6 Best Altra Trail Running Shoes in 2024
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.
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.
Best Altra trail running shoes overall
What makes it the best?
The Lone Peak 8 seamlessly transitions between leisurely hikes and high-speed intervals in rugged terrain. Its flexible midsole and balanced, close-to-the-ground platform amplify a runner's control, a vital aspect of trail running. It’s a no-brainer that the LP8 emerges as our top pick from our lab-tested Altra trail roster.
The midsole and outsole complement each other in terms of comfort and support. It’s flexible enough to maneuver on uneven land, while its 3.0-mm lugs are grippy enough to keep our strides controlled on dry surfaces. Our bend test backs up our observation, as LP8 emerges 27.1% more bendable than average, boosting our nimbleness in the wild.
Lone Peak 8 represents Altra’s zero-drop feature well with its minimal 1.4-mm drop compared to the 8.0 mm average. The cushion feels protective enough despite remaining close to the ground, with only 22.7 mm of foam separating our heels from the surface. With this, we have higher ground feedback and a more balanced stance, especially with the firm 29.3 HA foam that won’t compress unevenly.
The shoe offers exceptional airflow which feels great for the summer. However, we advise wearing thicker socks during winter since the ventilated upper will expose the feet to icy air, as confirmed by our lab’s 4/5 breathability score.
Pros
- Responsive midsole
- Natural barefoot feeling ride
- Low to the ground and stable
- Doubles as a reliable hiking shoe
- Breathable and durable ripstop upper mesh
- Secure midfoot lockdown
- Accommodating toebox
- Generously padded and comfy
- Dries quickly
- Gaiter attachment ready
Cons
- Not so grippy in wet conditions
- Subpar outsole durability
Altra trail running shoes with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Altra bucks the cliche of minimalist zero-drop running shoes with the Olympus 5. It’s about as maximal as it gets, with a midsole that’s easy on the foot even over the harshest terrain, making the Olympus 5 our #1 pick for the best cushioned Altra trail runner.
Measuring the softness of the midsole with our durometer, we got a reading of 23 HA, which is 16% softer than average. This translates to a forgiving and comfortable ride that is still responsive and lively, making it easier for us to go the extra mile during our test runs.
With a forefoot stack of 31 mm, the Olympus 5 towers over the current average of 24.2 mm. The higher a shoe’s stack, the more we can perceive and savor the midsole cushioning. This means the forefoot strikers will enjoy the same amount of protection as their heel-striking counterparts (a given with zero drop shoes), with impact dampening that remains effective over any distance.
The Olympus 5 isn’t a shoe for all seasons, as our freezer test demonstrates. The midsole becomes 36.3% more firm while the shoe stiffens up by 52.2%. Compared to the respective averages of 31.9% and 44.2%, the Olympus 5 displays an inconsistent performance based on weather, thus making it a less-than-ideal choice for runners in cold climates.
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
Best road-to-trail Altra running shoes
What makes it the best?
Out of all the Altra trail running shoes we wore and lab-tested, Outroad 2 is the best hybrid shoe as it gives the most seamless road-to-trail experience. It has a maneuverable midsole and a zero drop that keeps the feel natural. We find that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for grip and stability on light trails and roads.
Outroad 2 boasts of a MaxTrac outsole lined with 2.2 mm lugs. We find this depth ideal for a hybrid shoe since it’s grippy enough for easy trails and not too chunky on the streets. Our durometer reads an average 86.5 HC outsole, achieving a balance between traction and longevity.
The zero drop is emphasized upon wearing the shoe and our caliper shows a minimal and easy-to-ignore 1.4 mm heel drop. This allows for our natural strides, delivering a barefoot feeling. Enhancing our comfort and agility is the unresisting midsole, which our bend test proves is 16.8% more flexible than average.
This Altra’s overall ride feels very stable and secure. Underfoot is a firm Ego foam, which our durometer shows is a balanced 25.5 HA. Together with the support of pronounced sidewalls, we remain steady by avoiding excessive foot motions.
Given Outroad’s limited lug depth, we don’t recommend this pair for difficult trails. Dedicated trail shoes can handle challenging terrains better.
Pros
- Perfectly versatile for both road running and easy trails
- Spacious upper featuring Altra's FootShape design
- Not as overly wide as some other Altra models
- Attractively priced at $120
- Excellent grip on fire roads and smooth trails
- Natural, zero-drop running experience
- Exceptional outsole durability
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Cons
- Could benefit from being lighter
- Insufficient cushioning for heel strikers
- Not suitable for moderate to difficult trails
Best Altra trail shoes for daily running
What makes it the best?
