Altra is an American brand known for its running shoes designed for a natural running style and healthy foot biomechanics. Altra shoes have several unique features that appeal to both amateur and professional runners. These features include zero drop, plenty of toe room and support for the natural biomechanics of the runner. This makes it easier to run in a more natural way.
As with any other shoe brand, we can distinguish several segments of running shoes here, divided according to their use:
The brand’s range is very diverse in each of these areas.
Training running shoes
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Via Olympus 2 | |
| high cushioning |  Torin 8 |  Paradigm 7 |
| mid cushioning |  Rivera 4  Experience Flow |  Provision 8  Experience Form |
| low cushioning |  Escalante 4 |
Altra Via Olympus 2
The softest and most cushioned running shoe in the Altra lineup. It is built on a 33mm midsole, both at the heel and metatarsus, using exceptionally soft EGO MAX foam. The specially shaped midsole (rocker) supports a smooth and dynamic stride, making it easier to move forward efficiently. The Via Olympus is ideal for heavier runners (up to about 100kg) and those who run long distances. It is a very comfortable, soft shoe designed for light, easy running.
- Stack height: 33/33 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 323 g men’s, 272 g women’s
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Altra Torin 8
The Torin 8 is a versatile everyday running shoe from Altra. It offers slightly less cushioning than the Via Olympus, making it more versatile. Made from 30mm EGO MAX foam, it provides excellent cushioning and is suitable for runners up to 90kg. The distinctive FootShape provides space for the toes, which increases running comfort. The Torin 2 is suitable for both easy and faster workouts. It is one of the most popular running shoes in the Altra range.
- Stack height: 30/30 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 280 g men’s, 232 g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Altra Paradigm 7
A versatile running shoe with stabilisation, the Paradigm is a more stable version of the Torin, although a little stiffer. Built on 30mm EGO MAX foam, it offers solid cushioning. Stability is provided by the Guiderail system, which acts as a guide and supports your foot only when you need it. Designed for runners with overpronation, this shoe is ideal for people weighing up to around 85-90kg. Like the Torin, it is suitable for both easy and faster workouts.
- Stack height: 30/30 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 293 g men’s, 226 g women’s
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Altra Rivera 4
The Rivera is Altra’s third neutral training shoe and is characterised by good but not excessive cushioning. Equipped with a 28mm EGO foam midsole under the heel and midfoot, it offers comfortable cushioning suitable for lighter runners up to about 80kg. It is also one of Altra’s narrower models, which may appeal to those who prefer a tighter fit. Its solid cushioning and affordable price make it an attractive option for those just starting out.
- Stack height: 28/28 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 233 g men’s, 212 g women’s
- Regular price: 120 EUR
Altra Provision 8
Provision is the Rivera’s counterpart, designed for people who need extra stability. It offers moderate cushioning based on a 28mm EGO foam midsole. It is the ideal choice for lighter runners looking for a natural shoe with zero drop and stabilising support. The Provision’s good parameters and attractive price make it an interesting option on the market.
- Stack height: 28/28 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 289 g men’s, 234 g women’s
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Altra Experience Flow
The Altra Experience Flow is a neutral everyday running shoe with a high level of cushioning. These shoes have a compressed EVA midsole. These shoes also have a 4mm drop, which is different from most Altra models, but still supports the natural rolling motion of the foot and allows for quick toe-off thanks to the rocker geometry. In addition, the signature FootShape fit provides toe room for a stable, natural and comfortable ride.
- Stack height: 32/28 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 238 g men’s, 204 g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Altra Experience Form
The Altra Experience Form is the Flow model with an added stabilisation bar. These are everyday running shoes with a high level of cushioning thanks to the compressed EVA midsole. Also available with a 4mm drop. Other Altra features include a rocker sole for better rollover and a FootShape that makes room for the toes.
- Stack heightszwy: 32/28 mm
- Drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 272 g men’s, 221 g women’s
- Regular price: 150 EUR
Altra Escalante 4
The Escalante is one of Altra’s most popular running shoes. It is a low cushioning training shoe designed for hard surfaces. It has a low 24mm EGO foam midsole. It is ideal for those looking for a lightweight and flexible shoe for natural running. Due to its characteristics, this is a very demanding shoe and is best suited for runners with impeccable running technique.
