Here at Trail Running Shoes, we believe a good pair of running shoes can take you anywhere. That’s why we were so excited to get our hands on the Altra Outroad, a hybrid shoe that promises equal levels of comfort and support on both roads and trails. In this Altra Outroad review, we’ll discuss our findings and help you decide if it truly lives up to its billing.
What's In The Guide
Altra Outroad Review: Road-To-Trail Shoe
The first thing you’ll notice about the Altra Outroad is it’s thick cushioning. Thick cushioning provides comfort ideal for longer runs on paved surfaces. The shoe also has a robust arch support system, which is welcomed by runners who pronate or have other issues with their feet. Yet, one drawback of the road-oriented design is that the Outroad can feel a tad cumbersome when making quick turns or starting and stopping abruptly. However, that is fine if you’re just out for an easy or long trail run, but if you’re doing speedwork or intervals, you might find yourself tripping over your feet from time to time. However, not a huge issue for me because I tend to use specfic shoes for speed sessions.
Outroad Key Features
- Thick cushioning for comfort on long runs
- Robust arch support system
- Aggressive tread pattern for good traction
- Well-designed drainage system keeps
- Falls somewhere between a road shoe and a trail shoe in terms of weight and bulkiness
Upper Fit & Design
The Altra Outroad has a roomy toe box similar in design to other Altra shoes. A wide toe box allows your toes to spread out and provides a more comfortable fit, even on long runs. The breathable mesh upper helps keep your feet cool, even when the temperature starts to rise. One downside of the mesh is that it doesn’t provide much protection from debris on the trail. Lack of protection isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning on doing a lot of off-road running in the Outroad on rugged terrain.
Midsole Comfort On Long Runs
The thick cushioning in the Altra Outroad provides a high level of comfort on long runs but can feel ungainly when making sharp turns. As the Outroad is a hybrid road-to-trail running shoe, it balances what you need for each type of terrain. You’ll know how uncomfortable trail running shoes can be on concrete or tarmac surfaces. Conversely, you’ll probably know how traditional road shoes struggle with the rigours of the trail. If you need a nicely proportional shoe for both – the Outroad from Altra could work for you.
Outsole Traction & Grip On Varied Terrain
The Outroad is in its absolute element on the trail. The aggressive tread pattern provides excellent traction on loose surfaces, and the thick cushioning protects your feet from rocks and roots. Thanks to its well-designed drainage system, the shoe does an admirable job of managing mud and water. The lug pattern is not as aggressive as some genuine trail shoes so that you might slip on particularly muddy or steep terrain, but overall the Altra Outroad provides excellent traction and grip.
Altra Outroad Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable on long runs, so perfect for ultra events
- Robust arch support system ia good for those with plantar fascitis
- Good traction and grip on trail surfaces
- Well-designed drainage system if you’re running through water or wet terrain
- Well-balanced road-to-trail running shoe
Cons
- Can feel cumbersome on road surfaces
- Mesh upper doesn’t provide much protection from debris
Altra Outroad FAQs?
Q: What is the difference between the Altra Outroad vs Altra Lone Peak?
A: The Lone Peak is Altra’s proper trail shoe, while the Outroad is a hybrid road-to-trail shoe. The Outroad has more cushioning and arch support than the Lone Peak, making it better suited for long runs on paved surfaces. Altra designed the Lone Peak to have a more aggressive tread pattern for running only on trails.
Q: What size should I buy in the Altra Outroad?
A: Altra shoes tend to run true to size, so you should buy your usual shoe size when ordering the Outroad
Q: How much does the Altra’s Outroad weigh?
A: The Outroad weighs 9.7 oz (275 g) for men and 8.4 oz (238 g) for women.
Altra Outroad Final Thoughts
Overall, the Outroad from Altra is an outstanding choice for runners who need a shoe that can handle both road and trail surfaces. The thick cushioning provides a high level of comfort, while the robust arch support system keeps your feet supported, even on long runs. The aggressive tread pattern gives you good traction and grip on the trail, and the well-designed drainage system helps to keep your feet dry if you’re running through water or wet terrain. If you’re looking for a shoe that can do it all, the Outroad is worth considering. You should also take look at our Altra OLYMPUS 5 review, in case that is a better shoe for you. I hope you found this Altra Outroad review helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them.
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.
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