AltraFWD Experience | Baby's First Altra 

I LOVE this shoe. It's exactly what I want, I put it on and forget about it. I'm not a fan of the soft cushy foams, or bouncy energy foams. I'm going to stock up before next year's model inevitably turns into a narrow toe, bouncy foam, narrow unstable platform, 6mm drop, high stack, plated shoe. (Which seems to be the only shoe we ever get lately!) I mean officially I'm mad about it because it's Altra and a 4mm drop. But I love it. So much.

Pretty fair take, Emily. I'm a pretty loyal Altra fan since I tried the Lone Peak 5 during the pandemic. I have the FWD and agree somewhat regarding the midsole. I was surprised they didn't use the Ego or Ego Max foam on this shoe. I think they did that to keep the price at 140 and possibly keep the weight down (I love how light it is). I own the Torin 6/7, Paradigm 6/7, and the Lone Peak 5/6 and I really enjoyed the running experience with this shoe. As you captured, it feels a little more versatile than the others I listed. I'm a below-average runner and this shoe was a nice step up to finally start doing some speed work and I could feel the efficiency in turnover with the rocker geometry. I just did my first run in the Novablast 3 this morning and the two shoes felt very similar to me in many respects. This will go into my rotation for days when speed work is happening and keep the others for easy runs/daily training.

I’ve been running in Altras for years, mostly Torins which were once great but now only good. I’m an older runner and unfortunately I’ve started to have some foot problems. I bought a pair of these a couple of months ago for walking shoes thinking the extra cushion would protect my feet from further damage. And they are indeed very comfortable walking shoes and the cushion is enough that my feet are recovering from the pounding they get when running. I hadn’t thought about running in them but after watching this video I think I’ll try them for a training run.

I ran in Altras exclusively for a year. Then got a pair of New Balance. Recently, I haven’t bought any Altra road shoes because now they feel so dead and unresponsive compared many of the bigger brands out there! However, I’ll always stick with them for my trails shoes. Love the Altra Lone Peak and Olympus!

I really think you’d like the topo cyclone and Atmos.

:D Looking forward to that one... My Torin felt going stiffer during the run, as the temps were around freezing.

Since I am not a fan of zero drop shoes, I figured I would tune in hoping to see Ruby 😊. Although Altra is not "my shoe" even with a 4mm drop, I do think it is a very nice looking shoe. Agreed that at least a 6mm, preferably 8mm, is more my comfort level. Glad I tuned in and of course Hi Ruby you sweetheart you 💕🐕

I have mortons neuroma so wide toe box shoes are my go to, I have many altra’s but generally dislike them. Always strange foam , some forcing my feet inwards. Was very disappointed in the fwd

I've had the ultra paradigm and the torin. They're very nice to walk in all day but definitely not my go-to choice for running. They tend to have a cult following just like everything else but just not for me personally.

Great review aND gi ruby

How would you compare this shoe against New Balance Rebel v4?

I haven’t run in this shoe, but from what I know about it-and about Altra-my assumptions were “meh.” When runners want a foot-shaped shoe with a bit of drop, I usually suggest something from Topo (usually in the 5mm range). If Topo sent you something like the Atmos, I’m sure it would be a lot more like what you’d hoped the Altra FWD Experience would be.

why didn’t they go with ego max in the midsole ?? hmmm

I tried this shoe one time when an Altra representative had them available for test runs. I was not impressed with the cushioning or the lack of responsiveness of the midsole.

I have never run in Altras because of the zero drop. I would like to see a brand make a shoe with the Altra style forefoot/toebox, and also a 8-10 mm drop. Also, altra midsole foams seem to be pretty underwhelming.

Its like Hoka Clifton 9

It does not appear to have Ruby's seal of approval...

I had the ALTRA Rivera. Such a bad shoe that I am hesitant..

I used to run in Altras, but their QC has dropped drastically (and they narrowed their toeboxes). I’m a topo guy when it comes to this type of shoe.

One millimeter is equivalent to the length of the tip of a sewing needle or the width of a credit card. The way you people talk about a few millimeters of drop here or there is ridiculous and overkill.

I do think this shoe is just unnecessary. It's just Vanity Fair's attempt at biting off a bigger piece of the cake. That's what it actually is.

Altra zero drop is where it's at. This shoe makes Altra lose its identity.

Other than great geometry in this particular shoe -- materials including their foams, workmanship, etc are garbage. Would never buy Altra ever again after only a few runs in one pair of their flagship Lone Peaks