Altra Experience Wild 2 Review
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.5 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.2 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
The Altra Experience Wild 2 is for you if...
You're new to trail running or a seasoned runner seeking a reliable workhorse
You’ve been curious about Altra but aren't ready for zero-drop
You prefer a smooth, cushioned ride over something overly aggressive
What is the Altra Experience Wild 2 made for?
Altra Experience Wild is designed to make trail running feel simple. It’s built for everyday off-road adventures—nothing overly technical or flashy, just a solid, well-cushioned shoe that does the job. What stands out is how approachable it feels. With a 4 mm drop, it gives a more traditional underfoot experience while still keeping Altra's signature roomy toe box. Being Altra's first trail shoe not featuring a zero drop, Experience Wild gives a trail option to those who are curious about Altra but are not open to a zero-drop shoe.
It's versatile enough for a variety of trail runs and comfy enough for long efforts. The upper was updated for a better fit, with improved breathability and an optional midfoot eyelet that helps fine-tune the lockdown. It won’t blow you away with stand-out innovations, but that’s the point. The Experience Wild 2 is meant to be dependable, comfortable, and easy to wear, making it a great choice for runners who want a solid, reliable trail shoe.
Comfort
As a daily trail trainer, the Experience Wild 2 does a good job balancing protection and feel. The midsole strikes a sweet spot between firmness and softness, offering enough cushioning for longer runs without that overly plush “sinking in” feeling that can get sloppy on uneven ground. We felt well-protected underfoot, and while it leans slightly firmer, the ride never felt harsh.
The upper, however, brought mixed opinions. Some of us appreciated the secure fit and thoughtful padding around the collar and tongue, especially with the extra eyelet that lets you adjust midfoot lockdown. Others found the upper a bit stiff and restrictive, especially across the instep, which led to some hot spots and pressure. Breathability was solid, but comfort really came down to how the upper fits your foot shape.
Performance
This shoe isn’t trying to be flashy; it’s trying to be functional, and it delivers. The midsole feels light, responsive, and protective enough for most types of trail runs. We liked how easy it was to transition between different paces, and it never felt like it was holding us back. It’s definitely a “jack of all trades” kind of shoe—nothing groundbreaking, but capable and reliable.
The outsole grip was solid on most trail conditions we tested, especially packed dirt, gravel, and light technical terrain. It may not be the grippiest shoe for muddy or super rocky routes, but for everyday trail running, the traction is more than sufficient. Overall, we appreciated how smooth and steady the ride felt—it’s the kind of shoe you forget about in the best way.
Fit
Fit was a mixed experience depending on foot shape. Those with narrower or average feet had an easier time dialling in the lockdown, especially with the added lacing options. The heel and midfoot felt secure, and there was plenty of room in the toe box—a classic Altra trait we love.
However, others found the midfoot too tight, especially over the instep. That pressure point made it hard to achieve full comfort on longer or hillier runs, and in some cases, it prevented the kind of snug fit you want on uneven trails. It fits true to size in terms of length, but the volume and width through the midfoot may not work for everyone.
Individual Thoughts
Overall, it gives a good feeling of likely being a highly (maybe even surprisingly) durable shoe – the outsole gives off a thick and tough vibe (even though it’s not super aggressive), the foam is solid, and the upper is quite nice. As a whole, it’s steady and ready for workmanlike shifts of regular training. It’s light enough to pick up the pace if you want, just don’t expect the foam to give you bouncy energy, but stable predictability instead. That predictability is way better to me, especially on my usual Southeastern mountainous technical terrain.
Lastly, while it was understandably “controversial” to purists and loyalists for Altra to introduce some models with 4 mm drops, I’m fully on board. I still enjoy zero-drop, but I can also appreciate having a small forward slope to alleviate potential Achilles stretch while climbing steep gradients, and to help with forward momentum on flats. The little “extra” stack under the heel can be beneficial for absorbing impact on steep descents. And it can do all this with the negligible “impact” of a 4 mm drop. Personally, the limit of my preference is about 6 mm; even 8 is pushing it too far for me. So, 4 is a really good sweet spot that makes sense.
These shoes have a sweet, roomy toe box that wider feet would probably love. The cushioning feels pretty dialled in too, with a nice mix of bounce and support, and the grip seems solid for most trails. However, there's a pretty big "but" – the upper feels way too tight around the midfoot, which causes discomfort and makes it hard to get a good, secure lockdown, especially when things get more technical. So, while the underfoot feel is promising, this fit issue on top is a real bummer and has stopped me from reaching for the shoe more often and from being as good as it could be for tackling varied trails comfortably. It's a mixed bag with a potentially deal-breaking fit problem for me.