The Timp 5 boasts a high level of versatility, performing well both in the lab and on actual trail runs. With its light and loose build, stable ride, and world-class Vibram Megagrip outsole, it is undoubtedly our top daily trainer among Altra trail running shoes.
Running in the Timp 5 feels like having the grip of trail shoes with the agility of road-running shoes. Weighing just 9.5 oz (269g) compared to the 10.4 oz (294g) average trail shoe, it's remarkably lightweight. The fluid midsole adapts seamlessly to our strides, confirmed by our lab tests showing it's slightly more flexible (28.1N) than the average (29.0N), requiring less force to bend to 90 degrees.
The midsole has ample cushioning for comfort and support. Our durometer shows a well-balanced 24.5 HA reading, enhancing stability together with the shoe’s zero drop. Our precise measurements reveal a negligible -0.1 mm drop, proving Timp 5 features Altra’s distinct trademark.
Underfoot is the standout Vibram Megagrip outsole, known for its exceptional traction which we had the privilege of experiencing in our runs. It has 3.0 mm lugs that grip very well on mixed terrains, instilling confidence in our trail explorations. Its depth even allows for some occasional road running as well.
Unfortunately, the shoe feels quite rigid and stacked. Those who prefer a stronger ground connection should try other options.
Pros
- Vibram Megagrip outsole!
- Massive weight improvement
- Exceptionally stable
- True zero drop
- Ample cushioning
- Secure fit
- Wide, foot-shaped toebox
- Versatile
Cons
- Firmer midsole
- Not for heel strikers
Best Altra trail running shoes for racing
What makes it the best?
Backed by both real-world trials and lab assessments, the already speedy Mont Blanc now boasts an exciting enhancement: a revolutionary carbon plate that feels both fast and comfortable. This innovation propelled us to new heights, aided by its lightweight design and exceptional Vibram Megagrip outsole, undeniably making it our top Altra trail racer.
MBC feels exceptionally light on foot while cruising through the trails, and our scales confirm it’s 14.3% lighter than the average trail shoe at 8.9 oz (251g). In true Altra fashion, it delivers an authentic zero-drop experience with its unnoticeable 0.3 mm heel drop, enhancing agility on diverse terrains.
Remarkably a standout, its Monoflex carbon plate allows us to bend and move our feet naturally. Unlike the usual stiff and curved shape plates, MBC’s is flat to prioritize stability over top speed, crucial for trail running. Validated by our flex test, it’s 19.9% more flexible than average, including non-plated shoes!
As we run swiftly through unpredictable grounds, the Vibram Megagrip outsole instills confidence in our strides. Our durometer reveals its protective nature with a tough 88.3 HC measurement, while its 3.5 mm lugs enhance our grip and control over soft and slippery trails.
However, we don’t recommend this pair to heel strikers and runners with lower leg issues as the zero drop may feel too harsh on the calves and Achilles areas.
Pros
- True Altra DNA!
- Responsive and fast
- Superior Vibram Megagrip outsole
- Excellent durability
- Remarkably lightweight
- Authentic zero-drop experience
- Rounded, anatomic toe cap
- Adaptable across various paces
Cons
- Limited energy return
- Priced high
Best lightweight Altra trail running shoes
What makes it the best?
The Superior 6 boasts its airy build, stability, and agility in our intensive runs and extensive lab tests. In true Altra nature, it offers a barefoot feel with its non-existent drop. It made us feel really nimble and connected to the trails—making it our best lightweight Altra trail runner.
Lifting our feet and picking up the pace feels effortless with its superior lightness. Our scales reveal a mere 9.6 oz (272g), 7.2% below the average. This is attributed to its grounded 22.1/22.0 mm cushion, which has 31.6% less foam in the heel than average. Its almost-zero drop delivers surface feedback that allows us to adapt to various terrains.
The ride feels stable all the way. Other than its low profile, the firm cushion helps. Our durometer reveals 29.1 HA, 11.5% denser than average. Because of its inherent stability, it doesn’t need rigid features to keep us steady. Superior 6 increases its flexibility to boost comfort and agility on uneven terrains.
Underfoot lies a very protective and durable MaxTrac rubber. Our durometer reveals a solid 91.0 HC, 6.9% harder than average. To ensure grip, it has 3.6 mm lugs that cling to loose gravel and moderate trails.
