issues.

Altra Experience Form Outsole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 3.0 mm
Media 3.2 mm
En comparación con 349 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Grosor de la suela
6.6 mm

Peso

From the first time we tested the Experience Form on our feet, we knew it was not going to deliver a lightweight running feel like the Experience Flow. Yet that came as no surprise to us.

We've come to understand that stability shoes generally add at least 1 oz over their neutral counterparts, often due to extra outsole reinforcements and stability-focused features. This holds true here—the Form weighs in at 9.2 oz or 261g, a bit heftier than the Flow’s 8.3 oz or 235g.

Altra Experience Form Weight
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 9.21 oz (261g)
Media 9.35 oz (265g)
En comparación con 350 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
5.26 oz (149g)
Peso
12.56 oz (356g)

Amortiguación

Altura de la suela en la zona del talón

We found a modest heel height at 29.9 mm—a measurement that might feel even low in today’s high-stack trend. However, we believe it’s essential to remember we’re working with an Altra shoe.

Altra Experience Form side view

As always, Altra encourages midfoot and forefoot striking in its designs, making the heel height less of a focus. With that in mind, we’re curious to see what lies ahead in the forefoot stack!

Altra Experience Form Heel stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 29.9 mm
Media 34.0 mm
En comparación con 349 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
7.6 mm
Altura de la suela en la zona del talón
46.3 mm

Altura de la suela en el antepié

In our tests, we measured 25.9 mm in the forefoot using digital calipers—definitely leaning toward an average height for a daily trainer.

We found that the Form provided ample cushioning in the forefoot during our test runs, never bottoming out. However, it’s worth noting that the midsole doesn’t fully compress due to its dense formulation—a point we’ll delve into in detail later.

Altra Experience Form Forefoot stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 25.9 mm
Media 25.4 mm
En comparación con 349 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
7.6 mm
Altura de la suela en el antepié
37.1 mm

Drop

This being an Altra shoe, you might expect the usual zero heel-to-toe drop, right? Nope. For better or worse—depending on how much of an Altra hooligan you are—this model is part of the new Experience line, featuring a low-drop design of 4 mm. And you’d better get used to it, as this doesn’t seem like fluff or a random experiment from the American brand—the Experience line looks here to stay.

Altra stayed true to their word—we found the same 4-mm offset in our lab measurements. And what does this mean? A 4-mm drop is more approachable and less frightening for runners accustomed to the usual 6-to-12-mm range, creating an easy gateway into Altra’s natural-running realm or a much-needed middle step for those transitioning to zero-drop shoes.

Altra Experience Form 28 32
Altra isn't hiding anything—the 28/32 stands for the stated stack height in the forefoot and heel. That's a 4-mm drop.

For us, as long as Altra continues offering zero-drop shoes, we see no harm in them exploring low-drop designs, it seems like a win-win situation for everyone!

Altra Experience Form Drop
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 4.0 mm
Media 8.6 mm
En comparación con 349 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Grosor de la plantilla

After wrapping up the drop analysis, we continued our examination and measured a 4.5 mm insole in the Experience Form. This thickness is fairly standard, offering a feel similar to most other daily trainers.

Altra Experience Form Insole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 4.5 mm
Media 4.5 mm
En comparación con 345 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1.5 mm
Grosor de la plantilla
7.3 mm

Suavidad de la mediasuela

Moving to the midsole, here’s where we see room for improvement even at the €160 price point of this model. We believe that this Altra’s compression-molded EVA foam feels a touch outdated. It performs decently—and is certainly a leap from foams of a decade ago—but many competitors at this price point now offer livelier foams.

In terms of feel, we measured a 20.1 HA softness on our durometer, though the substantial rubber outsole gives it a slightly firmer feel. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, as the shoe is designed for those with mild pronation, don’t expect a plush or springy ride—it simply isn’t here.

Altra Experience Form Midsole softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 20.1 HA
Media 20.9 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 277 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
8.5 HA
Suavidad de la mediasuela (de blanda a firme)
41.5 HA

Diferencia de la suavidad de la mediasuela en frío

One of the major drawbacks with CMEVA foams is their poor performance in cold conditions. True to this limitation, we found it became 44.8% firmer after a 20-minute stint in our freezer—a bad outcome no matter how you look at it.

Altra Experience Form Midsole softness in cold
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 44.8%
Media 25.5%
En comparación con 276 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0%
Diferencia de la suavidad de la mediasuela en frío
100%

Rocker

The Experience Form keeps things natural, with only a slight curvature in the forefoot—staying true to Altra’s approach to daily trainers. It embraces a back-to-basics ride, steering clear of the highly rockered, maximalist designs hitting the market lately.

Altra Experience Form Rocker

Estabilidad

Prueba de estabilidad lateral

We discovered that this shoe essentially mirrors the Flow's design, but adding supportive elements to create a mild-stability running experience—and it achieves this balance impressively.

Altra Experience Form GuideRail

The inner GuideRail sidewall (in dark gray) is more pronounced than its lateral counterpart, clearly intended to center the ride and provide enhanced medial stability throughout each stride.

Rigidez torsional

Despite being designed as a stability running shoe, the Experience Form impresses with its torsional flexibility, scoring a 3/5 in our manual test. Typically, stability shoes rate around 4 or 5, making the Experience Form a more comfortable choice for all-day wear.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 3
Media 3.3
En comparación con 328 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez torsional
5

Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón

The heel counter takes a classic daily trainer approach, incorporating a rigid cardboard insert in the calcaneus area. This addition stiffens the heel to prevent collapse, yet maintains a balanced support—avoiding any excessive rigidity, as we previously mentioned. 

