7 Best Altra Trail Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Altra Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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From your local trails to rugged technical terrains, if you need a truly reliable and comfortable trail partner, you can’t go wrong with Altra. It’s easily one of our best picks when it comes to running the great outdoors.

Known by hardcore trail runners for their ergonomic, zero-drop trail shoes like the Lone Peak and Altra Timp series, Altra trail running shoes are gaining more traction and popularity among regular off-road enthusiasts and long-distance trail runners.

To help you search for the right model to suit your needs, we’ve handpicked, tested, and reviewed Altra trail running shoes. We discussed everything that we encountered while using the shoes and cracking them open inside our lab for you to fully grasp them. Take a quick look at our top picks in different categories.

Best Altra trail running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

Lone Peak 7 easily handles relaxed hikes and fast-paced intervals in the wild. Its build consists of a grippy outsole, a balanced midsole, and a close-to-the-ground platform. All these features enhance a runner’s control, which is crucial in trail running. This makes it our winner among Altra trail running shoes.

The grip of this pair’s outsole is praise-worthy. We confidently traversed through slippery slopes and sharp turns without slipping. The 3.4-mm deep lugs handled them all! Even when descending steep elevations, its lug pattern served as reliable brakes.

The midsole is perfect in terms of comfort and support. It’s flexible enough to maneuver on uneven land, while its cushion is firm enough to protect our feet from debris. Our lab results show it’s 20.8% more flexible than average, while its cushion softness is at the average. We like how it’s comfortable without sinking into the foam.

It represents Altra’s zero-drop feature well with its almost non-existent 0.2-mm drop. This is 97.4% less inclined than average. With this, we have a better feel of the ground and a more balanced stance.

All these features cost $150, 10.3% more expensive than the $136 average of trail-running shoes.

Pros

  • Very wide toebox
  • Protective midsole
  • Superb lockdown
  • Super grippy outsole
  • Excellent for fast runs in the mountains
  • Added heel cup provides stability
  • Super comfy
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Colorways might be a downer
  • A bit pricey
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 7

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Navy (AL0A7R6H445)
Green Teal (AL0A7R6H008)
Black (AL0A7R6H020)
Tan (AL0A7R6H922)
Deep Forest (AL0A7R6H307)
Taupe (AL0A7R6H923)
Red (AL0A7R6H680)
Dark Purple (AL0A7R6H252)
Light Green (AL0A7R6H333)

Altra trail running shoes with the best cushioning

Altra Olympus 5
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

The Olympus 5 from Altra screams premium inside and out. It's the brand's most cushioned, most protective, and most expensive trail running shoe yet. With its luxurious midsole, running long distances is an easy feat. And if you want one shoe for your hikes and runs, the Altra Olympus 5 is ready for you.

Pros

  • Grippy on wet and dry trails
  • Protective muscles
  • Comfort is a 10/10
  • Toe box welcomes wide feet
  • Gives out energy
  • Breathable
  • Stable ride
  • Heel lockdown is terrific!
  • Easy on and off

Cons

  • Durability couldn't be worse
  • Annoying lace bites
  • It's a splurge
Full review of Altra Olympus 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Navy (AL0A7R6P445)
Grey (AL0A7R6P233)
Orange (AL0A7R6P880)
Black (AL0A7R6P020)
Beige (AL0A7R6P922)
Brown (AL0A7R6P990)
Blue (AL0A7R6P440)
Beige (AL0A7R6P921)
Burnt Orange (AL0A7R6P802)

Best road-to-trail Altra running shoes

Altra Outroad
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

The Altra Outroad is a zero-drop trail shoe that seems to take the place of the Timp in the brand’s lineup: it’s a true, excellent all-rounder that proved to be reliable on almost all surfaces. It’s not the usual Altra when it comes to width, yet it’s extremely comfortable and perfect for short to marathon distances. Last but not least, in a world where companies seem to compete to find the longest and most confusing names, “Outroad” is very welcomed.

