Altra  Superior 7 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

I've worn Altra shoes for the better part of ten years, but quality has always been an issue and seems to be getting worse. I've had my current pair for less than a year and much of that time I wasn't even wearing them. We're not talking about shoes that have been worn on multiple hikes or runs or worn almost every day for most days of the week. The opposite. And yet, significant damage to the inside heel has developed, as well as fraying near the top of the laces. And I'm pretty gentle with my stuff. I submitted a warranty claim on their website, but never heard back. I called, and apparently it never went through. Go figure. I love the fit of the toe box on these shoes and how light they are, but I just can't justify continued purchases or recommend these shoes to anyone. I think I'll give Topo Athletic a try. The photos tell the story: so much damage on the inner heel while the rest of the shoes are in pretty respectable condition -- in other words, not used much. I can still understand the appeal, but. . . buyer beware.

They are so tight they gave me a swollen toe on my right foot. I bought these hoping they would fit like my previous Altras, but the toe box is smaller, basically standard shoe size, which is disappointing considering that classic Altra wide toe box was the main reason I bought the shoes. Good build quality, but they diverge from what made Altras something to buy. Will be returning.

Despite what the other reviewer said, these fit like normal altras (I have 7 pairs) which is a change from the superior 5’s which I tried in the past. I had to size up to 12 in those while my normal Altra size is 11.5. I bought these superior 7’s in a 12 because of that and will have to return for an 11.5 because they fit so much more like normal Altra fit now.

Maybe my favorite Altra’s. I had to return the original for sizing. I wear an 11.5 in escalante, 11 in lone peak, and a 10.5 in superiors. These are definitely better than the last gen of superiors.

I have worn Altra trail runners for the last 8 years these are very comfortable-light and have excellent traction my one and only complaint is after one month 8 hikes the padding on back of shoe is just beginning to rip not acceptable on a shoe this price

Rear tread has started to come off after less than a week of use. Not a good constructive design. Would perfer Superior 6 over the 7 due to this.

The shoes fit great, very light but the sole is separated after 90 days.

For hiking or trail running, don't ignore that these shoes have 'Minimal" cushioning. They mean it! After wearing out a pair of Altra Lone Peak shoes (which I recommend) I bought these because they felt comfortable walking around the store, and they are comfortable for casual sneakers. But the first time I hiked in them on a rocky trail, I ended the day with a foot injury (predislocation syndrome - look it up, you don't want this) and now am a podiatrist's patient. These should be worn only on smooth trails. You can almost poke your finger through the sole!

Good shoe overall - thanks. Love the lightweight, minimalistic build, trail feel, low stack, zero drop, and non-flashy colors. Grip of sole could be better and is only so/so on wet rocks and roots. Durometer of rubber seems a bit too firm. Not nearly as grippy as my Topos with Vibram. But I usually only run when wet (I mtb when dry) - I'm a sloppy weather runner. They are good on dry roots and rocks and will likely last longer due to the less grippy rubber. Fit is highly personal. For my lower volume foot they could be less roomy, both mid-foot and at the toe. I need to cinch the lace a bit more than I'd like. They compete with my Topo Terraventures, which grip better, but are a heavier, more substantial shoe (which for me is less appealing) so overall the more nimble Altra wins.

Updated review here. Lowering my opinion of this shoe due to lack of grip on wet rocks. Durometer of the sole may be too hard. I'm the trail steward at our local loop and I know all the rocks and roots well and the "breakpoint" for grip when the they are wet. My Vibram Topos and my Bean hunting boots easily grip the slick better than the Superior 7 sole. Descending a familiar steep slab yesterday on the Superiors they let loose - feet went up, and my butt and back came down hard and fast. Not my first grip issue with these shoes but it was the worst. Lost confidence in them on wet rocks. Otherwise, great for dry weather, but I mountain bike when dry, and trail run when wet so I need a grippy sole. It's too bad as otherwise I really liked these shoes. Put a Vibram sole on them or lower the durometer at least.