Altra Experience Flow 2 Review | Low Drop, Low Weight, High Times

If you’re not ready to fully commit to a zero-drop running shoe, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is the perfect in-between. It’s okay to get distracted by how stylish this shoe looks because, spoiler alert, it feels good underfoot too!

Altra built its reputation on zero-drop shoes, but last year, it shook things up with its first-ever ‘low drop’ model, featuring a 4mm heel-toe drop.

The Altra Experience Flow 2 went through some dramatic updates in hopes of making this a shoe that more runners are grabbing for.

Did this daily trainer check off all of our boxes? Keep reading to find out.

Altra Experience Flow 2 Overview

I was excited to try the Altra Experience Flow 2 since it wasn’t going to be the typical Altra zero-drop running shoe.

Having a shoe with a 4 mm heel-toe drop makes Altra an option for those who either have no interest in a zero-drop shoe or want to make the gradual switch.

Don’t worry, Altra kept what they’re known for and still incorporated it’s FootShape™ toe box design.

The biggest updates are to improve how the shoe feels in the midsole and heel.

Altra packed the midsole with their all-new EGO P35 foam to deliver a more responsive ride, without going overboard on softness like you might find in the New Balance 1080.

I’d describe the feel underfoot as a nice blend of comfort and protection. It’s not firm like most Altra shoes, but not super plush like a pair of New Balance or Hokas.

Whether you’re running or walking, the rocker shape gives you that subtle forward roll with every step. That’s not something you usually expect from an Altra, but with the 4 mm drop paired with the EGO P35 foam, the ride feels smoother and more efficient than what you’d get from their typical zero-drop setup.

Can we take a minute to appreciate how stylish these shoes are? More times than not, a running shoe will look fabulous but feel terrible.

Between the overall design, improved comfort, and durability, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is a shoe that has it all.

Plus, there are over 8 different colorways to choose from, which means you could get a pair to go with almost any outfit.

The Altra Experience Flow 2 is an incredibly lightweight shoe in comparison to other shoes you may find on our low-drop shoes list. Altra was able to do this by the materials that they chose in both the foam and mesh.

Altra Experience Flow 2 Feel

Have you ever had a pair of shoes that felt so good that you forgot you were wearing them? That’s the Altra Experience Flow 2.

I wanted to put these through the true test, wearing them on the treadmill, cement paths, and crushed gravel trails. They felt great everywhere.

Altra updated the midsole with the all-new EGO P35 foam. It’s super lightweight with just the right amount of cushion so that your feet feel just as good at the end of a run as they do at the beginning.

Pick up just about any pair and you’ll notice full rubber coverage from heel to toe. That’s a big win for durability, especially if you’re not one to stick to just one type of terrain.

The Experience Flow 2 isn’t labeled as a trail shoe, but it’s holding up like one. I’ve already logged several runs on mixed surfaces, and the tread still looks nearly new.

I haven’t tested them in the rain yet, but based on the grip so far, I’d feel pretty confident on slick sidewalks or a wet crushed gravel path. That full-coverage outsole isn’t just there to look pretty but has a purpose!

This shoe has your back whether you’re cruising through a long run or picking up the pace for some speed play.

I’m not going to lie, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is a great daily trainer, but also feels fabulous as a walking shoe and for standing around.

I’m actually writing this at my standing desk, still wearing the Experience Flow 2, and they just feel so dang comfortable.

The redesigned upper now features a sandwiched mesh for comfort and breathability. As someone who gets hot easily, my feet felt cool even during the hotter days here in Colorado!

Altra Experience Flow 2 Fit

I was a little nervous when I first slipped on the Altra Experience Flow 2, they felt snug out of the box. But that worry didn’t last long. Once I tweaked the laces and got moving, the fit felt perfect.

As always, Altra kept its signature FootShape™ toe box, which gives your toes the space they actually need. After testing so many shoes with narrower fits lately, this roomy toe box felt like a breath of fresh air.

One of the biggest updates was the removal of the internal heel pillows that wrapped around the back of the shoe.

The heel fit of the Experience Flow 2 is now super smooth, and you won’t have to worry about the possibility of any irritation.

Altra kept the extra eyelet and longer laces, so if you’re someone who likes to change the lacing for a more secure fit, you’ll be able to do this.

The tongue is a gusseted design, which is personally my favorite because you just know there’s no chance of it sliding around while you’re running.

There’s just enough padding in the tongue and heel collar so that you feel supported but not overwhelmed by lots of material.

One piece that we’re seeing on a lot of shoes currently is the flared heel counter. It’s not just there to make the shoe look cool, it actually has a purpose!

The heel counter helps provide support and stability for your heel and ankle. Every heel counter is going to be different; some will be super flexible, while others, like the Experience Flow 2, will be firmer.

As someone who has dealt with plantar fasciitis in the past, a firmer heel counter is always better because it restricts the movement of the fascia.

The way the heel counter flares also prevents blisters or unwanted rubbing around the Achilles.

Why Would You Want a Foot Shaped Toebox?

All Altra running shoes feature a toe box shaped to match the natural form of the foot.

It may sound a little odd when you first hear that they make a foot shaped shoe, but once you see it things begin to click. I don’t know about you, but my toes aren’t shaped like the image on the left.

The most significant advantage of a foot-shaped toe box is that it allows your toes to splay, or spread out, while running.

This natural toe splay helps runners gain more stability, build stronger foot muscles, and maintain a straight great toe, which increases the power produced with each stride.

This design allows your toes to spread out, which provides you with the ability to get more power from each stride.

There you have it, our review of the Altra Experience Flow 2. We hope that this got you excited to try a super stylish shoe from a brand that may not have been on your radar before.

Looking for more reviews and training tips?

• Zero Drop Running Shoes: What Are They + Pros and Cons
• Altra Experience Wild 2 Review 
• Suunto Run Watch Review