5 Best Altra Trail Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
5 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 its 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 20+ of the best Altra trail running shoes. Take a quick look at our top picks in different categories.

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.
  • Collecting more comparable data from other shoe experts and regular users of Altra trail running shoes.

To conclude the process, we go to our CoreScore system to make a calculation based on the aggregated data above. A final rating is shown ranging from 0-to 100 on each model, which pretty much gives us our best picks in specific areas.

Best Altra trail running shoes overall

Altra Lone Peak 6
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

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.

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
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (AL0A547L020)
Maroon (AL0A547L666)
Orange (AL0A547L880)
Brown (AL0A547L990)
Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
Blue (AL0A547L305)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
Black (AL0A7R6K020)

Altra trail running shoes with 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
Gray/Teal (AL0A7R6P233)
Orange (AL0A7R6P880)
Black (AL0A7R6P020)
Navy (AL0A7R6P445)
Beige (AL0A7R6P922)
Brown (AL0A7R6P990)

Best Altra trail running shoes for long distance

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

Best Altra trail running shoes with wide toebox

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)
Dark Clay (AL0A546Z606)
Light Gray/Red (AL0A546Z229)
Orange/Black (AL0A546Z800)
Deep Teal (AL0A546Z302)
Yellow (AL0A546Z770)
Light Gray (AL0A546Z224)
Blue / Orange (AL0A546Z480)
More colors

Best Altra trail low drop running shoes

Altra Timp 2
81
Good!

What makes it the best?

The Altra Timp 2 is honestly a great trail shoe that could be in your regular rotation for all distances. In terms of improvements, the responsiveness and comfort of the midsole are what stood out during testing. If you are in the market for a new trail shoe to execute an array of trail conditions all while having fun doing it, then I highly recommend the Timp 2 to take you there.

Pros

  • Cushioned
  • Durable traction accross all terrains
  • Breathable
  • Comfy, responsive midsole
  • Improved fit
  • Looks

Cons

  • Expensive
Full review of Altra Timp 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (AL0A4PE9609)
Blue Yellow (AL0A4PE9417)
Gray/Blue (AL0A4PE9242)
Black (AL0A4PE9000)

Comparison of the 5 best Altra trail running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
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.