7 Best Altra Running Shoes in 2023

The Altra Outroad is an outlier in the Altra lineup as it has a more conventional toebox width. It also has a comfortable upper and enjoyable ride, which makes it our choice for our best Altra shoe option for narrow feet.

The Outroad has a slimmer fit than most Altra shoes, but it is by no means a narrow shoe. Our measurements had the forefoot at 99.1 mm, which is right around the average for running shoes. And our experience while wearing the Outroad was that while it still feels snugger than other Altras, it has more than enough toebox space and is not tight at all. 

The snug-fitting upper is quite comfortable as well. There is a generous amount of padding around the ankle and a semi-gusseted tongue that doesn't slide around. The heel counter scored a 2 out of 5 on our stiffness test, where 5 is the stiffest, which adds to the comfort.

The Outroad's midsole, which had a softness that we measured at 29.8 HA, is just slightly over the average of 27.8 HA. But it is nicely balanced as it provides a soft yet responsive ride on both trails and roads. 

However, the Outroad does get significantly less flexible in the cold. It got a shocking 71% stiffer after 20 minutes in the freezer, which made it 9% stiffer than the average running shoe at the same temperature. 

There's no shoe in Altra's lineup that can better handle long-distance runs than the VIA Olympus. The shoe's beefy midsole offers excellent impact protection, while the smooth ride and comfortable upper make for an enjoyable overall running experience for long miles.

Cushioning is fantastic in the VIA Olympus. With 34.2 mm of heel stack height and 32.6 mm in the forefoot, which are 1 mm and 8 mm more than average, respectively, there was more than enough midsole foam to keep our feet well-protected on long runs.

The rocker geometry provides a nice smooth ride, which makes it enjoyable to cruise at easier paces. And while the midsole foam lacks bounce, we do feel a fair bit of responsiveness on our runs.

Despite being plush and generously padded, the upper is still well-ventilated and keeps our feet nicely cooled. We gave it a 4 out of 5 on our breathability test, with 5 being the highest score, as the smoke we pumped into the shoe had no problem passing the upper. 

The Altra VIA Olympus is a ridiculously stiff shoe. Aside from more than doubling the average shoe's score on our 90 degree bend test, it also got a 5 out of 5 on our torsional rigidity test, with 5 being the stiffest. So runners who want a shoe with more flexibility for added comfort on long runs should look at other options.

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.

The Provision 6 features surprising versatility for a stability shoe. With its light weight, ample cushioning, and fantastic grip, the Provision 6 can capably perform on speedier sessions up to long-distance runs, which is why it is our top pick for the most versatile Altra shoe.

The Provision 6 is pegged as a stability shoe, and it does that job so well. We were pleasantly surprised by the Provision's personalized overpronation control, which can be adjusted through the laces. The tighter the laces, the more stability control. It worked fantastically well for getting just the right amount of support.

The Provision 6 can easily pick up the pace as well. It is very lightweight at just 9.14 oz (259g), which is a good 11.5% lighter than the average stability road running shoe. Its midsole is 100% harder than average, and we felt that firmness was great for going on some faster runs.

Moreover, its midsole has more forefoot cushioning than other Altras, which have an average forefoot stack of 26.5 mm in our database. The Provision 6 has 29.18 mm of stack height in the forefoot, which provides a good amount of protection on our long-distance runs. 

We were also amazed by the rubber outsole's ability to keep us securely stuck to the ground during our runs on wet and dry surfaces alike. 

However, the durability of that rubber outsole is a bit dubious. We measured its outsole to be 29% softer than average, so this shoe may wear out more quickly than most.

The Rivera 3 is a pair of daily trainers that delivers velvety-smooth strides on days when you want to go nice and slow. Altra fans also recommend this model as a “great introduction” to the zero-drop experience. With a super comfy and plush feeling underfoot, these neutral runners from Altra give zero-drop fans happier miles on their feet.

The Lone Peak 7 provides the latest and greatest in grip performance within the Altra line. As we discovered in the lab and out on our runs, its traction on wet and challenging terrains is simply second to none, while its responsiveness and secure lockdown are also superb.

The outsole is the star of the show on the Lone Peak 7. The outsole material inspires a ton of confidence during our runs. Whether it's high-speed turns, soggy plods through mud, or wet pavement, the Lone Peak 7’s performance is as good as it gets.

That grip certainly comes in handy in terms of staying connected to the ground since this is quite a speedy shoe. The 28.3 HA midsole, which is just slightly firmer than the 27.6 HA average softness for trail shoes, delivers a good amount of responsiveness, making it a great shoe for some fast runs in the mountains.

And the shoe’s excellent lockdown adds even more confidence. The gusseted tongue, ghillie-style lacing system, and snug heel cup all keep our feet feeling fully locked into place even in some more technical terrains.

However, the Lone Peak 7 does come at a premium price point. At $150, it is more expensive than the $136 average price for trail shoes, so those looking for a cheaper grippy trail shoe should consider other options.

The Escalante 3 from Altra is a road running shoe that's perfect for those who want to feel connected to the ground without feeling its harshness. If you're new to zero-drop running shoes, experts suggest that this shoe is best for short to mid-distance runs. For long-time runners, it shows its full potential at speed sessions and long miles.