Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
Altra Superior 3.5 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
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Dominate the trails in the men's Altra Superior 3.5 trail-running shoes, with updated uppers that are even more durable than the award-winning 3.0 version.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Light-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
0
Running Shoe Cushioning
Minimal Cushion
Rock Plate
Yes
- Fully reinforced, quick-drying air mesh uppers
- Fully cushioned platforms with 0mm heel-to-toe drop align the feet, back and body posture for less impact; they also support strong Achilles and lower calf muscles
- FootShapeâ„¢ toe boxes allow natural toe splay
- StoneGuardâ„¢ rock plates protect your feet from sharp rocks and are removable for running on less demanding terrain
- Hooks on the laces and hook-and-loop tabs on the heels pair easily with gaiters (not included) to keep out trail debris
- EVA-cushioned midsoles
Imported.
View all Altra Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Minimal Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Mesh |
| Midsole | EVA |
| Support | Contour footbed |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.6 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
Altra Footwear - Men's
| 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51.5 |
| Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.4 |
Sizing Notes
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
PF survivor
Jimmy7 years ago
I chose these over the Lone Peaks due to the stiffer sole. I hate arch supports and when my arch hits when the sole compresses, it drives me nuts. I used orthotic inserts for 3 days then ditched them. My feet feel pretty good after 5mi per day long lunch and evening walks. Treating PF is a methodical process and shoe selection is one component. Shortening my gait was beneficial. I also sized up a 1/2 size to keep my toes from jamming on downhills. The weird toe box is so nice: I can splay my toes! The lugs are good for soft terrain, not so good for finished concrete in the rain.
Jimmy
Molalla, OR, United States
12 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
I am done with Altras
Scootcore6 years ago
ok,..... this is officially my fourth and LAST pair from this brand. the fit on these was pretty good, same as the previous ones that all got returned for the same reason, durability. they just dont hold up, which is a shame cuz I really like the fit. seems like the heel area always seems to have some weird yet varying issues..... these ones simply tore on the inner bit after less than two months of pretty mellow use. others in the past have had the foam in the heel migrate all over the place..... I dont get it...... talked to a friend who is WAY rougher on shoes and hes given up as well..... only reason this isn't a one star review is theyre so freaking comfy!!!!
Scootcore
Van Nuys, Ca
10 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
James B
Rio Rancho
Perfect for runs on light trails.
7 years ago
Awesome running shoes. Included rock guards give extra protection over rocky terrain. If you're new to zero drop shoes allow your feet/ankle/calves to get used to the extra stress, but once you're used to them your running form will thank you.
Yes , I recommend this product
Scootcore
Van Nuys, Ca
I am done with Altras
6 years ago
ok,..... this is officially my fourth and LAST pair from this brand. the fit on these was pretty good, same as the previous ones that all got returned for the same reason, durability. they just dont hold up, which is a shame cuz I really like the fit. seems like the heel area always seems to have some weird yet varying issues..... these ones simply tore on the inner bit after less than two months of pretty mellow use. others in the past have had the foam in the heel migrate all over the place..... I dont get it...... talked to a friend who is WAY rougher on shoes and hes given up as well..... only reason this isn't a one star review is theyre so freaking comfy!!!!
No, I do not recommend this product
Jimmy
Molalla, OR, United States
PF survivor
7 years ago
I chose these over the Lone Peaks due to the stiffer sole. I hate arch supports and when my arch hits when the sole compresses, it drives me nuts. I used orthotic inserts for 3 days then ditched them. My feet feel pretty good after 5mi per day long lunch and evening walks. Treating PF is a methodical process and shoe selection is one component. Shortening my gait was beneficial. I also sized up a 1/2 size to keep my toes from jamming on downhills. The weird toe box is so nice: I can splay my toes! The lugs are good for soft terrain, not so good for finished concrete in the rain.
Yes , I recommend this product
Clark
SLC, UT
Good shoe - no complaints
7 years ago
I've worn these shoes on five 10-12 mile runs through the mountains thus far. The trails have been soft dirt, rocky dirt, loose rock, and a little bit of snow and mud. These shoes have done very well. The sole is thin enough that there is still a little bit of ground-feel, but there's plenty of protection for my feet to survive the distance – and probably quite a bit more. I like the very roomy toe box, and the traction is a lot better than my old shoes. (I haven't yet tried them in seriously wet or snowy conditions.) The laces even stay tied really well. Seriously, I don't have any complaints.
