How to Choose Running Shoes

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Run more with less effort in the women's Altra AltraFWD Experience road-running shoes. They boost you down the road with their rocker-shape geometry and 4 mm drop to make every outing more fun.
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View the Altra Experience Product LineView all Altra Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
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Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 26 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Engineered mesh |
Lining | Nylon |
Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 14.2 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11..5 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
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.
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I have heard good things about the Altra shoes however, I don’t normally run with zero drop so I was curious to try their new shoes with the 4 mm drop. When I first put them on, I noticed the bulges around my ankle but that quickly disappears and I haven’t felt it again. They were very comfortable lots of room in the toe box but not too much room. They are true to size. I took them out for a few runs and found them to be comfortable, no issues other than that they do not have as much cushion as I would prefer. I could feel the ground I was running on and would describe the sole as more reactive than cushion. But all around a nice pair of running shoes. Comfortable and very light.
Overall, I like this shoe--it's lightweight and it's very soft, squishy and comfortable--it feels like I'm running on a cloud. There are a few things I'm not crazy about but nothing is a dealbreaker. First, some of my other running shoes have a loop at the back heel, making it easier to pull the shoe on--this shoe does not have that, but the heel goes up pretty high, so I'm still able to put it on relatively easily. The shoes were also pre-laced when they arrived and they were laced "under" not "over" so the laces are constantly falling back into the shoes when I put them on (I'm going to try to include a picture of how the laces go back into the shoe). I could re-lace them and that would solve the issue. Finally, I have concerns about durability. I've had other Altra shoes before and the tread wore off super fast compared to some of my other shoes. I've had these for two weeks and I run about 3 miles every other day and I'm already starting to see some wear and tear at the toes (again, going to try to post a pic). The color is a little strange, but surprisingly neutral enough that it goes with pretty much everything. Overall, I really do like the shoe--it's very lightweight and incredibly comfortable.
After taking these shoes for a couple of runs, the first thing I noticed is how comfy and lightweight they are. They are breathable; my feet stayed dry. They have excellent traction. I like that they are shaped sort of like a foot; hugs the feet comfortably. Like most of my running shoes, half a size larger fits better. This is my first pair of Altra and I'm hooked! A nice addition to my favorites.
I've been wearing this model for about 5 months now. I've been on the altra train for 5 years now starting with the LP 4's and haven't been able to revert back to Nike, Asics or Brooks- however, I've kept Hokas in the rotation for 12 hour shifts at work. So naturally, I'm stoked for this shoe because I LOVE the cushion my Hokas have, but they are never wide enough even in wide sizing. My first complaint is that the toe bumper collapsed within the first 2 weeks of wearing the shoe. This is annoying- my toes are constantly touching that & I've learned to live with it because I can't return these shoes and they're not awful. If you're buying these because you like the toe space from LP's and desire to have that cushion and lesser drop from a Hoka- you're going to come close. There's a not enough room for me in the toe box & I actually found I was more satisfied with the Olympus level of cushioning & toe box space. This shoe isn't a bad shoe, but I can't get over how rough it's looking at 5 months of me wearing it to the office & clinic for work- the integrity is there, but the cosmetic wear is crazy. The foam on the insides and outsides of my heels looks horrible. Still intact, still provides support, just looks awful after 5 months of wear. If you're looking for a "Hoka with a wider than their widest toe box" this is a good choice. But if you're an altra fan- that wants a hoka shoe- I think you're going to be a little disappointed and I would opt for the Olympus instead. It's going to offer that foamy/squishy bouncy feeling more than this shoe will while also offering all the toe space. This shoe would be good for anyone transitioning from non-wide toe box brands like Nike, asics, Brooks, hoka, etc. it doesn't have that wide toe box "clown shoe" look and it offers enough space that your toes can start to stretch.
I tried out these shoes this autumn on a jog through a state park with gravel and paved trails. I have narrow feet, so the toe box is a little wide, but it wasn't uncomfortable. The large amount of cushion in the sole is amazing - especially on pavement! The only thing I didn't love about the shoes is that the upper part of the shoe is pretty soft/not stiff at all, which made putting the shoes on a little tricky because the shoe would collapse when I put my foot in. After using the shoes on a few more walks and jogs, I find them really comfortable and will even keep them on all day!
My every day go to running shoes, they are mostly great. However. When you reach the right combo of miles+sweaty+elevation change the top of the heel (mostly just in the left) rubs my ankle raw. Might just be me and obviously could wear taller socks, but worth noting regardless.
I’ve taken this shoe on a few runs and have been loving the cushion, it’s more of a soft than firm cushion like the Paradigm. I’ve been enjoying the rocker shape as well. I’m giving it a 4/5 stars just because the toe box feels more of a slim fit than standard. It’s almost the same as the Outroad. I usually wear a size 6 but a half size up might have been better. I also am a little skeptical of the tread and its longevity, it doesn’t seem like much. We will see how it wears in, for now this is a super fun and cushioned shoe that will be interesting to compare to other Altra styles.
The AltraFWD is a capable and comfortable running shoe - especially if you like a wider toe box like I do for my outdoor adventures. Despite the slightly clunky look, the shoes are super lightweight, which is nice if you're tackling hills or long runs. And unlike other Altras, you don't have to worry about a potential lack of comfort, since they are not (!) zero-drop. My only hesitation about the shoe is that I felt slightly less (ankle) support for uneven surfaces than in other shoes - but then again, these aren't designated trail shoes.
These Altras were my first foray into zero drop shoes (and with Altras in general), and I found them incredibly comfortable and accessible. They are lightweight with a wide and comfortable toebox. I only run short distances (~3 miles), so not sure what they would be like for longer runs, but they were great out of the box for me - no rubbing, no blisters, good cushion, felt sturdy. The zero drop was a little surprising at first, but very easy to get used to after a few blocks. I do think these shoes run a smidge small, and they are kinda dopey looking cause of the wide toebox.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I took the women's Altra FWD Experience for a brisk walk to and from my yoga class (1.25 miles) and enjoyed the cushion barrier between my feet and the downtown asphalt. The left foot fit great, it was snug and not too tight. My right foot however must be a bit bigger because the shoe felt tight. I would size up to a 10 next time instead of the 9.5. I would recommend these shoes for commuters, daily walkers, and the 10,000+ step crew!