Best Altra Road Running Shoes

Altra is a brand devoted to providing a more natural running experience on foot, and it all starts with their ergonomic shoe design and signature fit. The standard Altra FootShape Fit features a roomy, anatomical-shaped toe box for comfortable toe-splaying and free movement paired with a Balanced Cushioning platform and underfoot protection. The natural theme continues with Altra's zero-to-low-drop road running shoes, which support natural foot placement for better alignment and form for a solid foundation to hit the ground running. Learn more about Altra's FootShape Fit and discover the right Altra shoe for you in our guide to the different Altra fit shapes.

Over the years, Altra has introduced many game-changing shoes, and their newest lineup is no different. We have compiled a list of the Best Altra Road Shoes for every type of run. If you're interested in hitting the trails, check out our guide on the Best Altra Trail Running Shoes. Now let's dive feet first into our top Altra road running shoe picks:

The Torin is the best shoe for someone who has never tried an Altra. This shoe is built following Altra's key philosophies. The Torin has the signature FootShape last and balanced cushioning in the forefoot and heel with the new EgoMax midsole. This shoe is now being offered in wide widths as well to fit even more foot shapes. The Torin is a great introductory shoe for those who want to try Altra and are looking for a plush and comfortable running shoe ready to take on a variety of runs.

The Provision is Altra's lightest offering in their guidance category. This shoe utilizes Altra's GuideRail technology that provides support by running the midsole cushion up the medial side of the foot. This unique system stabilizes the foot without disrupting the balanced cushioning from the midsole. The Provision gets an updated Ego midsole that has been flared out in the forefoot and heel of the shoe for increased stability. Overall, the Provision is one of the lightest stability shoes on the market, making it a great option for those looking for a fast and nimble stability shoe.

More cushion with more stability are the main features of the Altra Paradigm. On longer runs, where comfort is king, Altra's Paradigm is the best option. The Paradigm features 30mm of soft and responsive EgoMAX foam underfoot and includes an extended GuideRail. The GuideRail adds support without interrupting the natural foot motion during running. Following Altra's past models, the Paradigm has the FootShape toe box that allows the toes to splay naturally during landing. Those who want a max cushioned ride with guided stability will enjoy the Paradigm.

The Altra Escalante is the most similar to the original batch of Altra's that were first released. The Escalante was the first shoe with an Ego midsole and continues to have a cushioned yet responsive ride. This shoe has a lower stack height than other Altras and provides the most ground feel in the road series. The Escalante has a knit upper and wide forefoot that allows for toes to splay and the foot to move freely. Although it has had minor updates over the years, the Escalante has remained loyal to its first iteration. Those who loved the original shoe will continue to enjoy the latest updates.

The Vanish Carbon is a high-performance, carbon-plated super shoe that's designed for long-distance racing. Featuring a three-pronged carbon fiber plate that runs the length of the shoe, the Vanish Carbon is built for snappy responsiveness with a natural ride. Surrounding the plate is Altra's new EgoPro midsole foam, which is the lightest and most responsive compound from Altra to date. The Vanish Carbon has a zero-drop midsole and FootShape design, making it a unique offering in the growing world of super shoes. Overall, the Vanish Carbon is the best option for a racing shoe from Altra.

The AltraFWD Experience is the latest game changer from Altra. Until now, Altra shoes all featured zero heel-toe drop, but for an alternative option and to expand its user base, the AltraFWD Experience was born. This road running shoe features a 4-mm offset, making it Altra's first low-drop shoe, and a compression-molded EVA foam for a comfortable and responsive underfoot feel without the bulk. A lightweight daily trainer, the AltraFWD offers soft cushioning and a forward-rolling ride thanks to its rocker geometry for smooth transitions. With Altra's signature FootShape fit, the AltraFWD Experience continues the tradition of supporting a natural foot position and comfort and has a highly breathable engineered mesh upper. This shoe is best for those who enjoy running in low-offset shoes and want an introduction to Altra's signature fit or for runners looking to transition to lower-drop shoes for daily runs.