Pros

  • Great on roads and trails
  • Pliable upper
  • Amazing outsole durability
  • Comfy padding
  • Less bulky than other Altras
  • Low stack
  • Doubles as a traveling shoe
  • Appealing design

Cons

  • Toebox is not Altra-wide
  • Breaking-in needed
Full review of Altra Outroad

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Gray/Yellow (AL0A7R6N270)
Green (AL0A7R6N302)
Tan (AL0A7R6N922)
Grey (AL0A7R6N241)
White/Orange (AL0A7R6N108)
Orange (AL0A7R6N380)

Best Altra trail shoes for daily running

Altra Timp 4
77
Decent!

What makes it the best?

From do-everything to "fun trail buddy," the Timp 4 from Altra is positioned as the brand's trail runner that can go the distance. With its plush and comfort-oriented construction, it delivers a soft and forgiving ride on easy days out on the trail. Whether you're running on light or moderately technical trails, the Altra Timp 4 might be for you.

Pros

  • Grippy on wet trails and steep descents
  • Bouncy and responsive
  • Natural-feeling ride
  • Pillowy landing
  • Dampens impact
  • Wide toe box
  • Secure lockdown
  • Drains fast
  • Breezy under warm conditions

Cons

  • Way pricier than the Timp 3
  • Lacks stability on technical trails
Full review of Altra Timp 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Blue (AL0A547J040)
Black (AL0A547J000)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547J315)
Orange (AL0A547J800)
Light Blue (AL0A547J444)
Beige (AL0A547J921)
Dark Purple (AL0A547J252)
Grey (AL0A547J221)
More colors

Best Altra trail running shoes for racing

Altra Mont Blanc
77
Decent!

What makes it the best?

What seems like it might be set to be Altra’s new flagship shoe, definitely by name at least, packs a lot of promise. With a peppy and support midsole, that also provides rigidity and propulsion, is this zero-drop trail shoe going to have what it takes?

Pros

  • Phenomenal very bouncy ride
  • Excellent grip
  • Healthy 0mm drop
  • Looks great
  • Breathable
  • 2 pull tabs
  • Velcro for gaiters

Cons

  • Painful lacing
  • No heel lock
Full review of Altra Mont Blanc

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Coral/Black (AL0A547K602)
Blue/Red (AL0A547K448)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547K315)
Blue (AL0A547K440)
Black/Green (AL0A548D043)

Best lightweight Altra trail running shoes

Altra Superior 5
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

If you're looking for a shoe that is built for trails, yet feels like a road racing flat this is for you. The lightweight alone is enough to sell this shoe, but the traction, lockdown, zero-drop, and responsive nature of the Superior 5 make it a shoe to not pass by.

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
Full review of Altra Superior 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (AL0A546Z061)
Orange (AL0A546Z606)
Light Gray/Red (AL0A546Z229)
Yellow (AL0A546Z770)
Light Gray (AL0A546Z224)
Deep Teal (AL0A546Z302)
Black/Grey (AL0A546Z020)
Orange/Black (AL0A546Z800)
More colors

Best Altra trail running shoes with BOA

What makes it the best?

The Mont Blanc BOA from Altra is a trail running shoe that delivers top performance during ultras. It's generously cushioned; it will save your legs from the agonizing miles ahead. And if you're a fan of the OG Mont Blanc, this BOA version has completely solved the heel issues of the past!

Pros

  • Say goodbye to heel slips
  • Straps the foot in
  • Quick and easy lockdown
  • Comfy over long miles
  • Gives life to your strides
  • Light on foot
  • Already has size 15!
  • Can double for hiking

Cons

  • Not your typical Altra toe box
  • Pretty expensive
Full review of Altra Mont Blanc BOA

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Maroon Bells (AL0A7R7D454)
Golden Hour (AL0A7R6E456)

Comparison of the 7 best Altra trail running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
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Ranking
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# of colorways

How we test trail running shoes

Working with our team of wear-testers and editors here at RunRepeat, we thoroughly tested and analyzed every model on this list. In addition to our own research, we’ve also collected more useful information from other trail experts in the running shoe business, as well as extensive feedback from regular runners.

To give you an idea of how we make our final recommendations, the approach involves:

  • Buying all the Altra trail shoes we test using our own funds to ensure a 100% BS-free review.
  • Performing a gamut of mechanical tests inside the RunRepeat lab, which involves cutting each model into pieces and measuring 30+ parameters, from the outsole traction and durability to waterproofing and breathability, among others.
  • Wear-testing each pair by logging 30-40 miles running in rugged terrains and muddy paths.
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.