In our view, this design adds a meaningful boost in comfort, enhancing stability without compromising flexibility. That’s also why most brands incorporate this approach for their versatile daily trainers.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 3
Media 2.8
En comparación con 312 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón
5

Anchura de la mediasuela en el antepié

The Experience Form provides a slightly wider forefoot landing base than most neutral running shoes, measuring 118.3 mm. This works well for forefoot and midfoot strikers, as the wider midsole helps stabilize the feet upon impact.

Altra Experience Form Midsole width - forefoot
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 118.3 mm
Media 114.1 mm
En comparación con 350 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
100.5 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela en el antepié
127.9 mm

Anchura de la mediasuela en la zona del talón

The heel measures 93.1 mm, leaning slightly toward a wider design yet feeling similar to most daily trainers. However, as we’ve emphasized in this lab review, runners will best enjoy this shoe’s benefits by landing in the midfoot or forefoot if possible.

Altra Experience Form Midsole width - heel
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 93.1 mm
Media 90.7 mm
En comparación con 350 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
74.9 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela en la zona del talón
106.6 mm

Flexibilidad

Rigidez

In our view, any running shoe aiming for all-day comfort must be highly flexible, especially in its longitudinal structure—and the Experience Form delivers on this point thanks to the multiple flex grooves and its outsole design.

Altra Experience Form flex

We discovered that just 21.5N of force bends the shoe to a 90-degree angle. This balance of moderate torsional support with superb, easy-flex design makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, fitness sessions, or simply walking the dogs.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 21.5N
Media 28.6N
En comparación con 332 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
2.2N
Rigidez
94.4N

Diferencia de rigidez en frío

More positive news on flexibility—it only became 14% stiffer in cold temperatures, slightly offsetting the poor outcome from the previous cold-weather test.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 14%
Media 34.1%
En comparación con 332 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0%
Diferencia de rigidez en frío
148%

Tallaje y ajuste

Anchura de la parte delantera en la parte más ancha

The Experience Form uses Altra's Standard Footshape fit, which sits right between the wider Original Footshape and the narrower Slim Footshape. In our experience, this gave the shoe an average width, feeling less roomy than most Altra models, especially in the midfoot.

We also found the toebox height a bit on the low side, which may not pose issues for most runners, though the upper mesh lacks stretch. For runners needing extra vertical volume, this slightly snug fit could feel limiting over longer distances.

Altra Experience Form Toebox width - widest part
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 99.7 mm
Media 98.4 mm
En comparación con 350 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
89.5 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera en la parte más ancha
109.1 mm

Anchura de la parte delantera en la zona del dedo gordo

In our view, the real magic of the Experience Form, as with all Altra shoes, shows up in our second measurement—the width at the big toe area. Here, the anatomical foot-shaped toebox shines, delivering an impressive 86.4 mm of toe room that allows generous space for natural splay.

Altra Experience Form toebox shape

Think of it this way—the Experience Form feels mostly like a classic daily trainer up to the ball of the foot, where it doesn't taper as most shoes, offering awesome comfort levels for all-day wear.

Altra Experience Form Toebox width - big toe
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 86.4 mm
Media 78.3 mm
En comparación con 224 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
60.4 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera en la zona del dedo gordo
92.5 mm

Lengüeta: tipo de refuerzo

While we understand the balance of budget constraints in a €160 daily trainer, adding a gusseted tongue would have been nice. Maybe next time.

Altra Experience Form Tongue: gusset type
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form Ninguno

Comodidad

Acolchado de la lengüeta

The tongue is generously padded with a plush layer of foam that folds into a double layer, measuring a thick 11.0 mm. It may add a touch of weight, but with the roomy toebox and the non-gusseted design, we think Altra had no other choice.

Altra Experience Form tongue loop
We encountered zero issues with the lacing system.

Altra also added a tongue loop to keep it centered—another key move here, given the tongue isn’t attached to the sides as we said before.

Altra Experience Form Tongue padding
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form 11.0 mm
Media 5.8 mm
En comparación con 347 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
0.5 mm
Acolchado de la lengüeta
14.2 mm

Tirador del talón

We identified that Altra has reworked the heel design on its latest models, lowering—perhaps a bit too much—the sides of the heel collar while keeping the rear higher to support the Achilles tendon. This change makes slipping into the shoe easier, though a pull tab would have been a welcome addition too!

Altra Experience Form Heel tab
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form Ninguno

Plantilla extraíble

We experienced no issues removing the insole from the Experience Form, though replacing it isn’t as simple as with other models. In our experience, the foot-shaped design limits the fit of replacement footbeds.

Altra Experience Form back insole

Additionally, we found that the insole is crafted by Ortholite, with its brand engraved on the back along with size details: US 9-10.5 for men and US 10.5-12 for women. Yes, multiple sizes share the same insole—a practice common across nearly all brands.

Altra Experience Form Removable insole
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form

Precio

In our view, the MSRP of the Experience Form is fair—even slightly below many competitors. However, it lacks any standout premium features, and the EVA-based foam feels underwhelming, so a higher price point would have been hard to justify.

Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form $145
En comparación con 350 zapatillas de running carretera
Número de zapatillas
€50
Precio
€330

Varios

Elementos reflectantes

We believe reflective elements are essential for any daily trainer—especially for those who run after dusk, prioritizing safety in low light. And, unfortunately, the Experience Form has none.

Altra Experience Form Reflective elements
Resultados de las pruebas
Experience Form No