Altra  Experience Wild 3+ Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

I’ve been wearing Altras Olympus trail runners for several years. After Altra added a heel pad in the model 6 that created a built-in place for a hot spot and blisters, I began my search for a new shoe. I have yet to use the Altra Experience Wild shoes on a backpacking trip yet, they are possibly the most comfortable shoes I’ve used in many years for walking and wearing around. I’m hoping that Altra listens to the many poor reviews of the model 6 Olympus and ditch the heel pad and I may go back to using the more cushioned Olympus model again. Until then, The Experience Wild model is a great choice.

These shoes are true-to-size for my 10.5 feet. They hug your foot with excellent heel lock and no slippage mid foot. Toebox is good and wide enough for average feet. I just spent a week on the AT in North Carolina. Trails full of debris, roots, loose rock, boulders to scramble, packed dirt, streams, mud...the vibram lugs handled everything the trails threw at us. Never once did these shoes slip even on wet boulders. They totally exceeded my expectations. Managed to kick a few rocks - the mustache scuff plate handled the abuse with no issues. Upper material is very durable as well. I recommend gaiters for serious trail running - I did manage to get some debris into the shoe along the sides, but no damage to inner so all good. Only thing I don't care for - the laces are cheap junk. Recommend lock laces or any semi-sticky lace (such as those that shipped with my Via Olympus 2).

Last year - I emailed Altra asking them to put lugs on the bottom of the Experience Flow 2's as I wanted that exact trail shoe. Unknown to me, they already had it in the works. So far, this is the ultimate, do it all trail shoe. Enough cushion for the trails - enough pop to speed up - enough traction to tackle nasty conditions - breathable - great lockdown. It really covers al the bases. As for fit, it's slightly more narrow than the Timp 5's - but perfect (at least for my foot shape). Looking forward to testing it on future ultras.

I have over a week in these running a 5k each day. Was able to test them on most of my local conditions from sand and hardened mud to loose rock. Key criteria for me was adequate forefoot space and a drop close to my accustomed 6mm. Stack height was a consideration and the slightly less stack of the Wild 3+ had me a little cautious whether it would work well on rocky local trails. As well it's heel was much less bulky and pronounced. No issues and I think the Vibram sole which pretty much covers the entire sole helps in that regard. The sole lugs get thinner towards the front and not quite as agressive as others but for me these make a great daily trail runner. They are good looking and glad Altra started making a 4mm drop shoe. I purchased a pair of the FWD VIA 2 a few weeks ago to test the midsole and fit as a recovery shoe and because of the fit and a sense of the midsole, took a chance on the Wild 3+.

One week in and I love these shoes. Almost all my running is road to trail back to road and these are great in both situations. The foam is softer than most trail shoes making them fine on the road. The vibram soles are super grippy in all situations. The fit is typical Altra with a comfy toe box but nicer cushioning in the upper. I am not sure when not to wear them. Not in bed I guess.

I’ll be returning these since the 12.5 size was much smaller than I expected. I’ve been running in lone peaks and wanted to try these but will have to size up.

Very supportive cushioned trail shoe. Drain well after being submerged during creek crossing

Comfortable shoe with great grip. Fits true to size with 0 drop altras