Altra Superior 6 Trail Running Shoes - AW23

Product Information

In the past, the outsole on the Superior 5 started to break down at around 400km for me. That’s just not good enough. And it’s never had the best grip in the world. Both shoes fit similarly in length, with the Superior allowing a few extra mm at the toes, but the differences come down to the width and depth. NOTABLE FEATURES: When people say “Keep it simple, stupid,” they’re actually talking about the Altra Rivera. This is the most basic model in the Altra lineup (aside from maybe the Escalante), so its features are minimal, but it’s a shoe that embraces the roots of the brand. Except for the Slim Footshape, that’s more of a newer thing. An updated Maxtrac sole should perform better in the wet. Some have complained about the durability and traction of the Maxtrac sole. I’ve not had too many issues, but the Lone Peak now uses a different rubber formulation to improve durability and traction. One of those changes– and a big one at that– is the range of Footshapes that debuted in 2022, essentially different fits for different shoe models. Marketing translation: legacy Altra shoes look like clown shoes made for GORPers and they needed to make these things look good on the feet so people outside of running will buy them.

Altra has three different fits. Original, Standard and Slim fit, with the original fit having the most width and volume. However, it’s worth trying different Altra styles in our experience because it’s not an exact science. For example, the Superior 6 is made in the Standard fit, the same as the previous versions, but in our experience it is as wide as the Lone Peak 7 on the Original fit. The feel of this lightweight trail racer is beyond comparison. I found my first few runs with the shoe to be similar to the childlike fun of sprinting through the forest. The tongue of the Superior 5 is fairly uniqueThe real OG of the Altra trail running world, the Lone Peak only sees minor updates from version 6.

Updated material choices, and maybe losing to bulk? We’ll have to wait for the official figures, but I think the Superior 6 will come in just a tad under the weight of the 5. The upper materials look a little less bulky around the medial side, but if lighter, it will be by only a tiny amount. Conclusion Lastly, both shoes have lost depth over the years, which is better for the mass market, but that’s hard to fathom for the die-hard fans. I feel like the differences in foams are usually overhyped, but in these two cases, there’s still a difference to be felt. Shallower flex grooves create a stiffer shoe. In past iterations of the Rivera, deep flex grooves created a flexible shoe promoting good foot mechanics. In version 3, we’re seeing a reduction in flex groove depth, meaning it’s stiffer. I’m disappointed because it’s another step away from natural barefoot motion. Conclusion The formation of these individualized expectations prior to reviewing the shoe is pretty important; you wouldn’t judge a Waffle House t-bone using the same scrutiny with which you might judge a steakhouse ribeye. Sometimes, if the info is not clear or if the shoe is a new release, things get crazy, and we make up the expectations for ourselves. All that is to say, it’s important to consider a shoe’s scope in a review, and for some shoes, it’s more important than others. The Altra Superior 6 is one of those shoes.

NOTABLE FEATURES: We head to the trails with the Lone Peak 7, which our reviewers are currently getting miles in. Straight up, this may be the best looking Altra shoe to date. The design is impeccable. Which is good, because it’s the go-to trail running shoe for most Altra fans. La Sportiva Cyclon: 8mm heel to forefoot. Longer lugs give better traction on soft ground. BOA fastening and built in gaiter stops debris from getting in the shoes. Not as natural or nimble. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-cyklon-review-boa-lacing-system/

The Superior 5 is agile and responsive. Its sweet spot is in tempo runs and races. Lightweight build and excellent traction make it a great choice for shorter and medium-distance trail events. The second classic model to get an update is the Superior. A personal favorite of mine because it’s as close as barefoot you get in the Altra lineup. And it sounds like there are a few updates. Altra has revamped its lineup consistently for the last few years, and 2023 doesn’t seem to be any different.If you’re new to Altra, it’s worth noting two specific (and unique) elements that set Altra apart from the other running shoes on the market. As we look to 2023, we see some of those changes continue to become the standard going forward. And while not every shoe on this list is a major upgrade, there are some overhauls on core models within the Altra lineup. The sidewalls are made out of a flexible material that provides some water resistance. I liked that I could race through smaller puddles and dewy grass without getting super drenched. The sidewalls also did not compromise the ventilation of the shoe, which was nice. The dynamic lace stays and super fat laces work well to cinch down the foot nicely. The tongue is integrated on one side and gusseted on the other providing a superlatively secure lace cage. Save this shoe for shorter runs, or if you just want an Altra walking shoe that’s simple and comfortable.