7 Best Altra Running Shoes For Women, 60+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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Whether you're heading to your favorite local trail, a quick run around the neighborhood, or to the gym, Altra running shoes for women are designed for solid performance, comfort, and for all terrains.
Famously known for its signature Footshape technology, Altra is a great choice for runners who prefer a gender-specific design that features a wide toe box. This means that runners can enjoy a more natural and comfortable stride. This encourages a healthier form when running and keeps you going longer.
We’ve rounded up 50+ of the best women’s Altra running shoes. We put them to the stringiest tests and selected our favorite picks for your browsing convenience. Enjoy exploring our best selections and in-depth reviews.
Overview
How we test running shoes
The highlighted models on this list represent the best women’s Altra running shoes for both road and trail. To make the recommendations, we’ve performed tests and gathered feedback from our RunRepeat wear-testers and editors. This is exactly how we approach it:
- We buy all the Altra running shoes with our own money to ensure a 100% honest review.
- We perform mechanical tests inside the RunRepeat shoe lab, where we cut the shoes into pieces and analyze over 30 parameters, from the energy return of the platform and outsole traction to upper durability and midsole construction, among others.
- Our testers clock up 30-50 miles on each model running on paved roads or muddy paths.
- We collate some more data from other experts in the shoe industry, as well as from regular users of Altra running shoes.
To conclude the selection process, we use the CoreScore system to get the overall ratings of all Altra running shoes in the database. Based on the above data, a final score is given on each shoe that ranges from 0-to 100.
Best women's Altra running shoes overall
Altra Lone Peak 6
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$50
Amazon
Free shipping
$70
Backcountry
Free shipping
$84
REI
Free shipping
$105
Corescore
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Excellent all-round grip
- Highly durable
- Great ground feel
- Feels like it makes you run better
- Great pull tab
- Gaiter compatible
- Brilliant lacing
- Roomy toe box
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Stain magnet
- Not enough cushioning for some
What makes it the best overall?
Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.
Best Altra trail running shoes for women
Altra Olympus 5
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$113
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$180
Backcountry
Free shipping
$180
Corescore
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
What makes it the best trail?
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.
Best Altra neutral running shoes for women
Altra VIA Olympus
Amazon
Free shipping
$152
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$170
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$170
Backcountry
Free shipping
$170
Corescore
Pros
- Comfortable and premium-feeling upper
- Roomy, unmistakably-Altra fit
- Secure lockdown even for narrow feet
- Smooth and responsive ride
- Good for any distance at an easy pace
- Effective, but not obtrusive, rocker
- Copious amount of padding
- Breathable
- Absorbs impact well
Cons
- Cushioning on the firm side, but a toss-up on how firm
- Doesn’t feel like a zero-drop shoe
- Substantial break-in period
- On the heavier side
What makes it the best neutral?
The Altra VIA Olympus is the max-cushioned road runner that zero-drop fans have been waiting for. Though it managed to rain on its own parade with a firmer-than-expected midsole, this shoe more than made up for it with a comfy upper, stable platform, smooth ride, and the wide fit Altra loyalists have long demanded.
Best Altra stability running shoes for women
Altra Provision 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Backcountry
Free shipping
$84
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$103
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$105
Corescore
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Very light for a stability shoe
- Great for wider feet
- Ingenious stability system
- Incredible grip
- More stability in the outsole
- Good cushioning for a zero drop shoe
- Great to have in a rotation
- Good durability
- Consistent flex in all conditions
Cons
- Forefoot may be too wide for some
- Getting a good heel lock can be hard
- Orthotics may not fit properly
What makes it the best stability?
Anyone who’s heard of Altra’s religious commitment to the zero-drop running shoe will know a lot of what’s up with the Altra Provision 6. This mid-cushioned, zero-drop stability shoe continues Altra’s core line while continuing to add some unique features. If you’re new to the zero-drop scene, we’ve got you covered in this review too.
Best Altra wide toebox running shoes for women
Altra Torin 6
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$99
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$150
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$150
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$150
Corescore
Pros
- Very well-cushioned ride
- Won't let you feel the ground
- Has some bounce to it
- Stable for long miles
- Upper comfort is spot on!
- Holds the foot in place
- Heel hold is brilliant
- Tongue is soft
- Durable build
Cons
- Not the widest Altra toebox
- Lacks breathability
What makes it the best wide?
The sixth version of the Altra Torin is a road running shoe that's ready to chomp the miles up ahead. It's very cushioned and comfortable; it will be a home for your foot. And if you want a shoe that will keep your stride alive and kicking, you can count on the Altra Torin 6.
Best value Altra running shoes for women
Altra Outroad
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$94
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$140
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
- Not for wide feet
- Breaking-in needed
What makes it the best value?
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.
Most popular Altra running shoes for women
Altra Rivera 2
Backcountry
Free shipping
$59
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Fleet Feet
$98
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Corescore
Pros
- Responsive on faster runs
- Stable on uneven surfaces
- Comfortable for long days
- Lightweight
- Form-fitting wrap
- Spacious toe box
- Visually appealing
- Soft and stretchy upper
Cons
- A bit slimmer than the average Altra
- Firmer than the Rivera 1
What makes it the most popular?
Whether going fast or taking it easy on your training runs, the Altra Rivera 2 is a do-it-all daily trainer that's lively and energetic. It also delivers a natural-feeling run with its zero-drop design. On top of this, it's a trusty pick for runners who want a light, well-cushioned running shoe that can gobble up long miles on the road.
