Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
Altra Superior 4 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
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The men's Altra Superior 4 trail-running shoes take an already light, fast shoe and make it even lighter. Conquer any route with spacious toe boxes, sticky rubber soles and removable rock plates.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
0
Running Shoe Cushioning
Minimal Cushion
Rock Plate
Yes
- Quanticâ„¢ midsole foam cushioning combines responsive performance in a lightweight package
- Rounded heels and TrailClawâ„¢ tread design make for nimble handling over varying terrain
- Redesigned, wraparound-style knit uppers provide added security and support
- Zero Dropâ„¢ platform and FootShapeâ„¢ toe box let the toes splay out naturally
- Removable StoneGuardâ„¢ rock plates allow customizable protection as trail ruggedness changes
- Sticky MaxTracâ„¢ rubber outsoles provide surefooted traction
- Stack height: 21mm
- Altra indicates these shoes fit true to size
Imported.
View the Altra Superior Product LineView all Altra Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Minimal Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Synthetic knit |
| Lining | Nylon |
| Midsole | Foam |
| Support | 5mm contour insole |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | Yes |
| Weight (Pair) | 15.8 ounces |
| 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
Midsole breaks down, as usual...
Jlee1236 years ago
Really wanted to like this shoe, but once again Altra has used a midsole compound that doesn’t really perform and breaks down very, very quickly. Why, oh why, can they not use the Ego compound across their trail line??? One look at the Escalante Racer reviews can show that it’s a huge success. They have one trail shoe that uses a quality midsole, and that’s the King Mt.... which has way too much tread for the average runner. Come on Altra, step it up. The midsole is one of the most critical parts of a running shoe. Just because trails are generally softer than roads doesn’t mean you can get away with Payless foam in the midsole.
Also, the fit is a bit insecure. Might help to extend the laces a little lower.
Jlee123
Manitou Springs, CO
26 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Durability in question
maskmethod6 years ago
Really want to love these shoes. I own a pair of Superior 3.0s, which I totally loved, and they were going to become my beaters since they're worn down to bologna skins now but on my first hike in the Superior 4.0s, in the first mile no less, I kicked a root and put a pinky-sized hole in the upper. I can honestly say I've never owned a shoe previously that was so "delicate" especially not a hiking/trail-running shoe. They are very comfortable and I love them in every other respect but I think I've bought my first pair of shoes where the uppers will wear out before the sole will.
maskmethod
34 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
maskmethod
Durability in question
6 years ago
Really want to love these shoes. I own a pair of Superior 3.0s, which I totally loved, and they were going to become my beaters since they're worn down to bologna skins now but on my first hike in the Superior 4.0s, in the first mile no less, I kicked a root and put a pinky-sized hole in the upper. I can honestly say I've never owned a shoe previously that was so "delicate" especially not a hiking/trail-running shoe. They are very comfortable and I love them in every other respect but I think I've bought my first pair of shoes where the uppers will wear out before the sole will.
FullyFrozen
Grand Cayon
Bomber
6 years ago
1st big run in these after just 2 test runs was rim2rim2rim in the Grand Canyon. Super good trail feel, no blisters, kept out dust, vented well, and stayed cool even in the hard sun. Because of the big toe box, i get a half size larger than i wear in other shoes so that when my toes splay and extend, they don’t hit the end of the shoe. I wore the rock plate just for added protection, but nice feature to be able to take them out. I also used the heel locks, but if you don’t like heel locks get shorter laces. I’ve only run in Altras a bit, but i like these more than the Lone Peaks.
Yes , I recommend this product
SC runner
Greenville, SC
Sorry, best shoe I ever had!
5 years ago
Bought these shoes for OCR running a year ago. After testing them I loved it. In fact I love them so much I don't race in them. I use it as my daily wear. Not everyone can wear the same kind of shoe, it gets that. I don't understand some folks out there trashing shoes that do not fit them. I love these shoes because they have a health fit. The two box should be a little loose. The bridge of the shoe sounds be snug but have some give. The heal should fit with no wiggle room. Combusting the zero drop and supper light weight make this show amazing. I will be stocking up on this shoe before they go EOL.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on altrafootwear.com
Jlee123
Manitou Springs, CO
Midsole breaks down, as usual...
