Customer Reviews Altra Superior 5

I just began training for a 5k and bought these shoes due to the almost zero drop and the wide toe box.I really enjoy the amount of cushion and the relief it's put on my knees and feet. They feel protected . I was surprised when I got them how spacious the toe box was and they almost felt to big. But now after 4 weeks they felt like home when I put them on. This is a change from the Merrell Trail Gloves barefoot shoe. The only con is that they get scuffed pretty easily and I'm a little worried about how to clean them to Maintain the pretty pink.

I run agility with our Goldens. I love this shoe. Have worn them for many years. They give enough support but I can feel the ground under my feet!

Shoe felt light and breathable, unfortunatly the size was too small so I had to return them. Due to the return process, in 3 weeks or so I can try a size larger.

The 5's are definitely a bit smaller and more snug than previous versions, which is not a good thing. They also got rid of the gaiter attachment at the top of the shoe. Bring that back Altra! Overall, it's still a decent shoe and would buy again, but hopefully they bring back the gaiter attachment and fix the sizing on the next model.

I love these shoes, I've gone on one run in them and they're just as good as previous versions! My only comment (not even really a complaint) is that they seem to run slightly smaller than other versions, not even a half size. I usually wear an 8.5 and I almost wish these came in a 8.75! Lol keep this in mind if you're close to needing to size up in these!

I do like the shoe, but think it runs small. Not sure if I like the way the tongue is attached at the side: makes it difficult to get on...and then my sock is messed up.

I've had the 4.5's for about two years and love them, so I ordered a pair of the 5's in the same size since I needed a new pair. They are slightly smaller than the 4.5's so I had to return them and am now waiting to order another pair. Kind of annoying that the whole return process takes weeks and since they are expensive I have to wait until the whole return process is over(they said up to three weeks) before I can buy another pair.

The superior 5 was my first Altra purchase. I had to return for a half size larger (normally a 10.5 and had to get an 11.) btw, the same size issue is happening with the superior 6. I bought them because my back pain is reduced when wearing zero drop shoes. I'm a professional dog walker and on my feet in a variety of environments all day (driving/ walking/ jogging on both pavement and trails.) I have consistently worn these shoes for a month and the cushion support is virtually gone, and wearing down unevenly. The shoes were pretty great for the first couple weeks (except a bit slippy on wet surfaces, which is a concern.) After just a short duration, these shoes feel uneven beneath my feet. There are raised areas on the inside sole of the shoe which is now causing hip pain on my right hip. The quality is just not what I hoped for. So disappointing because I love the concept that Altra has going. I see what some other reviewers mean about the bulky heal, although that's not a major issue for me. The superior 6 does not have the same heal issue, and the bottom tread is different. Waiting for the bigger size to come before trying those. I'm probably going to regret this, but I've decided to purchase another pair and put a sturdier pair of insoles in the shoe. Hoping that will help them hold up longer, and reduce the uneven feeling on my feet?? In the meantime I'm going to try some other zero or low drop shoe brands that might have better quality. Sorry Altra, I wanted to love you!

I am among the several others reviewers who have (or had) and loved the Superior 4, only to find the Superior 5 to be essentially a completely different and unrecognizable shoe. The Superior 4 is the greatest shoe I've ever worn. I'm someone who didn't realize until their 30's that the reason all other sneakers and hiking boots killed me after a few miles is because I am prone to metatarsalgia because I have high arches. Altra is the only brand that I can wear nonstop and never have an issue, because my toes aren't crammed in a tiny toebox. Or, rather, they weren't with the Superior 4. The Superior 5 loses the soft mesh upper, the beautiful toebox, and adds a lot of unnecessary rigidity and a toe box so cramped it makes the shoe feel half a size too small even though it's the same size I always buy from Altra (4 pairs in). PLEASE bring back the Superior 4!

I've run ultramarathons on every iteration of the Superior, the 4.0 being the best trail shoe I have ever worn. Unfortunately, the heel counter on the 5.0 makes them unwearable for me due to the counter rubbing incessantly on my Achilles and thereby changing my strike. While this probably does make the shoe more mainstream/friendly to heel strikers, it definitely changes the foot strike for mid/forefoot runners. Issues with control on descents can be remedied with lacing and doesn't actually require a stiff heel. The transition away from the soft heel, which was a pretty unique feature of the Superior, is a disappointment.

Bought this style last year because my previous 2 pairs of Superior were perfect for trail running, however, this model is not the same shoe. The size seems to fit shorter as my big toes hit against the toe box, but is mainly the bottom of the short that is more of a problemnot enough grip or tread. As a matter of fact I fell 3 times in a row in the first month that I ran in them in the trails. I would also slip more easily in mud or going downhill. In the end I treat them more like Road runners, wearing them on a mix of flatter, less technical surfaces. So disappointed they aren't like the previous design which fit like a glove and performed in trails so well.

I have had many versions of the Superiors and loved them. The 4.5 were so good I bought two pairs. I cannot wear the 5's as they hurt the top of my foot and my Achilles. I'm so disappointed

I've had many Superiors over the years, but these ones have become rather uncomfortable in a short period of time. I bought them on June 30 and already the toe guard on the front/inside of the toebox has come unglued on both shoes, causing some serious pressure and bruising on my big toes. I bought the exact same size I always have with Superiors, but the Superior 5s have unfortunately become quite uncomfortable. If you love the Superior 4, I'd recommend sticking with that until the Superior 6 comes out.