Altra FWD Experience Review: Its First Low-Drop Running Shoe Is a Beginner-Friendly Option

While there’s actually extra room within the forefoot, the Altras still fit true to size—I sampled these in my normal running shoe size, a half up from what I wear in a street pair. They were a terrific fit right off the bat: I had enough room throughout my foot so my toes didn’t hit the top and will naturally splay with each step. I didn’t feel any pinching along my little toe, which tends to be a standard pain point for me with a lot of shoes.

This sneaker has a pair other features that made for an extra-nice fit: a padded heel counter (which also helped keep my foot stable) and tongue, plus some nice, elastic-y laces. I had some trouble achieving a solid lockdown on my first run, so I had to essentially work at getting an excellent lace-in going, but I didn’t feel any pressure or hotspots along the highest of my foot from tightening.

On the run

I took the Altras on a simple, 40-minute run around my normal hilly neighborhood route, with a fast half-mile diversion on a finely packed trail. I actually have to confess: Since I’m susceptible to lower-leg injuries, I used to be just a little apprehensive I’d discover a lower-drop shoe uncomfortable. But to my surprise, I didn’t give it some thought once while I used to be running.

What I did notice? The shoes felt super light underfoot. I had just finished a half marathon the prior week, and my legs were still weary, so I very much appreciated the sneakers’ weight, in addition to the comfortable, not-too-soft cushion. The Altras acted like a natural extension of my foot, helping me feel nimble and agile as I took curves and downhills. Overall, it was a very nice, smooth ride.

Nearly all of my run was at a simple pace, and these felt really good for a recovery run. I threw in just a few strides (short distances of quicker speed) at the top to see how they reacted to faster paces, and so they rose to the duty. There wasn’t a ton of energy return, but still enough so I didn’t feel like I needed to fight to maintain my pace. I probably wouldn’t wear these during a workout that had short, fast intervals, but I do think they might work for longer, less-intense bursts.

Bottom line

If you’ve got wide feet, especially across the toe box, and would reasonably keep your shoes more traditional—read: You wish some drop—the Altra FWD Experience is perhaps an excellent alternative to your on a regular basis running needs. I discovered these sneakers to be comfortable during my run, and I didn’t experience any sort of aches or pains after. (I’ve run in no-drop before, and my lower legs are inclined to feel it the following day, so I believe low-drop was a pleasant compromise.)

While this wouldn’t be a sneaker I’d race in, the FWD Experience is a solid option for on a regular basis runs, whether we’re talking a couple of recovery session and even one which’s just a little faster. Additionally they performed well on the finely packed trail—that they had an excellent grip, and my ankles didn’t turn—so I believe they’ll handle some time without work the road too. Because of their comfortable, lightweight feel, I can see myself reaching for them on days when my legs are dragging and I’m in search of some pep in my step.

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