The Altra FWD Experience is everything Altra is usually not. With a 4 mm drop, it’s the first Altra running shoe that has a drop. I won’t lie, I expected big things for this shoe. Altra is known for their foot shaped shoes and zero-drop platform and they are great for someone who wants to run in a more natural way and without a massive stack height.
That is both the good and bad for Altra because, with only having a zero-drop platform, they are also isolating themselves from the bulk of running customers. The new Altra FWD Experience features a 4 mm drop and will appeal to a lot more runners. Is the Altra FWD Experience good? Well, let’s find out.
Altra FWD Experience Quick Facts:
Price: $139.95
Weight: Men’s 8.5 oz
Drop: 4mm
Altra FWD Experience Fit:
I’m not sure why I’m in an all black running shoe mood for the moment, but I decided to buy the all blacks. I would say they hide dirt well but the desert sand stands right out on them ha ha.
Altra is known for their foot-shaped shoe. They are usually a little wider in the toebox but more narrow in the midfoot to keep the foot secure. Altra doesn’t want to be known as a “wide running shoe” but a foot-shaped running shoe. The Altra FWD Experience does fit fairly true to size, although I’ve found it more narrow than most other Altra running shoes.
Altra claims the FWD Experience uses a “natural fit.” The engineered mesh upper is nothing new or exciting, but as mentioned, it does run on the more narrow side. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not narrow enough I can’t wear but, but if you are looking for a more narrow Altra shoe, it’s a good one to start with. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, I’ve found the FWD Experience to do just that.
Another thing to note is the toebox has fairly low volume. This is all surprising for the brand that usually runs on the more spacious side. In summary, the Altra FWD Experience is on the more narrow side for Altra running shoes. It’s still what I classify as “true to size” but it’s leaning on the narrow side.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the women’s size 11 of the FWD Experience to fit the best. I did go a half size up because I prefer the extra space.
Altra FWD Experience Ride:
The Altra FWD Experience is nothing like Altra has ever created. The 4mm drop makes it unique to Altra but not unique to the running industry. The drop is still on the lower side as many running shoes now feature an 8 mm drop. (Brooks and ASICS usually feature 10-12 mm).
The FWD Experience features the “CMEVA midsole,” which is on the much firmer side. Altra claims this is a softer shoe, but it just did not feel that way to me. It was more responsive. Since I expected it to be a close rival to the Hoka Clifton 9, I was expecting a softer and more plush ride.
I was curious about where the Altra FWD Experience would fall in my rotation. I actually thought it would be a daily trainer or something I could take to run any distance. While I do enjoy the feeling of running in it, I haven’t enjoyed running anything more than about 6 miles. I need something softer for higher mileage. It can run fast, though, so I’ve found it’s a great shorter/faster run shoe. I prefer something lighter for actual workouts but like the Altra FWD Experience for faster/daily runs. For me, I was expecting the Altra FWD Experience to be more plush and soft. Since it’s not, I only really run shorter distance in it. Your girl loves the cushion for easy runs.
Outsole:
As far as traction and durability, the Altra FWD Experience features strategically placed rubber and flex grooves. I’ve used the shoe on desert trails and in the rain with no issues. I think for the most part, it’s a durable shoe with plenty of traction. I’ve already put about 100 miles on mine with no signs of slowing down. My guess is they will last a full life of 300-400 miles.
What is the closest shoe to the Altra FWD Experience?
I thought it was going to be the Hoka Clifton, but it’s a lot more similar to the lighter and firmer Hoka Rincon.
Altra FWD Experience Conclusion:
I don’t hate the Altra FWD Experience, and I think it’s a good shoe. I guess I expected more from Altra. I thought this would be a lot more plush than it is. The fit is on the more narrow side, but other than that, it’s a good shoe. In all, it has the Altra logo but isn’t like any other Altra shoe. Diehard Altra fans may not be a fan since it’s more narrow and has a drop. But someone wanting to experience an Altra shoe without a 0 mm drop, may love it!
Who should buy the Altra FWD Experience? If you are looking for an Altra running shoe but don’t want to go fully into the 0 mm drop, this is a great option. Or if you are someone wanting a daily trainer.
Who should not buy the Altra FWD Experience? If you have wider feet, you might not appreciate the low-volume toebox or just more narrow than Altra’s usual last.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Altra FWD Experience, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Altra FWD Experience?
What is your favorite running shoe?
Have a gentleman playing pick up league basketball in this shoe (Altra FWD) and he reports the traction is excellent on a “crappy / dusty basketball court old guys use for pick up league ball”.