Ground feel is awesome! :P This version actually has less ground feel than the 5 (without the rock plate), and feel a little firmer to me. And the maxtrac is a massive update compared to the previous version which wore out very quick, and didn't offer much grip. Last tip. If you have higher volume feet like me, switch out the insole for a thinner pair. Altra insoles are mega thick before they pack down. Thanks again for the review!
Thanks for the review! I just returned the Superior 5 due to my big toe catching the overlay material above the toes and it sounds like the 6 will have the same issue. I like my toe nails so I'll stick with my Lone Peaks that have lots of room.
I've been an Altra fan for 4 years owning over 10 pairs of different road/trail shoes. I liked their design benefits like foot-shaped toebox, excellent water drainage, and 0mm drop, but I moved on to Topo Athletics in the past 12 months and never look back. Topo has superior durability and a smarter design overall. But it works for my foot type (medium wide width, not too wide). I think you can start trying out the Topo MTN Racer 3 shoes, which is dope. Have fun exploring!
I must admit that I'm very interested in trying out Topo. Especially to compare their shoes to Altra. Unfortunately my current budget doesn't allow for it and Topo have so far ignored my attempts to connect. But it's definitely something I'm willing to try! Thanks for the comment! 😊🙏🏻
@@TDMiller Definitely tempted to get the Topo MTN 3, had the 2's but found the zip foam went dead really quick. @tommyle628, how are you getting on with them, I'm mainly using Mont Blanc Boa currently but could do with a winter trail shoe.
@@iowminibar zip foam sound really gimmicky and low quality. don't they only have one super critical offering? coming from altra it's painful to check their statistics from sellers who couldn't care less (they should have, cus who else would bother looking), why would they make anything but 0mm esp if all their shoes look like a brick generic design from last decade or more.
Hey there! Really enjoyed your Altra Superior 6 review. Your detailed insights on the shoe's evolution and its performance after 60km were spot on. The burrito-style upper and asymmetrical lacing sound intriguing for a secure fit, and your take on the grip and ground feel was helpful. It's clear that the minimalistic design offers great responsiveness, although it might take some getting used to. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts - looking forward to more reviews from you! 🏃♂
the brand would be cooler if they mainline 20-25 stack height which i think is perfect. just need to slap strategically designed premium foam in such a form factor and all the other bells and whistles to make it worth the last and factory line costs.
I didn't know they came in 3 widths, thanks for the heads up! I'll have to pick these up, I love Superiors for 50k or less, but after that I want more cushion
the brand would be cooler if they mainline 20-25 stack height which i think is perfect. just need to slap strategically designed premium foam in such a form factor and all the other bells and whistles to make it worth the last and factory line costs.
Thanks for the in-depth review! I have the Superior 5 and am really happy with them, but if I could change one thing, it would be that they could be more breathable. Were you able to tell if the 6 was any better (or worse) in this regard? Thanks!
I haven't noticed much of a difference to be honest. I mostly run in colder climate most of the year, so don't have much issues with breathability. Upper seems very similar.
I have been running for a few hundred miles in the escalante. I have a 25k spartan race coming up, I am trying to decide between the superior and the timp. Ive got somewhat narrow feet so I am thinking of sticking with the standard fit. Thoughts?
I've never done a spartan race before, but I can only imagine that you'll need the most flexible shoes you can get. In this case the Superior would be better. The Timp is very stiff and primarily made for long distance trails. I'd also be concerned about any mud, as neither has great traction on mud.
I've been enjoying running light trails in my Escalate 4s but would like something similar, with more grip. Would this be a good bet? I tried the outroad 2 but don't really like how hard the soles are.
I was pretty shocked to hear about it, but in the end I also understand it from a business point of view. Zero drop is not for everyone. I'd be afraid of two things happening now. Running shoe retailers will start recommending this shoe and no longer advocate zero drop. People who have never run in zero drop may benefit from wearing low drop shoes first. So now Altra has a great gateway shoe to their line up for people who are not ready for zero drop. However, why would a retailer ever recommend any other Altra to their customers? I'd expect to see some decline in sales of the Rivera or Torin. What about you?
@@TDMiller I think it’s a good thing. My Achilles tendinitis flares up now and then and having a low drop shoe to mix in the rotation would be good. Maybe instead of Altra they should use a subsidiary name.
I actually posted a video last year about them: th-cam.com/video/bdTbnHb2aa0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TDMiller I needed to rewatch it to see if I still agree, and I do! I still love them after 330km. They are my go-to fast run shoe 🙂
Ground feel is awesome! :P This version actually has less ground feel than the 5 (without the rock plate), and feel a little firmer to me.
And the maxtrac is a massive update compared to the previous version which wore out very quick, and didn't offer much grip.
Last tip. If you have higher volume feet like me, switch out the insole for a thinner pair. Altra insoles are mega thick before they pack down.
Thanks again for the review!
Thanks for the review! I just returned the Superior 5 due to my big toe catching the overlay material above the toes and it sounds like the 6 will have the same issue. I like my toe nails so I'll stick with my Lone Peaks that have lots of room.
Yep, good choice!
