Altra Experience Flow

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84%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Altra Experience Flow: Review

β€œA lightweight road running shoe with a low-drop design.”

Overview


The Altra Experience Flow is a road running shoe designed for those who appreciate a low-drop design. This shoe is known for its lightweight construction and smooth ride.

Key Features:

  • Low Drop: Features a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, offering a balance between traditional and zero-drop designs.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Provides breathability and comfort with a snug fit.
  • Rocker-Shaped Sole: Aids in efficient toe-off, enhancing the running experience.

The Altra Experience Flow is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable shoe for daily running. Its engineered mesh upper offers breathability, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

With an average review score of 84%, it's in the highest rated 40% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Altra Experience Flow


The Altra Experience Flow is a versatile road running shoe that caters to a wide range of runners. It offers a smooth ride and ample cushioning, making it suitable for daily training. The shoe's lightweight nature is impressive, especially given its stack height, which provides a comfortable and cushioned experience. However, the narrow forefoot and toe box might not appeal to those accustomed to Altra's traditionally roomy designs. The engineered mesh upper ensures breathability, while the rubber outsole provides reliable grip on various surfaces. Despite its lack of energy return, the Experience Flow excels in stability and durability, making it a reliable choice for everyday running. Overall, the Altra Experience Flow is a solid option for those seeking a low-drop, comfortable road running shoe.

Comparable Shoes


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The ASICS Novablast 4 is a good alternative for runners seeking more energy return and a dynamic ride. While the Altra Experience Flow offers a low-drop design and a comfortable fit, the Novablast 4 excels in providing a bouncy and responsive experience. The Novablast 4's cushioning is more plush, making it suitable for those who prioritize energy return during their runs.

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The Hoka Mach 6 offers a more cushioned and responsive ride compared to the Altra Experience Flow. While the Experience Flow is lightweight and suitable for daily running, the Mach 6 provides a more dynamic experience with its plush cushioning. Runners who prefer a higher drop and a more energetic ride might find the Mach 6 a better fit.

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The Altra Escalante 4 is a better choice for purists who favor zero-drop designs and minimal cushioning. While the Experience Flow offers a low-drop option, the Escalante 4 stays true to Altra's classic design, providing a more traditional Altra experience. Runners who prefer a roomier toe box and a zero-drop platform might find the Escalante 4 more appealing.

9 Altra Experience Flow Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Ample cushioning for a comfortable ride.
Lightweight design suitable for daily running.
Breathable engineered mesh upper.
Reliable grip on various surfaces.
Low-drop design appeals to a broad range of runners.

4 Cons

Narrow forefoot and toe box compared to traditional Altra models.
Lacks significant energy return.
Non-gusseted tongue might be a drawback for some.
Outsole durability could be improved.

In Depth


Upper

The Altra Experience Flow features an engineered mesh upper that is both breathable and comfortable. This design allows for adequate airflow, keeping the foot cool during runs. The upper is also durable, with strategically placed ventilation areas that enhance breathability without compromising the shoe's structure. The padded heel cup provides a snug fit, ensuring the heel stays in place without being too tight. However, the upper is slightly narrower than typical Altra models, which might be a consideration for those with wider feet.

Midsole

The midsole of the Altra Experience Flow is made from compression-molded EVA foam, providing a balance of cushioning and ground feel. While it lacks significant energy return, it offers a smooth ride suitable for daily running. The midsole's design supports a natural running experience, with a slight rocker shape that aids in toe-off. This combination makes the shoe ideal for forefoot and midfoot strikers, offering stability and comfort during runs.

Outsole

The rubber outsole of the Altra Experience Flow is designed to mimic the foot's anatomy, providing a natural running feel. It features flex points that align with the foot's structure, enhancing flexibility and grip. The outsole performs well on both wet and dry surfaces, offering reliable traction. However, the durability of the outsole could be improved, as it showed some wear during testing. Despite this, the outsole's design contributes to the shoe's overall stability and comfort.

Size/fit

The Altra Experience Flow offers a fit that is slightly narrower than traditional Altra models, particularly in the forefoot and toe box. This might be a consideration for those with wider feet or those accustomed to Altra's roomier designs. The shoe fits true to size, with a padded heel cup that ensures a secure fit. The lack of a gusseted tongue is a minor drawback, but the overall fit remains comfortable for most runners.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Altra Experience Flow, thanks to its lightweight design and ample cushioning. The engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable fit, while the padded heel cup ensures the heel stays in place. The shoe's low weight is impressive, given its cushioning and stack height, making it suitable for long runs and daily training. However, the narrow forefoot might not be ideal for those with wider feet, affecting overall comfort for some runners.

Cushioning

The Altra Experience Flow offers ample cushioning with its compression-molded EVA midsole. This design provides a comfortable ride, suitable for both short and medium-distance runs. The cushioning is not overly plush, striking a balance that many runners will appreciate. While it lacks significant energy return, the cushioning is sufficient for daily training, offering protection and comfort without being too heavy.

Breathability

The engineered mesh upper of the Altra Experience Flow ensures excellent breathability, with strategically placed ventilation areas. This design allows for adequate airflow, keeping the foot cool during runs. The upper's breathability is enhanced by its lightweight construction, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Despite the lack of visible ventilation holes, the shoe performs well in terms of breathability, contributing to overall comfort.