Unfortunately, due to the shoe’s lightweight and minimal nature, it does not have enough cushioning for longer trail runs.
Pros
- Exceptional ground feel for a more connected run
- Nimble and quick
- Excellent breathability
- Upper and tongue designed for maximum comfort
- Durable outsole with reliable grip
- Remarkable stability
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Lacks a rock plate
- Not ideal for long distances
- The upper could be more durable
2 things you must know about Altra trail shoes
Trail runners usually opt for Altra shoes when they want that more natural running feel that is accomplished thanks to the foot-shaped design and lower or zero drop.
There are 2 features that make Altra trail shoes special:
- Foot-shaped design. They trademarked this design, and it comes in 3 widths: Original, Standard, Slim. This shape allows your toes to splay or at least not be cramped in. This way, the shoes promote the natural running feel.
- Altra shoes are zero-drop or low-drop. That means that their heel drop is 4mm or lower.
We will dig deep into both features below.
When NOT to get Altra trail shoes
The 2 features that make Altra shoes so special are also features that might not be for you. Because of that, we have to warn you. Don’t get Altra trail shoes if you:
- Have very narrow feet, especially at the forefoot. Even the narrowest Altra design (called Slim) isn’t narrow when looking at the big picture. We actually compared the toebox widths of Altra’s Slim shoes to the average toebox widths of all running shoes and they are close to the average but not narrower than the average.
- Are not used to the zero drop or low drop, or if your lower leg muscles (foot muscles, Achilles, calves) are weak/injured. We will explain this more below.
FootShape™ design of Altra trail running shoes
Most running shoes have pointy toeboxes. That pointy shape can work for some runners but surely not for all. We have many different toe shapes, which is why it’s great to have options.
Enters Altra with their FootShape design. Enough room for toes to splay, which is especially good and healthy for those whose toes look like basically any shape but the Greek one (image above).
We measure the width of the toebox in our lab in 2 places: where it’s the widest and at the big toe. The difference between these 2 numbers tells us how much the toebox tapers. The bigger the difference, the pointier the toebox.
The average difference between these 2 values in Altra running shoes is 11.9 mm, while the average difference for all other shoes in our database is 20.5 mm. This clearly tells us just how pointer shoes from other brands are.
So, expect a roomy toebox.
Altra widths explained
Altra makes shoes in 3 widths: Original, Standard, and Slim. Most of the shoes come in Standard width and all of them have a footshaped toebox which is not pointy.
Here are Altra trail shoes in their respective fit categories:
- Original fit: Lone Peak
- Standard fit: King MT, Experience Wild, Timp, Superior, Mont Blanc
- Slim fit: Rivera, Outroad
But, what does it all mean? How wide are those shapes? We looked at our lab data and realized that the Slim fit is the closest to the average in running shoes (but still, not narrower).
Our current averages for all running shoes are: 98.4 mm at the widest part and 78.3 mm at the big toe.
|
Altra’s fit |
Avg width at the widest part |
Avg width at the big toe |
|
Original |
102.5 |
91.5 |
|
Standard |
99.8 |
88.9 |
|
Slim |
98.1 |
84.3 |
What we see from the numbers below is that:
- the width of the toebox where it’s the widest varies, it can be narrower and wider than the average
- the toebox width at the big toe is always wider than the average. This is the signature shape from Altra: their toeboxes are not pointy!
- the Slim fit is the closest to the average toebox width, which makes the Standard and the Original wider than the average
Toebox widths of ORIGINAL-shaped running shoes from Altra:
|
Shoe |
Widest width |
Compared to the overall avg for widest width |
Big toe width |
Compared to the overall avg for big-toe width |
|
97.9 |
-0.5% |
92.1 |
17.8% |
|
|
103.6 |
5.3% |
90.8 |
16.1% |
|
|
104.2 |
5.9% |
92 |
17.6% |
|
|
104.4 |
6.1% |
91.1 |
16.5% |
Toebox widths of STANDARD-shaped running shoes from Altra:
|
Shoe |
Widest width |
Compared to the overall avg for widest width |
Big toe width |
Compared to the overall avg for big-toe width |
|
101 |
2.6% |
87.6 |
12.0% |
|
|
101.9 |
3.6% |
92.5 |
18.3% |
|
|
97.6 |
-0.8% |
86.3 |
10.4% |
|
|
100.4 |
2.0% |
89.5 |
14.5% |
|
|
99.1 |
0.7% |
86.7 |
10.9% |
|
|
100.1 |
1.7% |
90.1 |
15.2% |
|
|
103.3 |
5.0% |
90.4 |
15.6% |
|
|
95.4 |
-3.0% |
88.3 |
12.9% |
Toebox widths of SLIM-shaped running shoes from Altra:
|
Shoe |
Widest width |
Compared to the overall avg for widest width |
Big toe width |
Compared to the overall avg for big-toe width |
|
96.5 |
-1.9% |
85.7 |
9.6% |
|
|
100.5 |
2.1% |
87.7 |
12.1% |
|
|
99.4 |
1.0% |
82.8 |
5.9% |
|
|
99.1 |
0.7% |
79.5 |
1.7% |
|
|
97.1 |
-1.3% |
84.2 |
7.7% |
|
|
96.2 |
-2.2% |
86.1 |
10.1% |
Why is zero/low drop dangerous?