I've been an Altra fan for 4 years owning over 10 pairs of different road/trail shoes. I liked their design benefits like foot-shaped toebox, excellent water drainage, and 0mm drop, but I moved on to Topo Athletics in the past 12 months and never look back. Topo has superior durability and a smarter design overall. But it works for my foot type (medium wide width, not too wide). I think you can start trying out the Topo MTN Racer 3 shoes, which is dope. Have fun exploring!
I must admit that I'm very interested in trying out Topo. Especially to compare their shoes to Altra. Unfortunately my current budget doesn't allow for it and Topo have so far ignored my attempts to connect. But it's definitely something I'm willing to try! Thanks for the comment! 😊🙏🏻
@@TDMiller Definitely tempted to get the Topo MTN 3, had the 2's but found the zip foam went dead really quick. @tommyle628, how are you getting on with them, I'm mainly using Mont Blanc Boa currently but could do with a winter trail shoe.
they are made in china still? so better factory and craftsmanship level than vietname which altra transferred to a while yrs back
@@iowminibar zip foam sound really gimmicky and low quality. don't they only have one super critical offering? coming from altra it's painful to check their statistics from sellers who couldn't care less (they should have, cus who else would bother looking), why would they make anything but 0mm esp if all their shoes look like a brick generic design from last decade or more.
Durability is catastrophic
Hey there! Really enjoyed your Altra Superior 6 review. Your detailed insights on the shoe's evolution and its performance after 60km were spot on. The burrito-style upper and asymmetrical lacing sound intriguing for a secure fit, and your take on the grip and ground feel was helpful. It's clear that the minimalistic design offers great responsiveness, although it might take some getting used to. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts - looking forward to more reviews from you! 🏃♂
Nothing to add, good shoe to have in rotation. ☺️
the brand would be cooler if they mainline 20-25 stack height which i think is perfect. just need to slap strategically designed premium foam in such a form factor and all the other bells and whistles to make it worth the last and factory line costs.
I didn't know they came in 3 widths, thanks for the heads up! I'll have to pick these up, I love Superiors for 50k or less, but after that I want more cushion
Ah, maybe I was unclear. But the Superior only comes in Standard fit. Altra has 3 different shapes, but the models generally only come in one.
the brand would be cooler if they mainline 20-25 stack height which i think is perfect. just need to slap strategically designed premium foam in such a form factor and all the other bells and whistles to make it worth the last and factory line costs.
Great review, as usual! These look really appealing...do they have the same width of the Escalante 2,5? thanks and keep up the great job!
They are both categorised as Standard fit, however the Escalante 2.5 does feel slightly wider than the Superior. Only a bit though.
@@TDMiller thanks!
Thanks for the in-depth review! I have the Superior 5 and am really happy with them, but if I could change one thing, it would be that they could be more breathable. Were you able to tell if the 6 was any better (or worse) in this regard? Thanks!
I haven't noticed much of a difference to be honest. I mostly run in colder climate most of the year, so don't have much issues with breathability. Upper seems very similar.
I have been running for a few hundred miles in the escalante. I have a 25k spartan race coming up, I am trying to decide between the superior and the timp. Ive got somewhat narrow feet so I am thinking of sticking with the standard fit. Thoughts?
I've never done a spartan race before, but I can only imagine that you'll need the most flexible shoes you can get. In this case the Superior would be better. The Timp is very stiff and primarily made for long distance trails. I'd also be concerned about any mud, as neither has great traction on mud.
I've been enjoying running light trails in my Escalate 4s but would like something similar, with more grip. Would this be a good bet? I tried the outroad 2 but don't really like how hard the soles are.
@@godak definitely! These or the Lone Peaks.
What are your thoughts on the newly revealed for 2024 Altra Flow Experience? They appear to be 4 mil drop Torins.
I was pretty shocked to hear about it, but in the end I also understand it from a business point of view. Zero drop is not for everyone. I'd be afraid of two things happening now. Running shoe retailers will start recommending this shoe and no longer advocate zero drop. People who have never run in zero drop may benefit from wearing low drop shoes first. So now Altra has a great gateway shoe to their line up for people who are not ready for zero drop. However, why would a retailer ever recommend any other Altra to their customers? I'd expect to see some decline in sales of the Rivera or Torin. What about you?
@@TDMiller I think it’s a good thing. My Achilles tendinitis flares up now and then and having a low drop shoe to mix in the rotation would be good. Maybe instead of Altra they should use a subsidiary name.
The forefoot is so small I can't put them on.
Any vanish tempo review? :)
I actually posted a video last year about them: th-cam.com/video/bdTbnHb2aa0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=TDMiller
I needed to rewatch it to see if I still agree, and I do! I still love them after 330km. They are my go-to fast run shoe 🙂
The 6 is longer than the 5. How much longer?
Did I say it was longer? I actually think they are quite identical in length 🤔
Hi, thanks for all you do! Am I right to assume that I should order the same size as I have in the Superior 5?
I would say yes, although I have read from other subscribers that they sized down for the Superior 6. In my opinion, it's the same as the 5.
@@TDMiller Thank you for the reply!
max trac never been the best grip IMO
Nothing beats Vibram!