Stability

Stability is a key feature of the Altra Experience Flow, thanks to its low-drop design and broad landing platform. The shoe offers remarkable support, even though it is not a traditional stability shoe. The balanced foam and robust sidewalls contribute to a stable ride, making it suitable for various running styles. The shoe's design supports a natural running experience, with a slight rocker shape that aids in toe-off.

Durability

The Altra Experience Flow demonstrates good durability, particularly in the upper and heel padding. The engineered mesh upper is designed to withstand regular use, while the heel padding offers robust durability. However, the outsole showed some wear during testing, indicating room for improvement in future iterations. Despite this, the shoe's overall durability is commendable, making it a reliable choice for daily running.

Grip

The rubber outsole of the Altra Experience Flow provides reliable grip on various surfaces, including wet and dry conditions. The outsole's design mimics the foot's anatomy, enhancing flexibility and traction. This makes the shoe suitable for road running and smooth dirt tracks, offering a secure footing during runs. The grip is a standout feature, contributing to the shoe's overall performance and stability.

Flex

The Altra Experience Flow offers a balanced level of flexibility, with a design that supports a natural running experience. The outsole features flex points that align with the foot's structure, enhancing flexibility without compromising stability. This design allows for a smooth, natural run, making the shoe suitable for various running styles. The flexibility is complemented by the shoe's lightweight construction, contributing to overall comfort and performance.

Who should buy the Altra Experience Flow?


The Altra Experience Flow is an excellent choice for runners seeking a low-drop road running shoe with a comfortable fit. It's ideal for those who appreciate a lightweight design and ample cushioning for daily running. Runners who have experienced discomfort with zero-drop shoes may find the 4 mm drop beneficial. The shoe's breathable upper and reliable grip make it suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, those with a fore/midfoot strike will appreciate the shoe's design, which supports a natural running experience.

Who should not buy the Altra Experience Flow?


Runners who prefer a traditional zero-drop design might not find the Altra Experience Flow appealing due to its 4 mm drop. Those accustomed to Altra's roomier toe boxes may find the narrower fit less comfortable. If energy return is a priority, the Experience Flow's EVA midsole might not meet expectations. Runners seeking a shoe for fast paces may want to consider alternatives like the ASICS Novablast 4 or Hoka Mach 6, which offer more dynamic experiences. Additionally, those who prefer a gusseted tongue might find this shoe lacking in that aspect.

Altra Experience Flow: What's it good for?


The Altra Experience Flow is well-suited for daily running and everyday training, offering a comfortable and smooth ride. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for road running, providing reliable grip on various surfaces. The shoe's breathable upper ensures comfort in different weather conditions. Fore/midfoot strikers will appreciate the shoe's design, which supports a natural running experience. Overall, the Experience Flow is a versatile choice for runners seeking a low-drop, comfortable shoe for their daily runs.

5 Altra Experience Flow FAQs


What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Altra Experience Flow?

The Altra Experience Flow features a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, offering a balance between traditional and zero-drop designs.

Is the Altra Experience Flow suitable for wide feet?

While the Altra Experience Flow offers a roomy fit compared to many brands, it is slightly narrower than traditional Altra models, which might be a consideration for those with wider feet.

How does the Altra Experience Flow perform in terms of breathability?

The engineered mesh upper of the Altra Experience Flow ensures excellent breathability, with strategically placed ventilation areas that allow for adequate airflow.

What type of runner is the Altra Experience Flow best suited for?

The Altra Experience Flow is ideal for runners seeking a low-drop road running shoe with a comfortable fit, suitable for daily running and everyday training.

Does the Altra Experience Flow have a gusseted tongue?

No, the Altra Experience Flow does not feature a gusseted tongue, which might be a consideration for some runners.

Altra Experience Flow alternatives

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Altra Experience Flow
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released
Released
Mar 2024
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Weight
Weight
M: 238 g
W: 204 g
249 g
232 g
292 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
30 mm
24 mm
31 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
5 mm
10 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 30 mm
35 mm
34 mm
37 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily runningDaily runningDaily runningDaily runningSpeed trainingDaily running
Brand
Brand
Altra
New BalanceadidasHokaBrooksOn
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLightweightLow drop
ComfortableMaximalist
ComfortableMaximalistComfortableLightweightMaximalist
Breathable
Breathable
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh FoamNew Balance Fresh FoamXNew Balance FuelCell
Brooks BioMoGo DNAOn Helion
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
SustainableSustainable
SustainableVegan β“‹Sustainable
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Altra Experience Flow: what the experts say (1 review)

Altra Experience Flow: 4 Expert video reviews

Altra Experience Flow characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesDaily running (+1132)
BrandAltra (+66)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+239)Lightweight (+409)Low drop (+277)
FitWide toe box (+273)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)Orthotic friendly (+456)Removable insole (+439)
MaterialsMesh (+942)Reflective (+181)
ColorwaysBlack, Blue, Grey, Grey / Green, Grey / Orange, Light Blue, Mint, Taupe, White / Grey, White / Light Blue
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2024
Measurements
Weight
M: 238 g
W: 204 g
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 30 mm
Forefoot
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%