Altra Superior 4.5 Review
Quick & Nimble
Likes
- Connected-to-the-ground feel
- Excellent grip
- Light and nimble
- Great fit
- Natural feel
Dislikes
- Increase in weight
What's New
The Altra Superior 4.5 is a lightweight running shoe that's designed for short trail races and fast trail runs. A great option for those who prefer a more minimal shoe, the Superior 4.5 offers the roomy toe box and zero-drop design that make the brand popular with runners looking for a barefoot running experience. Thanks to its soft yet resilient midsole and removable StoneGuard, the Superior 4.5 has just the right amount of protection underfoot to provide confidence on technical terrain.
This update also features a revamped upper that is now more adaptable and durable. The forefoot is made from a seamless and slightly stretchy air mesh that allows your toes to splay. Meanwhile, the midfoot is more structured for a secure hold of the foot. This combination provides a sock-like fit while the MAXTRAC outsole's sticky traction and the Quantic midsole's lightweight cushioning deliver confidence when the trails get rowdy.
The Bottom Line
While many brands are coming out with highly cushioned trail running shoes, the Altra Superior 4.5 remains a popular choice for those who prefer a nimble and low-to-the-ground feel on the trail. Although this shoe may not be the best option for every runner due to its minimal cushioning and zero-drop design, our tester found that the combination of a rock plate and the Quantic midsole protected her feet from stone bruises, while the low-profile design still allowed her to feel the terrain underfoot. Our tester loved the shoe's light and fast feel, and she especially appreciated its breathable new upper. This shoe has a roomy toebox, but she still found that the midfoot held her narrow foot securely on rough and uneven trails.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Wide | Height: Low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 19 mm (Heel), 19 mm (Forefoot) | 0 mm Heel-toe offset | |
| Terrain | Trail | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Tracie: "Even though the Superior 4.5s don't have a lot of cushioning underfoot, the cushioning that is there has a nice, plush feel. This shoe uses the same Quantic midsole foam as the Timp, so fans of the Timp who are looking for a lighter and faster model will love the Superior 4.5s."
Ride/Energy Return i
Tracie: "The Quantic midsole featured in the Superior 4.5 has a nice little rebound to it. This shoe feels nimble and speedy and makes quickly turning the legs over that much easier."
Underfoot Protection i
Tracie: "The Superior is a pretty low-to-the-ground shoe, so you shouldn't be buying this expecting a ton of protection underfoot. That being said, for its low stack height and high flexibility, I found the shoes slightly more protective than I expected, even on rockier trails. Of course, using the removable StoneGuard further enhances the shoe's ability to protect you from sharp rocks on the trail."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Tracie: "This is a flexible shoe with a smooth ride. It moved with my foot and felt extremely natural, almost like I had magically developed tough, grippy feet. To customize the underfoot feel, you can make the shoe slightly less flexible and more stable by using the StoneGuard insert."
Upper Feel i
Tracie: "I was pleased to find that, despite having some fit issues with other Altra models like the Timp and Lone Peak, the Superior hugged my foot and seemed to disappear while I was wearing it. The upper is adaptable yet secure, and it breathes extremely well."
Individual Thoughts
Hello, new favorite shoes! I absolutely love the Altra Superior 4.5. These shoes feel like they were made just for me. They're low to the ground without being overly minimal and feature amazing cushioning underfoot that gives me just enough comfort and protection on the trails. I also loved the superb grip provided by the outsole.
I tested the shoes on a variety of surfaces, including rocky trails, and appreciated how light, nimble, and secure they felt on everything. I've run in a lot of other Altra models, and often have issues with the fit, but the Superiors fit like a glove (a glove with a roomy toe box). They have quickly become the shoe I reach for almost every time I hit the dirt, and I'll definitely be buying a second pair (I mean, have you seen that teal color!?)