Are you intrigued by the idea of a foot shaped toe box? But not so much by the idea of a zero drop shoe? Altra has heard the feedback and created a few new 4mm heel drop shoes. The Wild 2 is the second iteration and we think an improvement on a good thing.
The Altra Experience Wild 2 is the second generation of a comfortable, versatile trail shoe that serves as a good transition for runners interested in a zero drop model without taking the full plunge. It’s comfortable and protective of your feet while still offering the Altra-classic foot-shape toe box.
There was no change to the midsole or the outsole, so if you like the original then version 2 is just going to have some updates for a better fit and a lower price!
Is this a trail shoe that you should add to your rotation? Keep reading to find out.
Who Is It Good For?
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- Wide Feet: While this model doesn’t offer wide sizes, Altra is a great option for runners with wide feet. The foot-shaped toe box allows for a roomy fit that will save those who often end up with black toenails.
- Technical Trails: Good grip and traction, as we see with most Altra trail shoes.
- Long Runs: These shoes are designed to go long.
- Front of the Pack: These are lightweight and protective, which is why some Altra elites are racing in them!
This is a really versatile model that should suit a lot of different runners, from those jogging on fire roads to those really going for it in the ultra space.
Altra Experience Wild 2 Overview
The Altra Experience Wild 2 strikes that perfect balance between lightweight and cushioned. I felt supported on a variety of trail conditions, while still feeling the ground beneath my feet with every step.
This helped me feel more confident navigating super rocky trails – I am Queen of the Almost-Trip, and I stumbled less than normal (not none, I’m still me!).
Something I really value in a trail shoe is the grippiness of the treads- the Altra Experience Wild 2 really delivered in this regard.
You can feel the “stickiness” of the shoes on rock and sand, and when I tested these on a very steep downhill, I felt confident on the run.
Out of the box, this is a really attractive and comfortable shoe. It’s got solid treads, and you can tell it will perform well on a variety of trail conditions. But just to make sure looks aren’t deceiving, of course I had to see for myself.
I took these out for trail runs ranging from 4 to 13 miles, in a variety of trail conditions. I tested these on technical rocky trails as well as a few road-to-trail routes.
The shoe exceeded my expectations and I found myself reaching for them on nearly every run I went on the past few weeks! I even grabbed these for a few short hikes with my dogs – they also approved.
I love that Altra is expanding the last few years with this 4mm low drop running shoe model. This offers an easy transition for those who haven’t made the switch to zero drops before.
The first version of the Altra Experience Wild was well liked, and this version keeps all that was successful before with some great add-ons.
The Altra Experience Wild 2 has a new integrated D-ring for stream-lined gaiter attachment and additional laying eyelet for increased security on those technical trails, making this shoe a great candidate for your all day adventures.
Altra Experience Wild 2 Specifications
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- Weight: 10.35 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 26mm women’s / 28mm men’s
- Heel Drop: 4 mm
- 7 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available on Altrarunning.com for $140
I have the maroon colorway, and I love it; All of the color options for this model are really on-trend and I’m loving the Altra glow-up!
Altra Experience Wild 2 Fit
My favorite thing about Altra models is their foot-shaped toe box. If you haven’t seen it before, it looks a little clown-y, but once you try them on, you start to wonder why all shoes aren’t made this way!
If you’ve ever had trouble with black toenails (ask the poor soul at my local nail salon if I experience this – spoiler alert, I do) this may be a great option for you.
Your toes have a lot of room in these, and the additional lacing eyelet in the updated version of this model makes your foot feel very secure.
I didn’t notice any rubbing at the tongue or heel – all in all, these are a great secure fit.
If you’re new to a lower-drop model, you may notice that your achilles or the soles of your feet are working a little harder than normal – that’s because your feet are moving in a different way than they’re used to.
While it’s not the same as going to a zero drop, especially if you’ve been running in Hoka’s which are 5mm, if you were previously in a 12mm you will notice some soreness. Working those ankles and calves a little more isn’t a bad thing at all.
Just remember if you are making that big drop ease with some short runs to see how your legs feel.
Similar Shoes to the Altra Wild 2
- Hoka Speedgoat – These had a similar level of support to the Speedgoats with a lower drop
- Altra Lone Peak – These feel quite Lone-Peak-esque in terms of grippiness and comfort, but with that 4mm drop instead of zero
- Topo Pursuit – Topo is another a foot-shaped toe box option. This model has a similar level of cushioning – not max, but comfortable.
Who Tried It?
Kim got into running after deciding to run her first half marathon because it landed on her birthday. Afterwards, she said those famous last words: “I’ll never run a marathon!” Since then, she’s tackled many marathons and ultramarathons up to 50 miles. She loves ultra distance trail running the best and is always on the hunt for the next challenge. Her preferred trail-fuel is potatoes and Coca-Cola, and her favorite way to recover is on the couch with her two dogs.
Looking for additional trail running talk?
- Guide to your first 50K
- See all our trail running shoe reviews
- Ankle Strength Moves for Trail Runners
Most Comfortable Hoka Walking Shoes (from a Trainer)
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