How to Choose Running Shoes

Sail through daily workouts, crush long training runs and smile through the miles in the women's Altra Experience Form road-running shoes. They're all about effortless feel and support.
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Imported.
View the Altra Experience Product LineView all Altra Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Stability |
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 | 2-color engineered mesh |
Midsole | Lightweight compression-molded EVA foam |
Support | GuideRail technology |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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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Purchased as first dedicated pair of road running shoes and they've been excellent from anything between a fun run/casual jog to timed 10ks. To my surprise, I've been wearing them as work shoes because they're not "loud," they're fairly low key in terms of design, and they're comfortable to wear for 8 hours (elementary school teacher). I have put about 90 miles on them for the last two months between runs and daily use - they've been reliably comfortable and supportive. Altra's have been my favorite true to size "working" shoes (have had several pairs of Lone Peaks for trail running) and this pair has been no different - large toe box, comfortable body, flexible/breathable outer material, and no rubbing/sore points; true to size. Zero drop has always left my feet feeling "awake" without feeling strained, and the medium cushion also feels great on my knees after spending extended periods on pavement or linoleum. Was skeptical if they would begin to show wear early (as has been the case w some of the Lone Peaks) but they've been holding it down - no complaints on material or construction. Taking them out for the test 5k, I passed by a local educational farm and the resident Jersey milking cow was quite intrigued. I'd like to think she approved. Overall great design, low-fuss, running shoe and daily driver! **Note: The exterior sole material is a matte purple/slate color as opposed to the opaque periwinkle that it looks like in the product photos (if you're getting for stylistic purposes :)
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is the most comfortable sneaker I have ever had. No need to break them in. The arch support is amazing and my feet were comfortable all day. I've never had a shoe that fit my foot so well. They are also cute and stylish.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I had high hopes for these shoes in comparison to others I've tried in this same line. Unfortunately, upon putting them on I immediately was uncomfortable. The shoes are too narrow so you could visibly see where my foot protruded out. It's a thicker shoe so I felt very constricted. I still went for my walk/run to see if they'd give but unfortunately I only noticed that during any decline or instance where the top of your toe would touch the shoe- it almost feels like I was wearing steel toe boots because it's a hard surface on the inside by the front of your toe. Ouch! Very disappointing. Luckily as a benefit my feet are not sore after, but I will likely not be wearing them again. Overall these really hurt my feet everywhere for different reasons.. they are also not very cute. I could do without the blue combo.
Hi Natalie, Thank you for your feedback! We regret to hear you were not satisfied. Whether constructive or positive, we appreciate any feedback and ensure it is directed to the appropriate department. Our hard-working teams take all feedback seriously. We are constantly taking in feedback and ensuring it gets to the appropriate department to make sure that issues get handled moving forward. Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received the Altra women's Experience Form sneaker for free in exchange for trying out and reviewing the product. I put the shoes on the day I got them and went for my run with no break-in period. They were comfortable and cushioned right from the start. I used them for several days and the only drawback was the felt a bit tight in the front of the sneaker, like I may have needed a half size larger. I simply wore thinner socks and it worked out well but I would need a larger size if I were to use these regularly in place of my usual running shoes. But overall they were roomy everywhere else and very lightweight and comfortable.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've now worn these for several runs, walks, and two twelve hour hospital shifts. In a nutshell: they were perfect for all of the above. I've suffered low back pain as long as I can remember, and had none when wearing these. The contour to my foot is perfection. I bought these in my usual running shoe size and the fit is great. Initially I received these for free to sample and provide a review. However, after using these in multiple capacities I've already ordered another pair to have specifically for work. 10/10 recommend for running, walking, or just spending a lot of hours up and on your feet.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I really enjoy these shoes. The cushion is great without being overly springy. Wide toe box allows for maximum comfort but doesn't make the shoe wide. Colors are fun and not basic. I wore primarily in a concrete trail.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love these shoes! They are super comfortable and are true to size. The laces stay tied & they are lightweight. I love the way they cushion my impact when running.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love these sneakers. The fit is perfect and they are so comfortable. I've already worn them everyday since receiving. I would definitely recommend and purchase
I've been in love with the Paradigm since the Paradigm 3. This was the shoe that gave me my love for running because my knees and back no longer hurt. I have been running in the 6 for 2 years now. I have 7 pairs. I thought I'd try this Experience Form because I read that heavier, heel strikers might benefit from a small drop. I have to say this is a pretty good shoe! Very nice padding (think squishmallow) around the heel makes for a comfy fit. The biggest difference I notice is how this shoe has some stability but not as strict as the Paradigm. I've noticed my heel is still able to sink in slightly on the inside when I land, whereas the Paradigm really makes you land on the outside of your heel. I feel this is a good thing for me, as I'm not a super underpronator, and I feel like I'm landing more evenly now not solely on the outside of my heel. I've also enjoyed that this shoe is lighter. My feet don't feel so heavy and I've actually been clocking 15-20seconds less per mile for the past 5 runs with the Experience Form. I have to get a 9.5 in the Paradigm for the shoe to fit my foot properly and with that, my second toes hit the top of the shoe and basically I have no toenail left on those two toes. I ordered a size 10 in the Experience and it fits and does not hit my toes so maybe with continued wear I'll get my toenails back! These shoes did not come with elastic laces so I switched them out for Caterpy laces.
This shoe was recommended to me by a foot and ankle specialist because of mortons neuroma and some toe problems. These shoes are like walking on clouds! I love them and don't even use my orthotics in them. I should, but my feet are so happy without having them, I'll wait and see. Prior to these shoes other other sneakers were also recommended by a different podiatrist and they were fine but had to have inserts and wear toe separators and tubes...well that was a pain so I am happy I discovered my Forms.