Customer Reviews Altra Superior 4

Altra nailed it with this trail runner. I was looking for an Escalante 1.5-style shoe with tread for trails, and this delivers (so far). I'm an Altra fan boy with regularish feet that prefer complete freedom. I've been zero drop (Altra) and minimalist (Vivobarefoot) for 5+ years now and love it. I've worn the Instinct 3.0 (size 10.5), the Lone Peak 2.5 (size 10.0), the original Escalante (size 10.5) and the Escalante 1.5 (size 10.5). Positives: 1) The new Quantic midsole cushioning. It's a little softer/squishier than the Ego midsole in the Escalante 1.5 (which is more responsive), and I think it's closer to the softness of the Ego midsole from the original Escalante model. It is soft but still delivers pop. It feels great going slow or fast. 2) The weight. This thing is insanely light, and it's wonderful. 3) The fit/construction/materials. The whole shoe is insanely comfortable while still providing a secure fit (at least to my feet) despite the huge toe box. I do feel the Escalante 1.5 is a more secure fit, though. The upper is soft and stretchy, and the burrito-style tongue means no pressure points on the top of the foot. The lining of the inside of the shoe is also very plush and smooth, but there are little adhesive elements (logos) that help keep your foot locked in place. I also appreciate the drainage holes in front. Negatives: 1) Heel lock was hard to achieve. I have a very narrow heel, so this may have been part of the issue as many report some of Altra's best heel lock yet from this shoe. I have much better heel lock with the Escalante 1.5. That said, with (1) heel lock lacing, (2) adjusting the laces near the midfoot and (3) removing the stone guard (which doesn't do much anyway), I was able to achieve a good lock while retaining a comfortable fit throughout the shoe. I didn't have to really crank down with laces or cut off circulation with heel lock lacing. I think that when in place, the stone guard increased the net stiffness of the sole just enough to pull the back of the shoe off my heel when the shoe flexed. If you're having issues with heel lock, try these things. You can also try thicker socks, but I was able to get a good luck with thin Injinji runner socks (original weight). Also remember that once you start running and your feet swell, things will snug up. 2) The Quantic midsole reportedly breaks down quickly. I haven't seen this firsthand as I've only got 10 miles on them, but it's worth mentioning. Unlike the Ego midsole, Altra's new Quantic is said to break down relatively quickly. This has been reported by many shoe review authorities and reviewers. As a lighter runner (165 lb) who lands softly, I'm hoping to get 200-250 miles out of these. 3) Sizing was a little off for me. I am a 10.5 in the Escalante 1.5, which allegedly runs true to size, but this model is also reported to run true to size and a 10.5 was much too big for me. A 10 works well but is also a little big, with plenty of room in front of the toes and the heel lock issue that took some figuring out. I may have been able to sneak myself into 9.5s, but with foot swelling and room to accommodate feet sliding forward on descents the 10 works best for me. I would consider at least a half size down from your usual Altra size, especially if you have narrow heels. Comparison with Nike's Terra Kiger 5: I had heard great things about Nike's new Kiger 5 and also gave them a look. Ultimately they didn't work out, but it was a long shot for an Altra dude to fall in love with Nike shoes. For anyone cross-shopping these, check out my review of the Kiger 5s here on Zappos.com. I go in depth about why I tried them and how they compared to the Superior 4s.

I just discovered Altra and love the spacious toebox. Thanks to the wonderful Zappos, I was able to try many, many of their styles. Sizing was never an issue (I always ordered a size 9 and I'm a 8.5 - 9), but a few of the models were either a little loose in the heel cup, the top of the heal rubbed me too much, or the shoes too warm. The Superior 4 is perfect, so I'm ordering one of each color!. FYI, I'm no longer a runner - but walk extensively on city surfaces.

Great fit. Expansive toe box for aging and spreading feet. I added a high arch support and the included insole plates help firm them up. They can be a bit soft at first. I’m not a runner, just walking and everyday wear, so the heel is a bit thin, but adding insoles helped. Lightweight and comfortable.

Super comfy, plenty of cushion and support. Was about 1/2 size smaller than other models of this brand.

the new Superior is a big improvement.

My son wasn’t crazy about the way these looked when (my pick) arrived with other one he picked out. Once he tried them on he said they were incredibly comfortable. And he kept them even though he thought they looked a little goofy. Comfort wins!

I've been looking all my life for this kind of a shoe. My feet are flat, I run on my toes, I've had Morton's Neuroma from pinched toes, and arch support bruises my instep and makes my whole foot swell. For the last few years I've had to survive by removing the insoles from more conventional running shoes. These shoes are a revelation, the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, not because they're super cushiony, but because they fit me. Ordering another pair today. Bravo.

Compared to my Altra Instinct 3.5, I needed to go down a half-size from a 12 to an 11-1/2. I've only had the Superior 4 for a few weeks now. They definitely feel "closer to the ground" than my Altra Instinct shoes. These should work out well for trail running since I like this close contact and feel. As always, love the wide toe-box on the Altra shoes. It's hard to even look at other running shoes since I know they'll squish my toes together.

I love this version of the Altra Superior. It’s the best yet.

Initial impression is highly positive. I’m new to Altra but like what Altra is doing. Very comfortable shoe and the fit of these is very nice. Nice toe box. Bought my fiancé a pair of the 3.5’s they were on clearance and she loves them. Please remember I’m just offering my initial review.

These are the most comfortable shoes I've worn in a while! I didn't buy them as running shoes, more of do it all shoes. Love the wide toe box, and the fact I can get them in size 12.5 from Zappos. I'm going to get another of the same pair soon, for when these wear out-- great shoes.

The tongue being attached on one side is not clear in the pics and if you need to tighten the shoe, it makes for a crease in the forefoot of the shoe. Odd design. Otherwise love this brand.

They felt weird to walk in, weird to run in, and looked weird on me, like enclosed Crocs. The toe box was awesome. The flatness of the rest was barefoot-like. I wasn't up for the transition period these supposedly require. The risk was too great I'd still not be thrilled with then, but by that time I'd be unable to return them and be out $100+. Not as sharp-looking as the pic either.

I tried on a dozen pair of shoes that I found stylish. None of them felt as good as these. Today was my first trail run. It was wet and muddy, and these new shoes felt great. Highly recommended. Also of note, the Altra zero drop design (and running form tips) work REALLY well.