Altra  Experience Flow 3 Road-Running Shoes - Women's

I really like these shoes! I tried the Escalante 5 and liked it for its original width toe box, but I wanted a little more padding. I tried these Experience Flow 3’s and they work great! They have the standard width toe box and medium cushioning. Wish there was an option for the original toe box and medium cushioning in a running shoe but I didn’t find one. I’ve worn the Olympus before and liked them, but started to feel like they were maybe a bit too much cushioning and a bit bulky. I’m also very thankful I can find women’s shoes that fit (size 12) instead of having to resort to wearing men’s shoes.

I have been a long-time fan of Hoka and had about 8 pair I rotated out. I kept having issues with my toes having blisters rubbed on them but could never find a wide in my size of the Hoka to try. I was in a store in Alabama about 2 months ago and saw the Altra Experience Flow and decided to give them a try on. That was all she wrote. I have already purchased a second pair, this snazzy daydream color, and for work (medical field) as well as walking/running, these are my go to shoes. I haven't worn any of my Hoka shoes since buying these. Now I just need more colors so I can build up my selection of Altras to rotate! The wide toe box is GENIUS!

Sizing feels off, had to send back because they feel like they are about a half size too big. They definitely feel much bigger than the Flow 2 which fit perfectly.

I used to trail run in Altra years ago and left when I felt the quality diminishing. Fast forward a few years and I now run both trail and road. I came back to Altra looking for a cushioned-yet-zippy road shoe, as I wasn't finding anything I liked at similar shoe companies. 62 miles in, I am pleased so far with the Exp Flow 3. I'm 122 lbs with average volume feet and a forefoot strike; I run about 16-20 miles a week. They required zero break-in, and feel plush on the feet without losing the feel of the road. Running in these truly feels efficient and effortless; I've actually shaved a few seconds off of my normal pace. I'm now considering the Exp Wild trail shoes. I'm glad to be back, Altra!

Altra continues to disappoint me. I own 20 pairs of older Altra shoes - my 2 favorite models have been discontinued: Provison (especially version 5) and Rivera (version 3). I now need a little rise, so thought the Flow might be perfect. However, the size 9. 5, my usual size, was too short with my toes touching the end of the shoes. Both little toes rubbed the side of the toe box, and the heel was too wide/loose. All this was evident as soon as I put them on. I'm about to give up on Altra. I am happy for an RN that I introduce to Altra - they fit his wider, flatter foot in the wide sizes, and he purchased 7 pairs! They just no longer have a shoe that works for me. Glad I have something of a stockpile of previous models.

I tried these on in store and went down a half size from the 2nd gen back to my original size. I really wanted to love these and if they took the sole of the 2nd gen and put it on this version it would be 5/5 stars. I can feel every rock, stick, bump etc. and after my latest long run in them my feet were hurting in ways they didn’t in the 2nd gen. I’ll be wearing these for shorter runs and bought a couple pairs of the 2nd gen to hold me over until the 4th is released.

I’ve worn experience flow 1 and 2. 2 was a great improvement in the durability of material. Bought flow 3 here and was very sad at how tight they were across my mid foot. The lacing ends way before the toe so I couldn’t adjust them to make them fit. I feel betrayed by the brand! My foot had no room! I wear size 9 and have normal width to slightly wide feet. I had to return these and buy a pair of flow 2 to replace my last pair. I’m hoping flow 4 goes back to normal

Long time Altra wearer - I went to a store to try on and so glad I did without blindly ordering online, I am really upset and disappointed in the product design here! The midfoot was so narrow my foot was splaying out and there’s no wide option. Out of the 5 brands of shoes I tried today, this was the most comfortable shoe but the fit did not work for me at all and I have an average foot shape. Truly disappointed and now I have to go to a competitor brand of Altra.

Size down a half size from 2nd gen, seriously. I’m usually a 9, had to go up to 9. 5 for 2nd gen and then went back to 9 on this version. Pros: love the roomy feel and higher mid foot height. I missed the roomy feel from the zero drops so this version brings some of that back. This gen is more breathable too. Laces stay tied unlike the 2nd gen which is something easily modified but wanted to note it. Neutral: I don’t have any qualms with the removal of the heel cushion. Cons: this is kind of a big one, but the sole is so much more thin feeling than 2nd gen. I can feel every rock, stick, bump etc. it’s not a cushioning ride at all. My feet started to hurt in ways they didn’t with the second gen and for that reason I am using these for short runs only and bought a few pairs of 2nd gen to ride out until the 4th gen comes out. If they put the sole of the 2nd gen on these then this would be a winner.