Yes , I recommend this product
dan7
Asheville, NC
Resilient, effective, and powerful
7 years ago
I began trail running as a way to improve running form and endurance, and having been used to zero drop shoes, transitioning into these shoes was like picking up where I left off. Although these shoes are considered minimally cushioned, they offer ample support over talus and scree. Additionally, they are suprisingly tough against toe and heel scrapes. After putting them through 13+ miles in the western NC wilderness, they still look brand new, but also broken in. At first I was a little skeptical about the fit; in the past I have known technical footwear to run a little small. I ordered my usual size and the initial fit felt perfectly snug—perhaps too snug. Since the next half size up wasn’t available, I took my chances and gave them a test run. Surprisingly, they felt great. I own the Escalante in the same size and those shoes are roomier, given their woven upper. Somehow, however, through all the terrain the Superiors are meant to cross, they fit as comfortably as my best-fitting shoes on climbs and descents. I have not used the rock plates included, but they do add a few millimeters of height to your insole which is noticeable when walking with them. My favorite thing about wearing these shoes was that I hardly felt any fatigue. They operate well in promoting midfoot strikes. The lugs are strong and handle rock as effectively as sturdy hiking shoes. They aren’t waterproof, so water will enter these shoes instantly. On the other hand, they are super breathable. My feet felt great after my 8.5 mile run in the Shining Rock Wilderness. I am a fan of the design of these shoes; they have exceptional form and function and have gotten me excited for trail running in the future.
Yes , I recommend this product
John
Columbia, SC
Perfect all around shoe
7 years ago
I bought this shoe for weight training, cardio, walking, running, and hiking. I had my reservations because it is advertised as a trail running shoe, but it works well for pavement as well as the trail and all random occasions. I wear them for lunchtime work walks and keep them on the rest of the work day in the office because it is depressing to take them off. They are extremely comfortable. They breathe well. They do not repel water whatsoever but they dry so quickly that it doesn't matter. I was told that these shoes "look stealth.“ I believe that to be a true statement. Although relatively unconventional looking, they are pretty easy on the eye. These shoes have proven to be be durable after a month of mixed use. There is no sign of wear on the souls, and the upper remains in good shape. One caveat, after two days there was a crease that developed on the upper that put pressure on my big toe and caused some discomfort. The pain went away after a day or so. Once your feet adjust, you will feel perfection.
Yes , I recommend this product
danimal_SoCal
Los Angeles, CA
A great shoe for trailing or trekking
7 years ago
The mid foot fit is a bit tight so you’ll want to go with a slim sock. Nice wide toe make it feel like you’re almost wearing nothing st all. Shoes perform as promised though if you like having more of a weighty shoe feel you won’t want these and it might take a bit getting used to how lite and minimal they feel. The sole is wonderful in almost all terrains and helps build confined cells when on the move. Remember they are low top so I wouldn’t push too far out of the boundaries of flat to semi flat terrains. I lovedlove them and would recommend them
Yes , I recommend this product
Get ur Done
Spokane
20 Miler out of the box = Perfect
7 years ago
Great trail shoe, Love the tread and just enough cushioning to get a ground feel without beating up legs.I took out the rock plate not sure how it would be with but didn't feel I needed it. If you are running on roads too I would probably go with the Loan peaks or timps for more cushion. Also in normal running shoes I wear 13 to give extra space for toes but the Altras wide toe box makes ups for this so I had to go down a half size as the 13 was way to sloppy and loose, you may have to go full size down so don't be loyal to any sizes make sure its comfortable, your toes won't jam because of zero drop your feet are actually flatland not pointed down. Love the zero drop which took me about a full year to transition too, but now I cannot even run in a 4mm as the zero drop feel so natural, and my feet are so strong now. I ran 20 miles out o the box and not one blister, or anything and the traction is amazing for hills and rocks. Love Altra and after fully transitioning, if I put on any other shoes my feet feet so cramped and can't splay and expand, I can't believe I wore tradition shoes for 34 years - Amazing what the human body can take
Yes , I recommend this product
disappointed
Boston, MA
best heel cup yet...otherwise disapointing
7 years ago
Compared to Superior v2.0, after about 100 miles of hiking & backpacking: + great heel cup. good snug fit + rand around front has solved the problem of the upper parting from the sole around the toe area +/- still not quite wide enough for EE fitting at the ball of the foot - much thicker mid-sole, feels more like a Lone Peak - squishing around on cotton wool. - mid-sole is not dense enough (or resistant enough) leading to full compression of the padding under the balls of my feet, especially under big toe after only 50 miles. - mid-sole compression caused over pronation & consequent knee pain. - out-sole unit is fairly worn already. Overall, very disappointed.
Originally posted on altrafootwear.com
Tanner
Appleton, WI
Took a risk and bought something new; very pleased with this
7 years ago
TL;DR: I wish they came in all black or black/grey, but they fit perfect, are extremely comfortable, and are built well. I'd buy these again. I've been wearing the One 2.5's for the last couple years and had been putting off buying a pair of proper trail shoes. It's a shame I waited so long because these are already turning out to be the best of pair of shoes I've ever run in. Outstanding grip, protection from sharp rocks, and fit great. I can tell these shoes will go the distance. I've already put in 3 days of 6+ mile runs on trails and want to wear these things to bed at night. Very happy with this purchase.
Originally posted on altrafootwear.com
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