Customer Reviews Altra FWD Experience

My first impression was it felt very comfortable but once I started walking around it became apparent this wasn't the shoe for me. First it didn't feel deep enough, especially in the heel, so my foot didn't feel locked in. I tried a shallower insole, and that helped somewhat, but I still didn't feel that lockdown that I like in my shoes. I ended up returning them.

First, I really liked the gray/purple color scheme-they were beautiful, even though they will show dirt quicker and then maybe not be so beautiful. However I was very disappointed with the lack of cushion, at least for me, and I was not impressed with the 4mm heel-to-toe drop. Another runner mentioned the toe box width. I have to agree: my toes rubbed the outer side of the toe box not long after beginning a run. They also run a little short in my opinion, maybe half a size. I wear a 9.5 in all my other Altras (> a dozen). Still I might recommend them to someone to try, because others may really like this not-my-favorite Altra.

I received these shoes for free in exchange for my honest review. I recently tried the Altra FWD Experience running shoes, and I must say they are beautiful shoes and offer plenty of room in the toe area. The low drop and rocker shapewere new to me, but felt comfortable at first. However, during a 3-mile run test, I experienced some toe numbness and pain. Which was strange because there was definitely enough toe room.

I love the cushion of these shoes, but the toe box is NOTHING like the Lone Peak 4 which I have and love. The width in the mid-foot is off as well - the shoe pinches the outside of my foot. Should have returned but missed the window. My fault. Oh well.

After reading reviews, I purchased a half size up which for me was smart. I miss the original foot shape of my Altra Escalante, but otherwise the width seemed ok for medium. I absolutely loved the feel and fit as I walked. Unfortunately after the walk, my right big toe went numb. Numbness lasted all day (I did some research and for some people who complain about shoes causing toe numbness, it never goes away, so needless to say, I was thrilled it went away). I thought maybe some fluke, but day #2 and same right big toe numbness. Day #3 confirmed I could not wear this shoe. I paid a great deal of attention to the shoe as I walked and found the mesh material creased across my right big toe as I walked. It's possible the volume in the toe area was too tight. Dorsal nerves run along the metatarsals and the phalanges. I believe the creasing impinged on these nerves causing the numbness. I was super disappointed.

While this shoe is beautiful , I love the look and colors so so so much . It absolutely is way too tight and the widest part of the foot . The toe box is not what I thought altra shoes were supposed to be . I have my provisions and they are the best shoe I've ever ran in . These miss the mark with giving your foot the ability to have space .

I have run in these a total of four times, haven't tested on anything longer than 5k. The only reason I am leaving a review so soon is because the top of the toe box has already caved in and hits my toe with each step which is really annoying and I could see it being problematic for longer distances. Good support, comfortable but not too squishy, but I don't think they are going to hold up. I would return them if I hadn't gotten them so dirty (unless I can't still return them?)! Hopefully the next generation will improve!

I am desperate to find a shoe that does not make my foot hurt I war the shoes for two weeks, but I have high arches and they have no arch support. And I cannot walk in shoes that have the thick foamy rocker bottom. It throws my gate off.

I have very narrow feet and these shoes felt very restrictive. Not like other Altras at all. Very disappointing. Tried a few runs, but my foot would fall asleep. I have a neuroma- not good for that.

I've been wearing Altra shoes for at least 6 years and have been a huge fan of the roomy toe box. I have Morton's neuroma and high arches, so I need that extra space in the toes to be able to do any sustained activities. I was excited to try the AltraFWD because it's the first Altra without a zero drop. I ordered my usual size and was surprised that they immediately felt too tight - even without lacing and taking a step. These are either not as roomy as other Standard footbed Altras or they run smaller.

Have a few Torin styles, size 8, that fit great. I do change the insole for more cushioning with a heel cup. Unfortunately, this shoe is too short and my toe tips were really painful. Sadly, I didn't try them on before a trip and paid the price in pain. I've never had any size 8 problems with length before. Maybe try a half size up?

I first bought these shoes at Road Runner. But shortly after wearing them, I noticed my plantar fasciitis came back with a vengeance. In addition I started to feel shocking pains in my feet as well. The shoes have more of a mid foot strike due to the rocker and I think the 4mm drop may have also brought this on as well. The cushion is good but not as good as via Olympus 2. I'm more of a cement walker than a runner, I liked the rocker action by this just wasn't a god shoe for me.

Not the best running shoe I own. I wish there was more cushion in the soles. I don't have wide feet, but I felt like the shoe was a bit too narrow for me. Or maybe I just needed more stretch. Towards the end of the day, my toes and the side of my feet started rubbing against the shoe, which made it a little uncomfortable. Maybe I need to wear them in a bit more so the shoe can configure to my foot shape. I also don't like the design of the shoe. White running shoes?! I run outside a lot and these were probably get stains on them after my first run, which means I'd have to clean them after every run. I'd prefer a shoe that was darker in color.

I planned to use this for running; however I'm going to try a half size larger than my normal shoe because it felt very snug on my toes. This style is more narrow than the other Altras I currently own.

I got a 2nd pair of these shoes during the sale this summer. When they arrived they were the wrong color, but that was not a big deal. The toebox on this shoe is the issue. The left shoe has this small pucker on it near the big toe that indents inwards and rubs on my big toe. I did one 8 mile run in them and my big toe had a blister on it. Definitely check the material on your shoes right away for defects. I order shoes and usually store them until my old pair wears out. I won't make that mistake again.

I absolutely loved these at first. However, in less than two weeks with minimal wear the left shoe is squeaking with every step (walking, jogging, running). I cannot stand the sound. Very unimpressed.

While I loved the shoes initially (comfortable, nice 4mm drop), they are very poorly made. After 6 months, the right shoe sole has completely peeled off, making it impossible to run in.

I ordered a size up and they're still too small :( very disappointed as the previous reviews reported true to size. I also can't take advantage of the free return as I am out of country. I usually wear a smaller size in the escalante racers so warning to anyone looking at purchasing the Altrafwds to order 2 sizes bigger than normal!

Will be returning. I bought the same size of escalantes that I have and my toes are screaming. I also run in riveras which are supposedly a narrower foot bed and my toes dont hate those. My toes HATE these. I might try a half size up but I have a feeling that altra is going away from their wide toe box promise and that's just sad and disappointing like these shoes. Also the color options are awful. In most altras really but I look past the bad colors for a good shoe. Altra- please make better colors. Darker preferably. I personally don't want to run with rainbow sherbet on my feet but that seems to be the only option lately.

These shoes literally gave Me back pain! The toe box to tight. Run faster ? Omg yes but the back pain is horrible. Not for me!