Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Get off the pavement and find new trails with these Altra shoes. Grippy outsoles give you confidence on uneven surfaces. Their light, efficient ride helps your stride feel effortless.



Imported.
View the Altra Experience Product LineView all Altra Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 32 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 28 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Mesh |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ P35 |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6.2 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
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These these shoes hit the mark for me on several fronts: First, they have a wide toe box, which keeps my toes and front foot happy. Second, the back heel is narrow enough to prevent slippage (This is often a challenge with most wide toe box shoes). Third, the breathability of the shoe is good. I’ve been so happy with the shoes that I’m buying an extra before the new model comes out.
These are great shoes! They are comfortable, fit true to size, have just the right amount of cushion, and the 4mm drop feels good. Thank you, Altra!
Altra is a good design with a wider toe box for when you are pushing it and your feet swell.
I’ve been wearing the Experience Wild since the first generation and have owned around nine pairs, so I know this shoe pretty well and have a good basis for comparing the Wild 3 to the previous versions. There’s a lot to like about the Wild 3. The TrailClaw lugs continue to perform really well on the trail and the new midsole foam is a significant improvement. The cushioning and comfort are outstanding and, in my opinion, best-in-class for this type of trail shoe. I also like the new “twisted” webbing heel tab. It’s a small change, but definitely an improvement over the heel tabs on the Wild and Wild 2. My biggest issue is the fit of the upper. The Wild 3 is noticeably too loose on the inside of the foot, particularly through the interior midfoot/girth area. This was never an issue for me with either the original Wild or the Wild 2. The result is a shoe that just doesn’t feel as secure on my foot, particularly on the trail. The laces are also a step backward. They’re softer and “mushier” than the Wild 2 laces and don’t have the same rigidity or structure. It may sound like a small detail, but the Wild 2 laces simply did a better job of locking down the shoe. Durability continues to be an issue. The TrailClaw outsole performs great, but these shoes wear out very, very quickly. I’d really like to see Altra address durability without forcing customers to move up to the more expensive Wild 3+ to get it. One minor cosmetic complaint: I don’t understand the need to print “Experience Wild 3” underneath the Altra logo on the tongue. It looks busy and unnecessary. I know what shoe I bought. I don’t need the model name printed on the tongue. Overall, the Wild 3 gets some important things right. The cushioning is excellent, the traction is great and the new heel tab is an improvement. But after owning around nine pairs of Experience Wilds, I think the looser midfoot fit and softer laces are real step back from the Wild 2. Give me the Wild 3 midsole and cushioning with the Wild 2 upper and lace with improved durabilit and I think Altra has an exceptional trail shoe.
Love these shoes! The tread allows me to feel confident running on a variety of terrains and the wide toe box is a game changer. I have a fairly significant bunion on my right foot that has rubbed against the inside of every other running shoe I’ve tried and is usually raw and throbbing after my longer runs. This design has reduced the strain on my foot without sacrificing a secure fit. These have become my go to shoes for trial running, hiking, and backpacking.
Just got these shoes and have only tried them once. Hard to review. They’re a little different than the Altras that I just used up. I use them for hiking, not running, I need support on the ball of my feet and these provide that. Almost like walking on pillows. We will see how they do going downhill in loose gravel.
I really do love this shoe. The extra toe space is amazing and it is great for hikes along rocky trails. My only complaint is the noise the sole makes on tile floor. Getting to the hiking trail is very noisy! I know most folks would laugh but I like to wear them at other times than just hiking, and during those other times they are noisy!
Some of the most comfortable shoes I've owned. The wide toe box is ideal for me and was perhaps the most compelling reason I purchased these. However, I will say that the knowledgeable sales staff has to be recognized as well. I can say without hesitation, that I was beyond impressed.
Very comfortable shoe with the Altra fit (wide toe box) that I rely on when running. My go to shoe for my local rail trail runs when conditions require a bit of extra grip on the gravel and dirt surface.
Love these. I’m rehabbing from back surgery and my surgeon and physical therapist agreed that my Lone Peaks were not appropriate. I needed more cushioning and a little drop. These are like walking on air. My Hoka Cliftons are too squishy. These are perfect!!


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