Altra Experience Flow review

8 expert score
0 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 19th August by Denny Krahe Running Coach and Podcast Host.
29 other reviews

Altra Experience Flow Verdict

The Altra Experience Flow is the latest version in Altra’s low-drop line of road running shoes. Similar to its predecessor, the AltraFWD Experience, the Experience Flow is a good shoe provided you aren’t looking for the traditional features that Altra had been known for for years.

The pros

  • Ample Cushion
  • Light Weight
  • Really Smooth Ride

The cons

  • Narrow Forefoot/Toe Box (for an Altra)

Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
7.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Experience Flow
Weight
8.4 oz (238 g)
MSRP
$140.00

Heel
32 mm.
Toe
28 mm.
Heel drop
4 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Tight

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Not particularly stable
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork  
Daily training  
Long distance racing  
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Altra Experience Flow ?

The Altra Experience Flow is the type of road shoe that works for just about any runner. It has enough cushion to wear for long training runs or to hold up well as a daily trainer, but it’s also light and responsive enough to perform well for speed workouts on the road or track. This shoe can also serve as a great transitional shoe between higher-drop shoes and one of Altra’s zero-drop models.

Also, if you really liked the AltraFWD Experience, you’ll love the Altra Experience Flow because, for all intents and purposes, they are the same shoe.

Who should not buy the Altra Experience Flow ?

The Altra Experience Flow is not a good shoe for long-time Altra fans who prefer a zero-drop shoe or one with more of a foot-shaped toe box. The Experience Flow is a middle-of-the-road type of shoe, so it is also not a good option for the runner who likes a maximally or minimally cushioned shoe.

Altra Experience Flow Introduction

Picture of Altra Experience Flow

The Altra Experience Flow is Altra’s second low-drop road shoe. As far as I can tell, this is basically a rebrand of the Altra FWD Experience — the two shoes feel pretty much identical. So much so that when wearing one on one foot and one on the other, it felt like I was running in the same shoes.

According to Altra’s marketing materials on their website, the Experience Flow features a “rocker-shaped” sole that the FWD Experience didn’t have. This is supposed to promote a more efficient toe-off with each step, but I didn’t notice any difference in the feel of the sole.

The Altra Experience Flow is quite different from almost every shoe in the Altra lineup, save for the already mentioned comparison to the FWD Experiences, but it is quite similar to most neutral road shoes from just about every other running shoe brand.

Altra Experience Flow First Impressions

Picture of Altra Experience Flow

My first impressions of the Altra Experience Flow were mostly positive. The shoes were comfortable, fit true to size, and were lightweight compared to the amount of cushion that they provided.

My first run in these shoes was also a good run. The Experience Flows felt good from the first step, and the ride was perfectly smooth.

The only possible negative first impressions from the Altra Experience Flows had to do with the slight heel drop and a narrower midfoot/toe box area (compared to typical Altra models, not tight in general).

Compared to most running shoes, these factors would be complete non-issues. But if you’re used to running in the Altra Torins, the differences are pretty obviously apparent.

Altra Experience Flow Upper

Picture of Altra Experience Flow

The Altra Experience Flow has a two-colored engineered mesh upper that breathes well and is quite comfortable.

The heel cup is padded to provide a snug, but not tight, fit that is perfectly comfortable while keeping the heel in place.

The only minor issue I have with the upper is that it’s narrower than I’d expect for an Altra, though this trend of a slightly tighter fit seems to be more common with most of their new models.

That said, it’s not a narrow shoe in general and I didn’t experience any blisters or hot spots in my forefoot/toes from logging plenty of miles in this shoe.

Altra Experience Flow Sole Unit

Picture of Altra Experience Flow


The sole of the Altra Experience Flow consists of a rubber outsole and a compression-molded EVA foam midsole.

This combination has provided a very smooth ride no matter what kind of run I was doing on any given day. The midsole/outsole combo on this shoe measures 28 mm at the toe and 32 mm at the heel. The Altra Experience Flow provides a nice blend of comfort and protection while allowing for an adequate ground feel with each stride.

The rubber outsole of the Altra Experience Flow definitely does a good job on wet concrete and asphalt. My neighborhood route features near-constant rolling hills, and slipping was never an issue in even the rainiest conditions.

In addition to the 4 mm heel drop, the Altra Experience Flow also supposedly features a rocker shape. Supposedly the two work well together to promote efficiency, but I honestly didn’t notice a difference in my stride or gate due to the presence of the the rocker shape.

Overall, the sole of the Altra Experience Flow is pretty solid. The rocker shape feature seems like nothing more than a gimmick, but otherwise, I really liked the sole unit of these shoes.

Altra Experience Flow Conclusions

Picture of Altra Experience Flow

The Altra Experience Flow is a solid shoe that works in pretty much any road-running scenario. I haven’t yet found this shoe lacking in any area, from daily easy miles, speed work sessions, or long runs, the Experience Flow simply does the job.