Dangerous might be too strong of a word, but given how many runners disregard the heel drop, we’re going with it.
Heel-to-toe drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot in running shoes. It goes from 0mm to 16m. We don’t recommend runners the change to zero drop if you:
- Are not already running in low-drop running shoes
- Had or currently have weakness or injury in your foot muscles, Achilles, or calves
- Don’t have the time and patience to slowly transition to zero drop.
We try to be careful with these recommendations taking into account that the non-written industry standard for heel-to-toe drop is 10mm. It’s also what’s advised for beginners. And transitioning from 10mm to 4mm or even 0mm should take time.
Basically, any sudden change (of 4mm or higher) in heel drop is not recommended. The transition should be gradual. Runners who use shoes with 10mm drop can take even a year of transitioning to zero drop to be able to run 10-15km. The time needed to get used to the zero drop depends on many factors like your foot strike, pronation, muscle strength, past and current injuries, etc.
How heel drop works: the lower it is, the lower leg muscles it utilizes. Zero-drop running shoes will focus on your foot muscles the most. This is great if you want to strengthen them. Low-drop running shoes (<5mm drop) will focus on your ankles and calves. High-drop running shoes will utilize your thighs and hip muscles.
When zero drop is NOT zero drop
To be able to accurately measure the stack height, we have to cut shoes in half. This way, we stick to the guidelines written by WorldAthletics. This also allows us to accurately calculate the heel drop (heel stack height minus forefoot stack height).
Doing so, we realized that in many cases, the advertised heel drop does not match the one we measure!
When it comes to Altra shoes, there were cases when the drop was not actually 0mm! You should be aware of this because you should not think you’re running in 0mm when, in fact, it’s a 5mm drop.
| Shoe | Lab-measured heel drop | Brand's heel drop specs |
| Altra Vanish Carbon | 5.4 mm | 0 mm |
| Altra Provision 7 | 4.8 mm | 0 mm |
| Altra Vanish Carbon 2 | 3.7 mm | 0 mm |
| Altra VIA Olympus | 1.6 mm | 0 mm |
| Altra Lone Peak 8 | 1.4 mm | 0 mm |
Best grip in Altra trail running shoes
In trail shoes, grip depends on the softness of the rubber, the durability of the outsole, the thickness of the lugs, and their pattern (orientation, number, distance).
|
Our general recommendation is to use deep lugs (4mm and deeper) for wet, soft, or loose ground like slush, snow, and mud. 2-4mm lugs are okay for wet terrain, while lugs that are 2mm thick or less work well in hybrid shoes (road-to-trail). |
In our lab, we also measure the softness of the rubber and the durability of the outsole.
We use a shore C durometer to measure the hardness of the rubber. The higher the number on the durometer, the harder the rubber. Generally speaking, harder rubber is more protective and durable, while softer rubber is more pliable, stickier, and flexible.
Testing the durability of the outsole on Altra trail running shoes
Finally, we also test the durability of the outsole where, in trail shoes, we actually damage the lugs. We perform a standardized Dremel test where we press it against the rubber always at the same pressure, RPMs and duration.
Then, we use a tire tread gauge to precisely measure the depth of the dent made on the lugs. Shallower dents mean the lugs are more durable, while deeper dents mean they will wear out sooner.
Gaiters are a huge plus!
Not many trail shoes include attachments for gaiters but Altra does. It's a velcro patch at the back and a small metal hook in front of the eyelets on the toebox. You can get Altra gaiters in different sizes so that your trail adventures stay debris-free on the inside of your shoes.
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