Shoe Review: Altra Outroad
Shoe Review: Altra Outroad
Take your run from the roads to the trails and back again with the new Altra Outroad.
The Altra Outroad is designed to run smoothly on all types of terrain, so you can switch up your running routine whenever you feel like it. Built with a plush EGO midsole, a durable, lugged outsole and Altra’s signature balanced cushioning, the Altra Outroad is truly a do-it-all shoe.
Fleet Feet wear testers took the Altra Outroad along for miles on various terrains, including concrete sidewalks, technical trails and smooth dirt paths. Here’s what you can expect from the Altra Outroad.
Tech Specs |
Altra Outroad |
Weight |
8.8 oz (W), 10.7 oz (M) |
Drop |
0 mm |
Category |
Neutral |
Surface |
Road, trail |
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Women's Altra Outroad Trail Running Shoes
$140
Men's Altra Outroad Trail Running Shoes
$140
Altra Outroad Can Tackle Any Terrain
The Altra Outroad features a thick EGO midsole, providing a soft yet responsive ride. Thanks to multi-directional lugging and durable rubber on the outsole, the Altra Outroad runs just as smoothly on the trails as on the roads.
“The Altra EGO foam is soft, firm, and springy all at once, giving this shoe a nice performance-oriented vibe,” Nate says.
Altra’s MaxTrac outsole provides grip, traction and durability, whether you’re running on slick, wet roads or twisty, technical terrain. The lugs are thick enough to tackle most trails, but not thick enough to slow you down on road runs.
The Altra Outroad features Altra’s signature balanced cushioning system, meaning your forefoot and heel both sit at the same level from the ground. This allows your feet to move naturally against the ground, no matter the surface.
“I like that these give me that dependable ground feel that comes with a zero drop Altra shoe. It makes me feel confident on the trail when I do need to be more nimble,” Kate says.
Soft Mesh Upper Offers Snug Fit
Altra shoes are known for their traditionally wide toe-boxes, but the Altra Outroad offers a snugger fit, thanks to Altra’s Slim Footshape last.
Reviewers noticed the difference right away.
“I noticed that my regular size feels a tad snugger in this shoe than in other Altra’s I’ve worn, with my toe pressing up against the front occasionally,” Nate, our wide-footed reviewer, says.
“These fit true to size, but they do feel a bit more narrow in the toe box than other Altras I’ve tried. They still feel plenty roomy, though,” says Caroline.
If you’re expecting the same roomy fit as other Altra models, you may want to consider going up a half size in the Outroad. Otherwise, you’ll probably enjoy the slimmer, locked down fit.
Remember, it’s always best to have your feet measured by professionals. Check out your local Fleet Feet to get a one-on-one expert fit.
A breathable mesh upper tops off the Altra Outroad, offering support with a touch of softness. The shoe’s upper is lighter and thinner than most trail shoes, highlighting its versatility on different terrains. A protective toe cap and ankle padding offer protection against trail elements, while remaining nimble enough to feel comfortable on the road.
“I noticed that the upper feels lighter and more flexible than other trail shoes, which is a win in my book,” says Caroline.
A thin, gusseted tongue sits comfortably atop your foot while textured laces lock down the fit.
“The Outroad has a really nice step-in feel. I love the feel of the tongue against the top of my foot: It’s thin with a suede feel that adds comfort without any unnecessary materials. The laces are nice and long, which allow the use of the marathon loop for anyone who needs to secure the fit even more,” Kate says.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to trail running or an experienced off-roader, the Altra Outroad is a great choice for runners seeking the best of both worlds. It offers enough cushioning to feel comfortable on unforgiving pavement, with enough support and traction to tackle tough terrain.
“These feel good on the road. They somehow seem to blend right in, to where I don’t notice the tread and they feel comfortable on pavement. On the trail, they provide plenty of good grip,” Kate says.
Overall, our wear testers enjoyed the Altra Outroad and think you will, too.
“If you’re new to the trail, you’ll love this shoe. If you’re a fan of Altra like me, you’ll love this shoe. If you’re new to Altra, you’ll love this shoe,” Nate says.
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