6 years ago
Really wanted to like this shoe, but once again Altra has used a midsole compound that doesn’t really perform and breaks down very, very quickly. Why, oh why, can they not use the Ego compound across their trail line??? One look at the Escalante Racer reviews can show that it’s a huge success. They have one trail shoe that uses a quality midsole, and that’s the King Mt.... which has way too much tread for the average runner. Come on Altra, step it up. The midsole is one of the most critical parts of a running shoe. Just because trails are generally softer than roads doesn’t mean you can get away with Payless foam in the midsole. Also, the fit is a bit insecure. Might help to extend the laces a little lower.
No, I do not recommend this product
jarbeme
My first trail shoe
6 years ago
I love the way this shoe feels. It is probably the most comfortable shoe I own. There are only two issues that I have with it. The first being the unreasonably long shoe laces. The second being that I have had these shoes for less then three months and one of the seems has ripped. Keep in mind that I am not running 15-20 miles a week in these. At most it’s been 5-10 miles over the course of 2 to 3 months. I would say I’ve only ran in them 80 - 100 miles.
Spatchcock
Ojai, CA
Solid shoe, with a big caveat
6 years ago
My Superior 4s are my fourth Altras, and they are, out of the box, a dream to wear. Fit is good all around, love the upper, and they feel quite light. Their biggest problem, and others have pointed it out, is the cummy midsole. I've had my Superiors for a little over a month and the midsole has already broken down. This is a major failure. I really don't understand why Altra doesn't use its EGO compound for the midsole. The Quantic compound used in these just doesn't cut it. My only hope is that with enough people complaining, Altra will do something about it.
Yes , I recommend this product
Matt
Durham, NC
Disappointing lack of durability
5 years ago
I had great hopes when I tried on and bought this shoe. After about 400 miles of trail running, the upper is separating from the midsole around the big toe. This was preceded by an annoying squeeking during flexion of midsole on each step. Especially when broken in, the midsole hinges loosely at this point fatiguing both fabric and foot. I suspect both squeeking and durability issues could be resolved by uniting the reinforcement material around the front of toebox to the side panel. Unfortunately it looks as though the superior 4.5 uppers don't have this modification.
No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on altrafootwear.com
Greg H
Walnut Creek, CA
One of the best shoes I've ever owned
6 years ago
Been running in the Superiors for awhile, and usually rotate with the Lone Peaks on trails. This shoe has an improved upper, really fits my foot well, and has excellent traction. When I put on the shoe I feel fast, comfortable, and confident. I love the lightness, but still feel like I have protection from tough surfaces if need be. Altra's trail lineup is excellent, and this is my favorite one of the group. I love how Altra is always working on improving already awesome shoes, and with every new model it seems they work hard to fix small things from the older models that have caused trouble (ie the seams on the upper in this model). Fantastic shoe!
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on altrafootwear.com
Justin85
Maryland
Amazing Shoe
5 years ago
Not sure what the bad reviews are talking about. These shoes are amazing. Extremely comfortable and the wide toe box is phenomenal. I think too many people have unrealistic expectations on durability. I’ve had no problems with them whatsoever. You just have to have a little common sense and realize shoes degrade over time and won’t last forever. Especially if you’re beating them up on the trail. I would highly recommend.
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
Leo_
Brooklyn, NY
No traction on wet rocks.
6 years ago
I've found the shoe to be very comfortable and, so far, quite durable. My only issue with it is the complete lack of traction on wet rocks. They get absolutely no purchase. If you're not planning on running or hiking in the wet then I would highly recommend them. If you need them for wet conditions then I'd suggest getting something else. I've also found that the toe box is a bit roomier than my other Altras (Escalante, Escalante Racer, and Solstice).
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