- Stack height: 24/24 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 269 g men’s, 221 g women’s
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Fast running shoes
Altra Vanish Carbon 2
The Altra Vanish Carbon is a highly cushioned race shoe with exceptional dynamics designed for speed. The Vanish Carbon 2 features a full-length carbon fibre plate and ultra-light EGO PRO foam that is 32% lighter and more flexible than before. The 36mm midsole provides optimal support and the front of the upper is slightly narrower than Altra’s for a better and “faster” fit. Vanish Carbon is an excellent choice for fast training and races from 5k to marathon – the faster the pace, the better it works.
- Stack height: 36/36 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 229 g men’s, 164 g women’s
- Regular price: 250 EUR
Altra Vanish Tempo
The Altra Vanish Tempo is a slightly slower version of the Vanish Carbon. It has a 33-millimeter EGO PRO responsive foam midsole but does not use a carbon fiber plate. Instead, it has a slight heel-to-toe roll-off, making the Vanish Tempo perfect for fast workouts. For fast runners, the Vanish Carbon can be an excellent shoe for daily speed training. For slower runners, it can be a safe first racing or training and competition shoe. One thing is certain: this is a shoe that feels most at home during fast running training.
- Stack height: 33/33 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 232 g men’s, 206 g women’s
- Regular price: 200 EUR
Altra Escalante Racer 2
The Escalante Racer is the racing version of the Escalante – even lighter, more minimalist and extremely breathable. It features a mere 22-millimeter layer of EGO MAX foam, which, although soft, does not provide a high level of cushioning. It is rather a low-cushion running shoe. However, it makes for excellent ground contact, flexibility and a natural running experience. This shoe is made for experienced lovers of minimalist running shoes.
- Stack height: 22/22 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 249 g
- Regular price: 140 EUR
Trail running shoes
| TRAIL | |
|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Olympus 6 |
| high cushioning |  Timp 5 |
| mid cushioning |  Lone Peak 9  Superior 6 |
| low cushioning |  King MT 2 |
Altra Olympus 6
The Altra Olympus is a maximum cushioning trail shoe designed for runners looking for the ultimate in off-road comfort. It features a 33mm EGO MAX foam sole for exceptional protection and comfort over long distances. This shoe is also suitable for heavier runners. Thanks to FootShape technology, it offers a roomy forefoot for natural foot placement and increased comfort. The Olympus is a great choice for both easy trail running and more challenging mountain trails.
- Stack height: 33/33 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 345 g men’s, 310 g women’s
- Regular price: 180 EUR
Altra Timp 5
The Altra Timp is a versatile off-road shoe designed for running on mountainous and challenging trails. It provides a very good level of cushioning thanks to a 29-millimeter sole made of lightweight, responsive EGO MAX foam that gives comfort even on the longest distances. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole guarantees exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces, making the Timp suitable for a variety of terrains. Altra’s signature wide FootShape forefoot offers toe room for natural foot placement. It’s an ideal choice for both moderate trails and more technical mountain trails.
- Stack heightwy: 29/29 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 277 g men’s, 243 g women’s
- Regular price: 180 EUR
Altra Lone Peak 9
The Lone Peak is a shoe with very different characteristics to the Olympus and Timp, aimed at runners who prefer more ground feel and moderate cushioning. It uses a 25-millimetre layer of EGO foam, which provides just the right amount of softness and bounce without excessive shock absorption. As a result, the Lone Peak will perform well on faster trail runs where lightness and manoeuvrability are a priority. Although comfortable and dynamic, it is not an ideal choice for very long distances, especially for those who need more cushioning.
- Stack height: 25/25 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 303 g men’s, 259 g women’s
- Regular price: 170 EUR
Altra Superior 6
The Altra Superior is a lightweight, traction and minimalist off-road shoe with low cushioning – it has just 23 millimetres of compressed EVA foam. With zero drop and ample toe space, this model supports natural foot placement and free toe movement. The extra versatile tread provides solid traction on a variety of terrains. However, it is also a challenging shoe and not intended for beginners. This is an interesting proposition for people looking for a natural off-roader that allows them to be ‘close to the ground’.
- Stack height: 23/23 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 269 g men’s, 229 g women’s
- Regular price: 130 EUR
Altra King MT 2
The lightest, thinnest and most demanding – a true trail king from Altra! It offers maximum traction thanks to the Vibram Litebase sole with Megagrip rubber, perfect for both wet and dry surfaces. With minimal cushioning (19mm EGO foam), it offers a slight softness but tremendous flexibility, making it an ideal choice for runners looking for full ground contact. The roomy FootShape front provides comfort and freedom of toe movement. This model is designed for advanced minimalist mountain runners.
- Stack height: 19/19 mm
- Drop: 0 mm
- Weight: 292 g men’s, 245 g women’s
- Regular price: 160 EUR