As a long-time Altra wearer, I still struggle to be fully on board for an Altra that isn’t built upon a zero-drop platform, and a little more room in the toe box would be appreciated.

But will I keep running in this shoe for the foreseeable future, even if it isn’t quite the perfect shoe for me? Yes, I absolutely will.

And if you’re open to an Altra with a bit of a heel drop and that isn’t as roomy in the toe box as Altras of years past, I have a feeling you’ll agree that the Altra Experience Flow is a really good “do everything” road shoe.

How does the Experience Flow compare?

Nike Pegasus 41
Altra Experience Flow
Adidas adizero SL 2
Expert score
7
8
8
User score
Retail price
US$139.95
US$139.95
US$129.95
Brand
Weight
10 oz
8.4 oz
8.4 oz
Heel Drop
10 mm
4 mm
9 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Daily training
Cushioning type
balanced
balanced
responsive
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
medium
rigid
Stability
some stability
not particularly stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Altra at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.

Reviewed by Denny

This review was written by Denny Krahe on 19th August.
Denny Krahe is a running coach and a podcast host living in Central Florida. He is working on running a marathon in every state in the US; 5 down, 45 to go!

User feedback (1)

  • avatar-comment-1056350
    Linda Martinez
    3 weeks ago
    8 score

    Long-time Torin fan here with 150 miles in the Experience Flow. These really surprised me – super light but still got decent cushioning. Took some time getting used to the narrower toe box, but it works great when picking up the pace. Crushed a 20-miler and some track sessions in these. Smoother than my Torin 6 but less planted. Miss that classic Altra toe room, but loving the extra speed. Great for marathon training but probably not my ultra shoe.

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  • avatar-comment-1056218
    Sarah Williams
    4 weeks ago
    8 score

    I’ve been running in the Experience Flow for the past 2 months, covering about 200 miles including a half marathon. As a long-time Altra fan, I was initially concerned about the narrower toe box, but it actually works well for my foot shape. The cushioning hits a sweet spot – enough for long runs but still maintains ground feel. Used these for my recent 1:45 half marathon PR and they felt great throughout. Compared to the Torin, these are more versatile for faster paces. The ride is notably smoother than my old Escalante 3s. Only wish they had kept the signature wide toe box, but understand they’re targeting a different market now.

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  • avatar-comment-1056155
    Sarah K.
    4 weeks ago

    Tried these on at my local running store yesterday. Really surprised by how narrow the toe box is compared to other Altras. The cushioning felt good but I’m not sure about losing that signature Altra fit. Think I’ll stick with my Torin 7s for now.

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  • avatar-comment-1056098
    J.T.
    4 weeks ago

    Man, been running in Altras for years and this new direction is killing me. The toe box was literally why I switched to them in the first place! My Escalantes were perfect but these feel totally different. Guess I’ll check out Topo – heard their toe boxes are still roomy. Anyone else bummed about this?

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  • avatar-comment-1055823
    Sarah.K
    1 month ago

    Hey fellow runners! Looking to try my first zero-drop shoe and eyeing these Altras. I’m in Nike Pegs size 8 right now – anyone make a similar switch? Been reading about the toe box and it seems narrower than usual Altras. Need something that can handle my mix of road running and the gravel path near my house. Any advice would be super helpful!

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  • avatar-comment-1055072
    Mark Williams
    2 months ago
    7 score

    The Experience Flow has been my daily trainer for three months now, covering around 250 miles. Coming from traditional Altras like the Torin, the narrower toe box was initially concerning, but the shoe has proven versatile for both easy and uptempo runs. The cushioning sweet spot works well for distances up to half marathon. I’ve used them for two 10K races, achieving consistent times around 42 minutes. While different from classic Altra fit, the smooth ride and lightweight design make these great for runners wanting to try zero-drop without the typical wide forefoot.

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  • avatar-comment-1054354
    Linda Katz
    2 months ago
    7 score

    After running in zero-drop Altras for years, I was skeptical about this new direction but decided to give the Experience Flow a try. Put 100+ miles on them including several 10-milers and a half marathon. The narrower toe box took some getting used to but actually feels more secure during speedwork. The cushioning hits a sweet spot – enough for long runs but still responsive. Compared to my old Torin 6, these feel much more agile and faster. They remind me more of the Saucony Ride than traditional Altras. While purists might not love the changes, I think Altra has created a really versatile daily trainer that works well for both easy and uptempo runs.

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  • avatar-comment-1054257
    T.J. Anderson
    3 months ago

    Thinking about trying these as my first zero-drop shoe. I’ve got pretty wide feet (currently in Brooks wide) and worried about the narrower toe box. Anyone make the switch from traditional drop shoes to these? My local store doesn’t stock them so I’d have to order online. Don’t want to deal with returns if the transition is too rough on my calves.

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  • avatar-comment-1054195
    Thomas Wright
    3 months ago
    8 score

    Coming from traditional Altras, I was skeptical about the narrower toe box but this actually works better for my racing needs. Completed several track workouts and a half marathon PR (1:22) in these. The cushioning sweet spot makes them versatile enough for both speed work and longer runs. While different from classic Altra designs, they maintain enough brand DNA while offering better performance. The smooth ride is noticeable especially during tempo runs. Compared to the Torin, these feel more race-ready while still providing adequate protection. A solid evolution for Altra, though purists might need time to adjust.

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  • avatar-comment-1053950
    Sarah T.
    3 months ago

    Anyone else with wide feet try these yet? I’m in 9.5 Torins and love that classic Altra toe box, but heard these are narrower. Worried about sizing since my local store doesn’t have them in stock. Also curious how much lower they are compared to the Experience Form – I’m trying to slowly transition to lower stack shoes.

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  • avatar-comment-1053776
    Chris Martinez
    3 months ago
    9 score

    Coming from traditional Altras like the Torin, I was skeptical about the Experience Flow’s narrower design. However, after 120 miles including a 10K race (39:45), I’m sold on the new direction. The balanced cushioning works great for tempo runs while maintaining enough protection for daily training. Transition feels smoother than the Rivera, though Altra purists might miss the extra toe room. Great lockdown during speed work, and the outsole grip gives confidence on wet surfaces. While different from classic Altras, it’s become my favorite trainer for runs under 90 minutes.

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  • avatar-comment-1053624
    TracyB
    3 months ago

    Any other Altra fans worried about this narrower toe box? My Torin 6s have been perfect for my bunions and long runs. Really want to try these but scared they’ll cramp my toes like traditional shoes used to. Anyone make the switch successfully?

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  • avatar-comment-1053568
    Linda Peterson
    3 months ago
    9 score

    Put these through their paces with 175 miles of training and two half marathons. The Experience Flow marks a significant departure from traditional Altra fit, but the performance benefits are worth it. Achieved a half marathon PR of 1:45 in these – the smooth ride really helps maintain form when fatigue sets in. While the narrower toe box took some adjustment coming from Torin 6, the overall weight reduction and improved responsiveness more than compensate. The cushioning sweet spot works perfectly for distances up to half marathon. Compared to competitors like the Saucony Kinvara, these offer better ground feel while maintaining comfort. Some Altra purists might balk at the changes, but as a performance shoe, these deliver.

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  • avatar-comment-1053488
    Robert Martinez
    4 months ago
    9 score

    As a long-time Altra fan, I was skeptical about the narrower toe box but decided to give these a shot. After 120 miles including a mix of daily training and two 10k races, I’m impressed. The cushioning hits a sweet spot – enough for comfort without feeling disconnected. The ride is incredibly smooth, especially during tempo runs. While I miss the wider toe box of traditional Altras, the trade-off in performance is worth it. These feel much more nimble than the Torin series. The upper breathability is excellent for hot weather running. Surprisingly good for track workouts too. One minor issue is some wear showing on the outsole already.

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  • avatar-comment-1052527
    Lisa Johnson
    4 months ago
    8 score

    After trying multiple shoes for my marathon training, the Experience Flow has been a revelation. Coming from traditional Altras, I was skeptical of the narrower toe box, but it actually provides better lockdown during tempo runs. I’ve logged 200+ miles including a successful marathon. The cushioning sweet spot and zero drop platform helped maintain good form even in later miles. Compared to the Torin, these feel much more nimble while still providing enough protection. They’ve become my favorite long run shoe – just completed my best marathon time of 3:25 in them.

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  • avatar-comment-1051793
    Christopher Davis
    5 months ago
    8 score

    Having put 200+ miles on the Experience Flow, I can say it’s a departure from traditional Altra design. The ride is incredibly smooth – I’ve used these for everything from 5k tempo runs to 15-mile long runs. The cushioning hits a sweet spot between protective and responsive, though heel strikers might want more stack height. Compared to the Torin, these feel more performance-oriented. The narrower fit is noticeable but not constraining – I actually prefer it for faster paces. They’ve become my go-to shoes for progression runs, though I still use wider Altras for recovery days. Durability has been solid so far, with minimal wear at typical hotspots.

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.
  • avatar-comment-1051606
    Lisa Martinez
    5 months ago
    7 score

    I’ve put these through their paces with about 200 miles of mixed running. Coming from traditional Altras, the narrower toe box was initially concerning, but it actually works well for faster runs. The cushioning sweet spot makes these perfect for tempo runs – did a recent 10-miler at marathon pace and they felt great throughout. While different from classic Altra models, these fill a nice niche for speedwork. The weight reduction is noticeable compared to the Torin, making them more versatile for different workouts. Only downside is durability – seeing some wear on the outsole already. Still, they’re a solid choice for runners wanting a more performance-oriented zero-drop option.

    Your comment is awaiting moderation.
  • avatar-comment-1041424
    Carla P.
    10 months ago

    The review mentioned how flexible the Flow is, but I’m curious about how it holds up on different terrain? Is it okay for use on light trails, or strictly road use?

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